Qant and IMS Chips: Blueprint for semiconductor manufacturing of photonic AI chips
Innovative manufacturing approach upcycles existing CMOS facility accelerating development of energy-efficient hardware, enabling supply chain resilience and technology independence.
Qant is building a pilot line for innovative photonic AI processors by combining its own patented processes with existing production facilities at the Institute of Microelectronics Stuttgart, IMS Chips. The two partners are demonstrating how existing semiconductor production lines can be used sustainably for the next generation of high-performance chips. The project thus provides inspiration for the upcycling of existing chip foundries. It thus strengthens the technological sovereignty of European chip production, reduces dependence on global supply chains and underlines Europe’s innovative strength in the semiconductor sector.
The symbolic kick-off for the construction of the pilot line was attended by leading industry representatives and Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, who emphasized the importance for the German and European chip ecosystem. This initiative by Qant and IMS Chips also shows how sustainable engineering can be used to use existing infrastructures to drive innovation and conserve resources at the same time.
Qant’s photonic chips promise revolutionary potential: for AI calculations in large data centers, the aim is to achieve 30-fold energy savings and 50-fold faster computing power, paving the way for sustainable AI chip technology ‛Made in Germany’. Qant has invested a total of 14 million euros in machinery and equipment to complete the expanded production line for photonic chips.
“The launch of this pilot line is a decisive step in maintaining and advancing our leading role in a pioneering key technology. Companies like Qant promise brilliant leaps in technology. We have been committed for many years to ensuring that the infrastructure and expertise here at IMS Chips can be sustainably modernized and expanded,” says Hoffmeister-Kraut. “Qant and IMS Chips are pooling their expertise in chip manufacturing and demonstrating how sustainable AI hardware can be produced,” she continued.
Further reading: Qant and IMS Chips produce quantum chips together, wileyindustrynews.com, 04 July 2023
