Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems
Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems

Access for chip foundries

APECS is the one-stop-shop for chip foundries with transparent access conditions. Here’s what we offer:

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  • Pre-development of technology modules: This service bridges the gap between development and volume production by analysinganalyzing and optimization optimizingof the fabrication or integration process.
  • Design Support for Users of Small Quantities Foundry Business: This service supports the generation of chiplets in case of small volume applications. The service will not only provide access to advanced manufacturing nodes but also caters to the specific needs of small-scale applications.
  • Outsourcing handling of prototype runs / small volume business: This enables a detailed assessment of materials and machinery under various conditions, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in manufacturing processes.
  • Boulstering the European supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing: We create links between RTOs, manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, design houses, Startups, SMEs and foundries.

APECS delivers the full value chain—from test and analysis strategies to training—with flexible entry and exit points, ensuring fast, high-quality project execution. By supporting chip foundries across Europe, we strengthen innovation, supply chain resilience, and independence from non-European manufacturers. Our holistic characterization, test, and reliability methods help scale technologies efficiently, even for prototypes and small series, while state-of-the-art equipment and proven process modules lower barriers for collaboration within the European microelectronics ecosystem.

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Learn more about our values:

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  • APECS is committed to sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, helping chip foundries reduce their CO₂ emission and optimize resource efficiency. From water reduction and recycling to digital twin modeling, our processes integrate eco-friendly practices at every stage. By enhancing the yield of new semiconductor technologies, we support sustainable large-scale production while minimizing environmental impact.

  • European chip foundries play a vital role in technological sovereignty, ensuring that electronics used in critical applications are secure and trustworthy. Research is required for deploying heterogeneous integration technologies for trusted electronics. To answer this, APECS will develop new methods for authentication, counterfeit analysis and detection of hardware Trojans, which are also suitable for the identification of IP violations and the provision of legacy products for long-life systems. Standardization activities will help to foster trusted electronics driven by end users, industries, and governmental actors.

  • A diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens chip innovation. Fraunhofer as a research organization has long prioritized equal opportunities and is constantly working on a better integration of a gender dimension into research and innovation content and increasing gender balance among research teams. By championing gender equality in research, we not only advance scientific discovery but also create a more equitable and inclusive future for the microelectronics industry. Equal opportunities will be promoted among all APECS partners, institutes and towards customers.

  • APECS is shaping the future of European chip foundries, providing cost-effective access to niche, series, and mass production within the European Economic Area.

    The enablement of Europe´s chiplet industry, from small to large, to act as a top innovator, will also strengthen the European targets on sustainability, as development and manufacturing in Europe will set standards for GHG reduction in the “Green ICT” industry.

    Being an EU established and EU embedded innovation powerhouse, the APECS pilot line will be key to re-establish Europe´s technology sovereignty in advanced microelectronic systems, providing a trusted alternative to off shoring to non-EU suppliers.

  • APECS will be a key driver of collaboration among European RTOs, industry and academia, fostering a lively innovation ecosystem. Customers will not only benefit from a single point of contact with the APECS pilot line, but also from our networking system.

    APECS’ specialized workshops are designed for STCO and CTR professionals and will showcase APECS’ cutting-edge technological portfolio. These sessions are tailored for both current and potential users of APECS capabilities, bringing together international participants in each workshop for valuable knowledge exchange and collaboration.

    APECS Days (Innovation & Industry Partner Days) highlight emerging trends and breakthrough technologies from the APECS pilot line. Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and the scientific community across Germany and Europe, and explore the future of technology with us!