As the EU Chips Act moves into its implementation phase, the European project consortium of 21 organizations is launching a quantum chip pilot line, translating the strategic framework into concrete action.
“Just last week we presented the Industrial Strategy 2035. At its core is the definition and targeted promotion of key technologies and areas of strength in which Austria has the potential to be among the world leaders. This also includes the field of quantum technology and chips. I am therefore pleased to announce that the starting signal has been given for Europe’s first ion‑trap chip pilot line under the EU Chips Act, led by Silicon Austria Labs. This is yet another example of how Austria is helping to shape Europe’s future in quantum technologies,” emphasized Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.
During the first three years, Austrian contributions will focus on establishing industrial‑grade manufacturing capabilities and validating advanced ion‑trap chip designs. These efforts lay the groundwork for Austrian companies to access a high‑potential technology field with significant economic relevance.
“The EU Chips Act creates the conditions for sustainably strengthening Europe's technological capabilities in the semiconductor sector. Together with Silicon Austria Labs as a strong partner, the FFG is translating these European objectives into concrete projects and opening up industrial access to quantum technologies through pilot and manufacturing structures,” says Karin Tausz, Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.
A key step in the upcoming phase is the introduction of new open‑access models, including process design kits (PDKs) and professionally coordinated fabrication pathways. “These tools significantly lower the entry barrier for ion‑trap chip technologies and help Austrian and European companies build early‑stage expertise,” adds Mohssen Moridi, Senior Executive Director at SAL.
With a total budget of EUR 50 million, co‑funded by the EU Chips Joint Undertaking and participating Member States, CHAMP‑ION establishes an essential platform for building a resilient European quantum technology ecosystem. Austria is not only contributing — it is one of the driving forces advancing Europe’s technological sovereignty in quantum technologies.
Project partners:
- Research and Technology Organizations: Silicon Austria Labs (SAL), National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB), Institute of Scientific Instruments of the ASCR ISI, Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), and the National Metrology Institute of Italy (INRIM)
- Universities: University of Innsbruck, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz University Hannover, University Siegen, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University of Padua, and the Palacky University Olomouc
- SMEs: Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH, neQxt GmbH, eleQtron GmbH, QUDORA technologies GmbH, Parity Quantum Computing GmbH, and AMIRES Business Innovation Management Institute, z.ú.
- Large Enterprises: Infineon Technologies Austria AG, Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co. KG, Infineon Technologies AG
About Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL) was founded in 2018 as a top non-university research center in the field of Electronics and Software Based Systems. At its locations in Graz, Villach and Linz, research is conducted on key technologies in the fields of Microsystems, Sensor Systems, Power Electronics, Intelligent Wireless Systems and Embedded Systems. SAL brings together key players from industry and science and thus valuable expertise and know-how, and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. The aim is to accelerate the value creation process from idea to innovation – with excellent research and economic benefits. Owners are the Republic (50.1%), the Provinces of Styria and Carinthia (10% each), the Province of Upper Austria (4.95%) and the Association for the Electric and Electronics Industry (24.95%).
Contact:
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH
Isabella Preuer, BA BA MA (Head of Communications & PR)
+43 664 832 97 73
press@silicon-austria.com
www.silicon-austria-labs.com/presse
Bundesministerium für Innovation, Mobilität und Infrastruktur
Mag.a. Kleo Kraft
+43 1 711 62-65 8116
kleo.kraft@bmimi.gv.at
www.bmimi.gv.at
