Innovation Minister Hanke: CHAMP-ION begins implementation Europe's first ion trap chip pilot line begins
CHAMP-ION will begin its implementation phase in 2026 under the leadership of Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) as Europe's first pilot initiative for the industrial production of ion trap chips.
Austria is making an above-average contribution to this endeavour: National partners receive more than 30 million euros in funding to expand manufacturing capacities, develop new training programmes, and establish open service structures. This secures the country a key role in accessing technology of strategic importance for Europe's digital and technological sovereignty.
As the EU Chips Act is implemented, the European project consortium consisting of 21 organisations is launching a pilot line for quantum chips, thus translating the strategic framework into concrete actions.
Austria shapes Europe's future in quantum technologies
„Just last week we presented the 2035 Industry Strategy. The core of this is the definition and targeted promotion of key technologies and areas of strength where Austria has the potential to be a world leader. This also includes the field of quantum technology and chips. I am therefore pleased to inform you that the starting signal for Europe's first ion trap chip pilot line has been given under the EU Chips Act, led by Silicon Austria Labs. Another example of how Austria is helping shape Europe's future in quantum technologies,” emphasises Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.
In the first three years, Austria's contribution will primarily be used to build industrial manufacturing capacities and validate further developed ion trap chip designs. This will create the foundations required for domestic companies to connect to a future field with a high economic potential.
„The EU Chips Act creates the conditions to sustainably strengthen Europe's technological capacity to act in the semiconductor field. Together with Silicon Austria Labs as a strong implementation partner, FFG translates these European objectives into concrete projects, opening industrial access to quantum technologies through pilot and production structures,” says Karin Tausz, Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.
An important step in the coming phase is the introduction of new open-access models, including Process Design Kits (PDKs) and professionally coordinated manufacturing accesses. “These tools significantly facilitate the entry into ion trap chip technology and create important foundations for Austrian and European companies to build know-how early on,” says Mohssen Moridi, Senior Executive Director at SAL.
With a total volume of 50 million euros co-financed by the European Union's Chips Joint Undertaking and participating member states, CHAMP-ION creates a central platform for the development of a resilient European quantum ecosystem. Austria is not only helping shape this development but is among the driving forces significantly advancing Europe's technological sovereignty in the field of quantum technologies.
About Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL) was founded in 2018 as a cross-regional, non-university research centre of excellence in the field of electronic and software-based systems (ESBS). At the Graz, Villach, and Linz locations, research is conducted on key technologies in the areas of Microsystems, Sensor Systems, Power Electronics, Intelligent Wireless Systems, and Embedded Systems. SAL brings together key players from industry and science, thus combining valuable expertise and know-how, and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value creation chain. The aim is to accelerate the value creation process from idea to innovation – with excellent research and economic benefit. Owners are the Republic (50.1%), the states of Styria and Carinthia (10% each), the state of Upper Austria (4.95%), and the Association for Electrical and Electronics Industry (24.95%).