Tokyo (Japan) – June 11, 2012 – Today Tohoku University (Sendai, Japan) and imec signed a collaboration agreement in the presence of his Royal Highness Prince Philip of Belgium during the Belgian economic mission to Japan. Under the agreement, Tohoku University and imec will work closely together in various common areas of research, learning from each other’s expertise and leveraging each other’s strengths.
The collaboration agreement sets the framework for future collaboration projects between imec and Tohoku University where students, research staff, and professors will be exchanged between both organizations. Moreover, the agreement enables the exchange of samples between imec and Tohoku University, and sets the lines for joint research on specific topics. In the past five years, the 2 partners already collaborated on advanced interconnects, MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) packaging and low-power sensor circuit readout design. In the future, the collaboration will be expanded to MRAM (magnetic random access memory) process technology, 3D integration technology, biosensors and wireless communication.
Imec aims at setting up strategic collaborative relationships with world-class universities that excel in research areas where imec is also conducting studies, and where collaboration is mutually beneficial. The collaboration will also benefit from imec’s state-of-the-art 200mm and 300mm cleanroom facilities.
“Strategic collaborations with top universities, such as Tohoku University, are essential for imec to guarantee an inflow of exploratory concepts and technologies. Imec forms a bridge between fundamental research at universities and applied research in the industry;” said Luc Van den hove, president and CEO of imec. “A cross fertilization between our research groups boosts creativity and innovation and accelerates the achievement of breakthrough results. In this way, we can continue to be an innovation engine globally offering topnotch research 3 to 10 years ahead of industrial needs.”
About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of close to 2,000 people includes more than 600 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2011, imec’s revenue (P&L) was about 300 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.
Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a “stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).
About Tohoku University
Tohoku University was founded in 1907 as the third national university of Japan, following the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. Since its foundation, it has been committed to the “Research First” principle and “Open Door” policy, and is internationally recognized for its outstanding standards in education and research. As one of the largest research-oriented universities in Japan, Tohoku University now accommodates 16 Graduate Schools, 6 Research Institutes, close to 6,000 faculty/administrative staff members and over 18,000 students.
