Indiana University Partners with Imec for Chip Research

The university is collaborating with the Belgian research center to test electronic and photonic components under radiation.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Semiconductors

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized semiconductor wafer, representing academic-industrial collaboration in microelectronics research. — Indiana University has partnered with Belgian research center Imec to advance collaborative testing of semiconductor and photonic components in radiation-heavy environments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Indiana University has entered a partnership with imec to advance collaborative research in microelectronics and defense technologies. The initiative is being led by the university center IU CREATE.

Why it matters

This partnership aims to expand the capabilities of Indiana University in high-tech research fields while facilitating knowledge sharing for future publications and grant proposals. It connects academic researchers and students with global expertise in semiconductor development.

The first phase of the collaboration involves testing various electronic and photonic components under radiation exposure. These components are supplied by imec, a research center that has specialized in semiconductor technologies since its founding in 1984.

The players

Indiana University

A major public research university based in Bloomington that is expanding its focus on microelectronics and defense technology.

Imec

A world-renowned research and development center headquartered in Belgium that focuses on nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

IU CREATE

The specific research center at Indiana University that is managing the initial project involving electronic and photonic component testing.

IU Inc.

An organization that connects Indiana University researchers and students with startups and corporate entities to foster innovation.

The details

IU Inc. facilitated the agreement, bridging the gap between university researchers and international industry partners. The project focuses on assessing how hardware performs in challenging radiation environments, which is essential for advanced defense-related applications.

1984: Imec was established in Leuven, Belgium.
January 2026: The Federal Aviation Administration designated the Indiana Economic Development Corp. as a drone test site.
October 28, 2026: Indiana University officially announced its new partnership with imec.

The Tech Race

This collaboration mirrors the regional strategy established by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. drone test site program. It represents a broader effort to integrate local academic research with international technology leaders to compete in specialized hardware markets.

While the immediate research occurs in laboratory settings, the project aims to improve hardware reliability for defense and aviation technologies. This could lead to more robust systems for drones and other electronics that operate in demanding environments.

The takeaway

Collaborations like this demonstrate how universities are positioning themselves as critical nodes in the global supply chain for specialized microelectronics. These research initiatives are vital for students and faculty seeking to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world technical challenges.