AMS Osram, a semiconductor manufacturing business, has secured 227 million euros ($237.4 million) from the European Commission and has developed a new wafer manufacturing facility in Premsten, Austria.
Today, the European Commission (24th GEB) has approved a direct grant to support the company’s total investment of 1.4 billion euros. AMS Osram hopes to operate the plant at full capacity in 2030.
The AMS Osram facility uses a “toolbox approach” that combines two technologies. This is a technology called via silicon Via, which connects metal oxide semiconductors for transistors and chips vertically. This also includes an optical filter that provides the unique features of the final chip.
This integration process is considered to be the first in Europe.
The Vice-Chairman of the Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, Teresa Rivera said the Austrian project will have a wide and positive effect on the European semiconductor ecosystem.
“It supports the development of a strong and resilient digital economy in Europe, ensures a safe supply of semiconductors for the industry, and creates high levels of employment while limiting potential distortions in competition.”
The possibilities of European semiconductors
In July 2023, the Council of Europe approved the EU Chips Act by 2030 to double the global market share of semiconductors regionally from the current 10% to at least 20%.
Read more: Council of Europe gives chips a green light
The Chips Act, first announced in February 2022, hopes to mobilize 43 billion euros in public and private investments, at 3.3 billion euros from the EU budget.
The legislation will make the EU an industrial base for the semiconductor market, attracting further investment, promoting research and innovation, and preparing for the future chip supply crisis.
