Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems

SPINS

Semiconducting Pilot Line for Industrial quantum NanoSystems

SPINS - Semiconducting Pilot Line for Industrial quantum NanoSystems

Semiconducting Pilot Line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems (SPINS) 2026 – 2031

Project duration: 2026 - 2031

Functional quantum computers open the door to solving currently intractable problems – from factoring large numbers and precisely determining molecular structures to enabling new forms of advanced information processing. Europe has a strong scientific foundation in semiconductor quantum technology, which can be leveraged to establish a solid technological backbone for a growing quantum industry.

The SPINS consortium brings together leading European research and technology organizations with industry partners such as STMicroelectronics and Infineon. Together, they are creating a continuous lab-to-fab pathway that provides Multi-Project-Wafer (MPW) runs with standardized Quantum Process Design Kits (PDKs). European quantum startups act as lead users to validate the PDKs in practice and ensure that the developed technologies are both industrially relevant and application-ready.

SPINS aims to deliver semiconductor quantum chips with high Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). By combining European research and manufacturing expertise, the project strengthens Europe’s technological sovereignty and consolidates its position in the global quantum technology landscape.

Fraunhofer IPMS in the SPINS Pilot Line

Fraunhofer IPMS plays a central role within SPINS in the high-resolution structuring of qubit and processor elements. All lithography steps requiring resolutions beyond the capabilities of optical methods are performed at Fraunhofer IPMS. This enables precise, reproducible patterning, which is essential for the functionality and scalability of Si/SiGe-based quantum chips.

In addition, Fraunhofer IPMS makes key contributions to process stability and maturity across the pilot line:

  • Industry-compatible environment: Fraunhofer IPMS provides state-of-the-art cleanroom infrastructure designed for reproducible, scalable qubit fabrication.
  • Flexible process integration: Processes at Fraunhofer IPMS are designed to support both Si/SiGe and Ge/SiGe platforms, securing multiple technologically complementary pathways within the SPINS consortium.
  • Preparation for 300-mm scaling: The expertise of Fraunhofer IPMS bridges to activities within the EU project QLSI2, where migration to high-resolution lithography and 300-mm wafers is being explored. This prepares the transfer of SPINS pilot line results to a future 300-mm CMOS line at an early stage.

Fraunhofer IPMS combines leading research expertise with industrial process readiness, significantly strengthening Europe’s technological independence in semiconductor quantum technology. The institute serves as a crucial link between fundamental research, pilot production, and potential future high-volume manufacturing, thereby contributing decisively to the establishment of a resilient, high-performance European quantum ecosystem.

 

Project partner:

  • Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum, Koordinator
  • Amires The Business Innovation Management Institucz
  • Arque Systems GmbH
  • Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies
  • C12 Quantum Electronics
  • Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigacio
  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
  • Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
  • Groove Quantum B.V.
  • IHP GmbH – Leibniz Institute for High Performance
  • Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co KG
  • International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
  • Jyväskylän Yliopisto
  • Asociacion Centro de Investigacion Cooperativa
  • Cuantomocion S.L.
  • Quobly
  • Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule
  • Semiqon Technologies Oy
  • Siltronic AG
  • Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuur
  • Technische Universiteit Delft
  • National Quantum Science and Technology Institute
  • PQI – Associacao Portuguese Quantum Institute
  • Universitaet Regensburg
  • Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy

Further information:

Strategic Rearch Area

Quantum Computing

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Components and Systems

Computing

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