BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University has entered a new strategic partnership with imec, a global research and development center for advanced semiconductor technologies. The collaboration is set to bolster Indiana’s position in the rapidly expanding global semiconductor sector while opening new avenues for cutting-edge research, talent development, and industry collaboration.
The agreement bridges IU researchers with one of the world’s most influential microelectronics organizations, whose international partners include leaders shaping the future of computing and artificial intelligence. The partnership was facilitated through IU Inc., an entity that serves as a front door connecting IU’s researchers, students, and expertise with corporate partners and startups.
Through the new partnership, imec and IU will pursue joint research initiatives, starting with projects led by IU CREATE (Indiana University’s Center for Reliable and Trusted Electronics).
In their initial project, imec will contribute advanced electronic and photonic components for evaluation. IU CREATE researchers will then conduct radiation testing and analysis to assess how these technologies perform in extreme environments, such as deep space. Findings from the tests will be shared between both organizations to support future research proposals and academic publications.
Leadership Highlights Strategic and Educational Impact
State and university leaders highlighted the significance of the partnership for both academic learning and regional economic growth:
David Rosenberg, president and CEO of IU LAB and IU Inc.: “Partnering with an organization of imec’s stature creates tremendous opportunities for collaborative research and commercialization. Just as importantly, it strengthens Indiana’s growing innovation ecosystem by connecting IU faculty and students to one of the world’s premier semiconductor research organizations.”
Max Mirgoli, executive vice president at imec: “This partnership brings together imec’s expertise in semiconductor innovation and IU’s strengths in trusted electronics research. We look forward to exploring new areas of collaboration that advance scientific discovery and help address challenges facing next-generation technologies.”
Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research, said, “Indiana University is committed to aligning our research strengths with the needs of our state and nation, particularly in critical areas like microelectronics… creating new opportunities for our faculty and students while strengthening Indiana’s innovation ecosystem.”
Daniel Loveless, executive director of IU CREATE said, “Working with imec allows us to apply that expertise to some of the most advanced technologies being developed today while laying the foundation for future partnerships, research opportunities and economic impact.”
Adrian Ildefonso, assistant professor of intelligent systems engineering at the IU Luddy School, said, “As the principal investigator of one of the core labs within IU CREATE, I am excited by the opportunities this partnership will give our students to test and evaluate state-of-the-art semiconductor devices. That kind of high-impact experiential learning is central to IU’s educational mission and to workforce development.”
The partnership marks another major step in Indiana’s ongoing expansion as a hub for microelectronics, defense technology, and advanced manufacturing research.
