TU/e to invest €200 million for a new lab and cleanroom buildings
The TU/e intends to retain its competitive edge in semiconductor, building two new research facilities.
Published on February 28, 2025
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The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is investing €200 million in constructing a new lab building and a state-of-the-art cleanroom, bolstering its semiconductor research and education leader position. Aimed at addressing the increasing demand for engineering talent in the Brainport region, this development includes a multifunctional building with 5,000 square meters dedicated to flexible laboratories, offices, and educational spaces, plus a cleanroom building featuring a 1,200 square meter facility.
These strategic investments align with Project Beethoven, a Dutch initiative to retain ASML, the semiconductor giant, within the Netherlands by enriching the local talent pool. The construction of these facilities will be phased, beginning in 2026.
Future impact and TU/e development
The investment strengthens TU/e's position as a leading semiconductor education and research hub while reinforcing Europe's strategic autonomy in this critical sector. TU/e's Rector Silvia Lenaerts underscored that these developments are crucial for meeting the significant demand for top-tier engineering talent, particularly in the Brainport region. The initiative aligns with TU/e's recently launched 'Future Chips' flagship program, which emphasizes semiconductor research and development. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a long-term commitment to maintaining the Netherlands' position as a global semiconductor technology and innovation leader.
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ASML's crucial partnership
This expansion is significantly strengthened by ASML's commitment to invest €80 million over the next decade in joint research initiatives at TU/e. The collaboration focuses on critical areas including plasma physics, mechatronics, optics, and artificial intelligence. This partnership represents TU/e's largest agreement ever with an industrial partner, demonstrating the university's crucial role in developing semiconductor technology and talent.
Project Beethoven: a national priority
Project Beethoven emerged as a strategic initiative by the Dutch government to retain ASML's operations within the Netherlands. The urgency of this project stems from ASML's crucial position in the Dutch economy, with over 21,000 employees in the Netherlands, 40% of whom are international talent. ASML had often emphasized that the company's growth depends on available talent, stating that if sufficient talent isn't accessible locally, the company would need to expand elsewhere. The initiative represents a comprehensive approach to addressing these concerns, involving multiple government ministries and educational institutions.
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