The Netherlands gives NXP and ASML millions in subsidies for 6G and chip production research – Computer – News

ASML, NXP and Nearfield Instruments will together receive a subsidy of 230 million euros from the Dutch government for research into innovative technology in radar, 6G and chip production. The subsidy is part of a European collaboration.

NXP receives a grant for two projects: developing new chips for 6G applications, such as ‘self-driving cars and the energy transition’, and a radar chip. This radar chip must combine the functions of transmitter, processor and receiver, using radars based on ‘higher frequencies’. “Such a design offers new possibilities for, for example, industry, agriculture and healthcare,” the Dutch government says.

ASML will use the subsidy to make a ‘next generation’ chip production machine available to European partners, so that they can build up knowledge and thus make new chips. The goal is to make smaller chips with more functions using less material and energy.

The third party receiving support, Nearfield Instruments, is a spin-off of the TNO research institute and works on measuring equipment for chips. “With the possibility of making increasingly smaller chips, inspection and testing must also be part of this development to guarantee the quality of the microchips,” the government writes. The subsidy will contribute to the development of a fully automated testing system for small chips, which should save ‘a lot’ of time in the production of reliable chips.

The 230 million euro subsidy is part of an Ipcei, or Important Project of Common European Interest. This is a process from the EU whereby member states can award subsidies to important future technological developments. Before member states can award subsidies, the European Commission must agree to the proposals. The EC agreed to these four proposals, which is why the cabinet finally awarded the subsidy on Wednesday.

A fifth project was also approved by the Commission, but the subsidy was insufficient. The unnamed company is therefore investigating alternative financing. Minister Micky Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate says that the subsidy is important ‘because there is now a financing shortage within these specific projects and because otherwise this development would not be properly continued due to the high risk profile’. The subsidy should also provide additional private financing.