20 years of CNT: Dresden's microelectronics on the way to becoming world leaders!

20 years of CNT: Dresden's microelectronics on the way to becoming world leaders!

In a world that is constantly changing, the success of innovations is crucial. On August 17, 2025, the Fraunhofer Center for Nanoelectronics Technologies (CNT) in Dresden will be 20 years old. What began as a visionary project has developed into an important institution in semiconductor research in Germany and Europe. [dnn.de]. in the Silicon Saxony microelectronics cluster.

The inauguration of the CNT 20 years ago was a milestone. After Qimonda's bankruptcy in 2009, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) took over management of the CNT in 2013. With a unique 300 mm research clean room in Europe, which enables the processing of large silicon wafers in industry-related chip processes, the CNT is a real location advantage for the entire region.

New location and research perspectives

In recent years the CNT has evolved. The Free State of Saxony, the federal government and Fraunhofer recently founded a new facility in the former Plastic Logic electronic paper factory, which is called the “Fraunhofer Center for Advanced CMOS & Heterointegration Saxony” (Ceasax). In combination with the “Apecs” chiplet pilot facility, the new location will significantly expand the research horizon. Developments in quantum computing and neuromorphic chips as well as highly integrated hybrid circuits are being advanced in around 4,000 square meters of clean room, which is extremely promising for the industry.

The CNT and the 3D chip center Assid together form a complete 300 mm research and testing line. The state government sees these developments as a decisive contribution to the international competitiveness of the microelectronics location and plans to promote the opportunities for founding new companies in these research areas.

The path to success

The challenges of our time, from geopolitical conflicts to demographic changes to economic turbulence and climate and energy crises, have a lasting impact on innovation and research. Fraunhofer as an institution has been working closely with partners from industry and the public sector since 1949 to find answers to these central questions. fraunhofer.de emphasizes that knowledge transfer is the backbone of the innovation system. The institution would like to take responsibility for a future worth living – ecologically, economically and socially sustainable.

Thanks to the synergies that the CNT and its partners create, the Saxony region continues to be perceived as a hotspot for microelectronics. These developments are important not only for the local economy, but also for the entire industry, which must constantly reinvent itself in order to survive in global competition.

The investments and the focus on innovative projects make it clear that the region is determined to assert itself in international microelectronic competition. It remains exciting to see which new technologies will emerge from the CNT in the coming years and which companies will establish themselves in this dynamic environment.