It all starts in Linz – including Europe’s chip future. With the new Design Enablement Team (DET) CHIPSIDEA, Silicon Austria Labs is opening access to cutting-edge semiconductor development for SMEs, start-ups, and research centers. Across the EU, there are only nine of these DETs – and Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is taking on a key role by leading one of them under the EU Chips Act.

In 2025, Chips Joint Undertaking launched a call for Design Enablement Teams to support the design platform of the “Chips for Europe” initiative (Pillar 1 of the EU Chips Act). This platform strengthens Europe’s semiconductor design capabilities and fosters a robust ecosystem for start-ups and SMEs. It consists of two units: the Platform Coordination Team (PCT), which manages the central cloud infrastructure, and the Design Enablement Teams (DETs), which operate decentralized cloud instances and guide users from design setup to chip tape-out.

Austria Positions Itself as a Key Player for Europe’s Chip Future

Under the name CHIPSIDEA, Silicon Austria Labs leads one of these nine DETs, positioning Austria as a key player in the future of microelectronics. Together with ParityQC, SAL represents Austria in this strategic program, combining cutting-edge research with industrial expertise.

“The semiconductor industry is THE strategic industry of the 21st century, essential for economic development in the coming decades. Chips have become a key factor for technological sovereignty, economic growth, and industrial resilience as the foundational building blocks of our technological and digital world. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that Europe builds a sovereign chip infrastructure. With SAL taking the lead of the new DET, we have achieved a true milestone,” explains Innovation and Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke.

“For Upper Austria as Austria’s number one economic and industrial region, semiconductors are a decisive factor for innovation and competitiveness. With the new Design Enablement Team at Silicon Austria Labs in Linz, we are sustainably strengthening Upper Austria’s role as a central hub in the European chip ecosystem. As a key player in the EU Chips Design Platform, SAL opens access to state-of-the-art chip design infrastructure and critical know-how. This will boost the innovative strength of our companies – from the automotive sector to Industry 4.0 and satellite communications,” emphasizes Upper Austria’s Minister for Economy and Research, Markus Achleitner.

Innovative Chip Solutions for 5G, Automotive, and Industry

“With CHIPSIDEA, SAL underscores its role as an innovation driver in Europe. Our strength lies in the unique combination of deep design expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and an international team of highly qualified employees. The DET at SAL is not just a service – it is a strategic contribution to Europe’s competitiveness,” stresses Christina Hirschl, Chief Executive Officer of SAL.

CHIPSIDEA’s technological focus is on high-frequency and millimeter-wave chips for 5G/6G, mixed-signal designs, and energy-efficient solutions for communication and sensing. Application areas range from automotive and energy to Industry 4.0, space, and defense. First pilot users are expected to join in spring 2026 – a crucial step toward reducing cost and knowledge barriers and securing Europe’s technological independence.

Further information: http://www.chipsidea.eu

ABOUT SILICON AUSTRIA LABS (SAL)

Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL) was founded in 2018 as an Austrian non-university research center of excellence in the field of electronic and software-based systems (ESBS). At its locations in Graz, Villach, and Linz, SAL conducts research on key technologies in Microsystems, Sensor Systems, Power Electronics, Intelligent Wireless Systems, and Embedded Systems. SAL brings together essential players from industry and science, combining valuable expertise and know-how, and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. The goal is to accelerate the process from idea to innovation – with excellent research and economic benefit. Shareholders are the Republic of Austria (50.1%), the states of Styria and Carinthia (10% each), the state of Upper Austria (4.95%), and the Association for the Electrical 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
 

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