Imec strengthens its global presence
Imec strengthens its global presence with new regional research & development hub in Qatar
At this week’s Mobile World Congress Doha, imec – a global leader in nanoelectronics and digital innovation – unveiled its plans to launch a regional research & development hub in Qatar in early 2026. Supported by Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, and the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Council (QRDI), the center will leverage Qatar’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to drive innovation and technology-led growth, while serving as a regional hub to expand imec’s footprint across the Gulf.
Motivated by the growing need for economic diversification, sustainability, and technological growth, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasingly articulating their ambitions in advanced semiconductor development.
At this week’s Mobile World Congress in Doha, imec signed an agreement with Invest Qatar and QRDI to establish a dedicated research & development hub in Qatar supported by the government of Qatar. Located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), imec’s research & development facility will focus on accelerating digital transformation and bringing IC-Link by imec’s chip design expertise to Qatar and the broader Middle East.
The regional hub will support the creation of essential design tools – known as process design kits (PDKs) – for emerging technologies like silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and silicon interposers. Additionally, it will explore innovative design workflows and the use of generative and agent-based AI in the development of custom chips (ASICs). Furthermore, imec will focus on developing advanced AI solutions to optimize infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.
Next to R&D, imec will nurture semiconductor talent through development programs, internships, and PhD initiatives in collaboration with universities, companies, and start-ups, across various industries. These efforts, which build on imec’s proven model of open innovation, contribute to establishing a robust semiconductor talent pipeline in the region.
Imec’s Qatar hub will start hiring immediately and aims to reach 100 employees by 2030. Roles will include site management, R&D, research engineering and support positions.
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