Headlines
Analysis
Study backs beefing up European chip ambitions
Demand is growing, costs are manageable and Europe’s business climate could be competitive, according to a study commissioned by industry groups and governments.
Opinion
Ask the headhunter
A large research institute wants us to help build a team of 30-50 engineers specialized in back-end technology.
News
Quantum randomness turns flawed bits into perfect randomness
Starting with a random source that remained slightly predictable, ETH Zurich researchers generated a string of perfectly random bits. The experiment turns a cornerstone of quantum physics into a cryptographic tool.
News
Silicon goes vertical with rollable transistor layers
A new transfer process for stacking ultrathin silicon nanomembranes could offer an alternative route to monolithic 3D integration.
Background
By strategically investing in rapid delivery and high quality, Apex Dynamics conquered the world
Taiwanese entrepreneur Robin Chang built Apex Dynamics single-handedly into a company now worth billions. The manufacturer of planetary gearboxes operates at the same level as its German competitors in terms of scale and quality.
News
AI from Amsterdam, hardware from Eindhoven: Reports see opportunity for Dutch tech axis
The combination of Amsterdam’s strengths in AI and platform technology with Brainport Eindhoven’s hardware and semiconductor expertise could reinforce each other, according to two recently published reports.
Analysis
Intel made it past the 18A launch – now comes the difficult part
Intel has managed to catch up technologically, but it still needs to prove that it can manufacture chips for others, not just for itself.
Top job
Events
Courses
Analysis
“Today’s chip boom won’t last”
Veteran analyst Malcolm Penn pushes back against the AI euphoria currently gripping the semiconductor market.
Editorial
Unlearning Europe’s learned helplessness
First, we convinced ourselves we didn’t have to be able to do everything. Now that we do, we seem to think we can’t. Europe could use a little more self-confidence.
News
Quantum computing inches toward real-world biology applications
Waiting for super-powerful quantum computers isn’t necessary: Hybrid quantum-classical systems can deliver practical scientific value.
Analysis
The end of long copper: Silicon photonics marches toward the GPU
Nvidia is moving the electrical-to-optical boundary ever closer to the GPU as bandwidth demand continues to rise.
Background
“A requirement without constraints remains open to interpretation”
Unambiguous requirements are important for successful validation, but they’re difficult to establish in practice. By more clearly defining, structuring and tracing the development process of a system, many problems at a later stage can be prevented, TMC’s Bart van Liere learned at a training from High Tech Institute.
In memoriam
Richard Fierkens (1935-2026): a forgotten Dutch chip pioneer
From coat hangers to chip packaging: Richard Fierkens’ workshop in rural Herwen grew into a cornerstone of the Dutch semiconductor industry.
Video
Bits&Chips talks to Tracxon’s Ashok Sridhar
Tracxon wants nothing less than to reinvent how printed electronics and flexible circuit boards are manufactured – with a strong focus on sustainability and scalable production.