Northern Chip Network Launched: A New Boost for Microelectronics in Germany
Companies, universities, and research institutions from Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein have founded the Northern Chip Network e.V. The network aims to connect regional expertise across the microelectronics value chain and raise the profile of the region.
New Platform for Microelectronics in Northern Germany
With the official launch of the Northern Chip Network e.V. at DESY in Hamburg, a new regional network for microelectronics is taking shape. The association brings together companies, universities, research institutions, and innovation and sustainability partners from Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
The goal is to structure the exchange between industry, academia, and regional stakeholders, initiate collaborations, and strengthen the competitiveness of Northern Germany as a hub for microelectronics. The network sees itself as a platform designed to raise the profile of existing expertise and identify common areas for development.
Expertise Along the Value Chain
According to the network, Northern Germany possesses expertise across the entire microelectronics value chain. This includes university education, basic research, process, product, and technology development, as well as industrial semiconductor manufacturing.
This breadth is reflected in the founding membership. From the outset, the Northern Chip Network includes, among others, Nexperia, NXP Semiconductors, Semikron Danfoss, Vishay Siliconix Itzehoe GmbH, and X-FAB MEMS Foundry Itzehoe. On the research side, the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) are involved.
In addition, universities such as Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, HAW Kiel, and the Technical University of Hamburg are involved. Regional innovation and sustainability partners such as the Itzehoe Innovation Center, the Hamburg Renewable Energy Cluster, and the Society for Energy & Climate Protection Schleswig-Holstein are also part of the network.
Relevance for Industry and Technology Development
Microelectronics is a central foundation for numerous industrial applications. Advances in energy supply, automation, mobility, and digitalization depend significantly on high-performance, reliable, and efficient semiconductor solutions.
At the same time, demands are rising regarding development cycles, securing skilled workers, technological resilience, and the integration of research and application. The Northern Chip Network addresses precisely this intersection. It aims to bring stakeholders together, facilitate knowledge transfer, and position the region as a cohesive microelectronics ecosystem.
Focus on Exchange, Cooperation, and the Next Generation
Dr. Stephan Marauska, board member of the Northern Chip Network and managing director at Vishay Siliconix Itzehoe, describes the network as a framework within which the region’s diverse expertise can be better integrated. The goal is to promote exchange, advance common topics, and provide new impetus for microelectronics in Northern Germany.
The connection between research, education, and industry is also a central focus. Aylin Behrendt-Bicakci, Professor of Mechatronics Assembly and Interconnection Technologies at HAW Kiel and a member of the NCN board, emphasizes the importance of close ties between academic training and industrial practice. Only by linking knowledge and practical experience can solutions emerge that stand the test of time.
In doing so, the network also addresses the need to secure the next generation of talent. Universities and research institutions should collaborate more closely with industry stakeholders to involve students and professionals in relevant technology and development fields at an early stage.
DESY as Launch Site and Research Partner
The official launch took place at DESY in Hamburg. Prof. Dr. Beate Heinemann, Chair of the DESY Board of Directors, highlights Northern Germany’s potential in the field of microelectronics. DESY contributes, in particular, analytical capabilities for power electronics, ranging from materials science questions to the structure of chip design.
In this way, DESY positions itself within the network as a research partner with specific infrastructure and analytical expertise. The Northern Chip Network aims to link these and other competencies of its members and reinforce them mutually.
Political Support from Schleswig-Holstein
Julia Carstens, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economics, Transport, Labor, Technology, and Tourism of the State of Schleswig-Holstein, also attended the launch event. She emphasized that the network would increase the visibility of microelectronics expertise and activities in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
In her view, collaboration between industry, research, and politics is a key factor for sustainable innovation and economic strength in the region. Events such as the NCN launch should also create initial opportunities for cooperation and joint projects.
Open Network for Additional Stakeholders
The Northern Chip Network is designed as an open network. Additional companies, universities, research institutions, and regional stakeholders will be able to contribute to its work in the future.
This creates an organizational framework for the North German microelectronics landscape that more effectively pools existing individual expertise. The practical relevance of the network will depend on the extent to which it leads to concrete collaborations, joint development projects, and long-term contributions to the development of skilled workers and the region.