QuantumDiamonds invests over €150M for quantum chip inspection facility
QuantumDiamonds GmbH, a German quantum sensing company, is investing over €150 million to build a production facility in eastern Munich for quantum-based chip metrology systems, a move that underscores Europe's growing ambition in semiconductor technology. The facility will be supported by the German federal and Bavarian governments, under the European Chips Act, highlighting the strategic importance of this project for European digital sovereignty and technological advancement. This investment signifies a major step toward establishing a domestic, cutting-edge capability in chip inspection, an area dominated by non-European companies. The company, a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, uses its patented Quantum Diamond Microscopy (QDM) systems to identify internal defects in chips that are undetectable by conventional methods. The QDM systems use nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond to map electrical current with high precision. This technology is particularly relevant for advanced 2.5D and 3D chip architectures used in AI, mobile, and automotive electronics. This investment affects semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, who will have access to advanced chip inspection technologies developed in Europe. It also impacts the broader European tech landscape by boosting the continent's capabilities in the semiconductor sector. Furthermore, the decision to locate the facility in Germany, using European IP and talent, demonstrates a commitment to building a self-reliant digital ecosystem and reducing dependence on US or Asian technology. The project's designation under the European Chips Act further solidifies its strategic importance. QuantumDiamonds' decision to select Germany, after considering locations in the United States, underscores the appeal of European expertise, supply chains, and public-private partnerships. Initial deployments have already been completed in Europe, with future installations planned in the US and Taiwan.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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