FORTH (Greece)

The Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) is one of the largest and most prestigious research centers in Greece. Operating worldwide at a top-tier scientific level, FORTH conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary R&D across strategic, high-value sectors. The institute participates in APECS through the Microelectronics Research Group (MRG) of its Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL). As a unique institution in Greece, MRG operates SMARTEC, the country's only ISO 9001:2015 qualified, EU-funded nanoelectronics pilot line specializing in advanced compound semiconductors, III-V MMICs, and RF MEMS.

Joint Technology Development by FORTH and Fraunhofer IZM 

Collaborating with Fraunhofer IZM, FORTH is pioneering the development of 3D sequential integration (3D SI) for analog RF front-end (RFFE) chips used in high-frequency radar and telecom applications. Utilizing the SMARTEC pilot line, the partnership successfully tackles major 3D stacking challenges. Within this joint project, FORTH and Fraunhofer IZM aim to reduce wafer-to-wafer voids and work on implementing advanced laser annealing to deliver highly integrated, ultra-low-loss SiP RF front-ends operating above 30 GHz.