Imec

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IMEC (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre) is a microelectronics research facility on the outskirts of Leuven, Belgium with affiliated laboratories throughout Flanders. In 2005, a branch in the Netherlands, IMEC-NL, was created in collaboration with TNO. IMEC focuses on next generation electronics research, about three to ten years ahead of industrial needs. The organization employs about 1,400 people.

[edit] History

The history of IMEC dates back to 1982 when the Flemish government started a comprehensive program in the field of microelectronics to strengthen the microelectronics industry in Flanders. This decision was inspired by the fact that microelectronics was very important for the industry and on the other hand by the major investments which are required to keep up with developments in this field.

As part of the Flemish program a laboratory for advanced research in microelectronics (IMEC) was founded. A semiconductor foundry (former Alcatel Microelectronics, now STMicroelectronics and AMI Semiconductor) was established. Last but not least a training program for VLSI design engineers was initated (INVOMEC & MTC, Microelectronics Training Center).

IMEC itself was founded in 1984 as a non-profit organization led by Prof. Roger Van Overstraeten (Catholic University of Leuven), and under the supervision of a Board of Directors, with delegates from industry, Flemish universities, and the Flemish government. In June 1999, Professor Gilbert Declerck succeeded Roger Van Overstraeten as its new President and Chief Executive.