imec Appoints New CEO in Strategic Shift Towards AI Chipmaking
imec, a leading Belgian semiconductor research hub, has appointed Patrick Vandenameele as its new CEO. This transition comes as the organization aims to enhance its focus on the growing demands of artificial intelligence in chip manufacturing.
TL;DR
imec, Belgium’s leading semiconductor research hub, named Patrick Vandenameele as its next CEO, with longtime leader Luc Van den hove moving to chairman. The transition underscores imec’s strategic pivot toward AI-focused chipmaking, addressing surging demand from hyperscalers like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google. Vandenameele aims to boost spin-offs, give start-ups earlier access to advanced chipmaking, and strengthen Europe’s tech ecosystem, supported by a €2.5B EU-funded sub-2nm pilot line. His deep experience in both imec and global industry positions him to lead imec in shaping the future of sustainable, next-gen semiconductor innovation.
On September 29, 2025, imec, Belgium's foremost semiconductor research hub, announced the appointment of Patrick Vandenameele as its new chief executive officer (CEO), while current CEO Luc Van den hove transitions to the role of chairman. This leadership change is not merely a shift in personnel, it represents imec's strategic pivot to align with the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaking.
As the influence of AI continues to grow, so too do the demands for innovative and efficient semiconductor solutions. Vandenameele, in a recent interview, emphasized that the urgency for new chip designs has intensified due to the surging build-out of AI technologies. Prominent companies in cloud computing, such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google, collectively known as hyperscalers dominate approximately half of the world’s data centre capacity. These giants are rapidly increasing their market presence, driven by the need for advanced AI capabilities. The AI boom has led to a surge in demand for new chips that can power these expansive, multibillion-dollar data centres.
“They are screaming for solutions to scale up, scale out, and to do this at a sustainable power balance. Power is the key problem in this case,” Vandenameele stated, highlighting the critical challenges faced by the industry.
imec stands at the forefront of semiconductor research and development, utilizing some of the most advanced and sophisticated tools available in the industry. Collaborating closely with top-tier manufacturers, such as ASML and Applied Materials, imec works alongside major players in chip design and production, including TSMC, Nvidia, Apple, and Google.
Under Vandenameele's leadership, the organization plans to accelerate the launch of spin-off ventures based on its cutting-edge technology. This initiative aims to provide start ups with earlier access to imec's state-of-the-art chipmaking facilities, thereby enabling them to overcome significant financial and manufacturing challenges that often hinder smaller firms.
“The barrier for these small companies to get access to leading-edge technology is usually very high because they need to compete with huge companies to get access to these fabs,” Vandenameele remarked, underscoring the difficulties faced by emerging tech companies.
imec's commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond its immediate research goals. The Belgium-based laboratory is actively working to strengthen the European tech ecosystem by facilitating access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
One notable initiative involves the establishment of a sub-2 nanometer chip pilot line, funded by a substantial investment of 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.9 billion) from the European Union. This initiative aims to provide European technology firms with access to manufacturing technologies that might otherwise be economically unfeasible. Such access is vital for nurturing the growth of deep tech firms across Europe, allowing them to leverage imec's expertise and resources to develop next-generation semiconductor solutions.
Vandenameele, who began his career at imec in the 1990s, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has co-founded four start ups based on imec technology and has held senior leadership positions at notable firms such as Qorvo and Huawei. His extensive background positions him well to lead imec through this critical transition.
With Vandenameele at the helm, imec is poised to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within the AI sector. The organization aims to enhance its collaborative efforts with major tech companies and contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient chip technologies that meet the needs of the future.
The appointment of Patrick Vandenameele as CEO marks a significant moment in imec's history as it navigates the complexities of AI-driven chipmaking. By strengthening its focus on emerging technologies and fostering innovation within the European tech ecosystem, imec is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of semiconductor research and development. As the demand for advanced chips continues to surge, imec's strategic initiatives will not only support the growth of start ups but also enhance the technological capabilities of established firms. This transition represents a proactive response to the changing landscape of the semiconductor industry, ensuring that imec remains at the forefront of innovation and development in the realm of AI technology.
