About Us

Microelectronics is the key driver of the modern information society. It is crucial for technologies such as 5G, AI, and autonomous driving, but is also found in almost all everyday devices, such as washing machines. The design of microelectronic components (chip design) and semiconductor manufacturing are the key stages in the value chain. Chip design in particular is of central importance for innovation in future products and applications. Against this backdrop, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is funding the new “Chipdesign Germany” network under funding code 16ME0888-91. This project, which will be funded for three years as part of the Microelectronics Design Initiative, aims to strengthen the innovative capacity, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe in this crucial area of technology.

Chipdesign Germany positions itself as the leading agile coordination network for chip design in Germany, aiming to give this technology field, which is essential for the economy and society, the visibility it deserves and to generate momentum. It forms a platform for pre-competitive, open exchange between all stakeholders involved in chip design and is supported by the four cooperation partners edacentrum GmbH, Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland, the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, and Leibniz University Hanover.

The network acts as a central point of contact for chip design in Germany. It develops and coordinates measures for the training and continuing education of young professionals, technology monitoring, and support for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the microelectronics sector. The network also engages in science communication to raise public awareness of the topic and advises the BMFTR on all issues relating to chip design and Germany's standing in microelectronics. It also develops recommendations for action as part of accompanying program research.