Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD): An Innovation Engine for Europe’s Semiconductor Industry
The Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) is the central alliance of leading German research institutes in the field of micro‑ and nanoelectronics. Established in 2017 as a cooperation between eleven Fraunhofer Institutes and two Leibniz Institutes (FBH and IHP), it now consolidates the expertise of thirteen institutes with more than 4,900 employees. This makes it the largest network of its kind in Europe and a key driver of research and innovation in Germany and across Europe.
Network and Organizational Structure
The FMD emerged within the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics, which represents the interests of the microelectronics institutes both within the Fraunhofer‑Gesellschaft and externally toward policymakers and industry. Its mission is to pool the competencies of the individual institutes, implement joint research programs, and act as a strong partner to advance cross‑industry and cross‑technology innovation. This close collaboration enables the realization of large‑scale projects that would exceed the capacities of individual institutes.
A One‑Stop Shop for Micro‑ and Nanoelectronics
The FMD serves as a central platform for external partners from industry, SMEs, and start‑ups. It provides access to a broad technological portfolio—ranging from silicon and silicon‑germanium technologies to III‑V semiconductors and advanced system integration. Companies benefit from consulting and support along the entire value chain as well as from cross‑institutional expertise. In this way, the FMD enables rapid and targeted innovation and technology transfer.
APECS Pilot Line: A Key Project for Europe’s Future
A prominent example of the FMD’s capabilities is the APECS pilot line (Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems). This major initiative is co‑funded under the EU Chips Act with €730 million over 4.5 years and coordinated by the FMD. APECS aims to accelerate the development and industrial deployment of innovative chiplet technologies and advanced heterogeneous integration in Europe.
APECS brings together ten partners from eight European countries and establishes a Europe‑wide accessible infrastructure for research, development, and pilot production. This allows industry, SMEs, and start‑ups to access state‑of‑the‑art technologies with minimal barriers and to advance innovations from concept to scalable manufacturing. Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable eco‑design and the promotion of a climate‑neutral circular economy.
Technological Focus Areas: Heterogeneous Integration and Chiplets
Heterogeneous integration goes beyond traditional system‑in‑package approaches by enabling the flexible combination of different semiconductor technologies and functional building blocks (chiplets). This modularity opens new pathways for resource‑efficient, high‑performance, and reusable electronic systems in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, mobility, manufacturing, communications, and quantum computing.
Strategic Importance for Europe and Germany
The FMD and APECS strengthen Europe’s technological resilience, secure supply and value chains, and position Europe as an indispensable innovation hub in the global semiconductor industry. Germany plays a central role in this effort—supported by close cooperation between the Fraunhofer‑Gesellschaft, the Leibniz Association, and federal and state governments.
The Research Fab Microelectronics Germany represents a vital bridge between cutting‑edge research and industrial application. By consolidating expertise, fostering exchange between science, industry, and policy, and serving as a central point of contact, it plays a decisive role in shaping the future of microelectronics in Germany and Europe.
Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR
