TU/e is taking the next major step in its strategic expansion to support the growth of student numbers and research in semiconductor-related fields. Following the Dutch government’s financial commitment through the ‘Beethoven’ talent plan, the Executive Board of TU/e has decided yesterday to make a substantial investment in housing and labs. This in order to, amongst others, facilitate the planned growth of about two thousand master’s students in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, and Mathematics & Computer Science.
The investment totals roughly 200 million euros and underscores TU/e’s dedication to create the best possible learning and research environment for the next generation of engineers in high-tech, delivering top-tier technical talent and strengthening the Brainport region’s position as a global hub for semiconductor innovation.
The plans will see the realization of a new multifunctional building featuring 5,000 sqm of flexible laboratories organized by research themes, offices and education rooms. Besides a cleanroom building will be constructed, featuring a state-of-the-art cleanroom of 1,200 sqm, perfectly suited for advanced research and education purposes, and around 500 sqm of laboratories and offices.
Rector Silvia Lenaerts: “This is a crucial step in ensuring we meet the huge demand for top-tier engineering talent, especially in the Brainport region. By investing in these facilities, we strengthen both TU/e as well as the Brainport region and The Netherlands as a leading hub for semiconductor education, research and innovation, while also reinforcing Europe's strategic autonomy in this critical sector.”
Patrick Groothuis, vice-president of TU/e: “We are very proud to be able to decide to invest in these projects, especially in a time when higher education has to deal with budget cuts. And we are very thankful for the contribution of ASML to our new cleanroom."
Preparation and designs will start in 2025 and the start of the construction of the cleanroom building is aimed for 2026, while the construction start of the lab building is expected to start in 2027.
The new buildings are the result of an integral plan to make the lab facilities of the university future proof, enabling above all the growth as foreseen in the Beethoven plans. The financial space was made possible by the Beethoven funds, among others, but also by the TU/e's long-term financial approach, which has been anticipating investment in new laboratories for some time.
Read more about the TU/e plans for Beethoven here.
This article was first published on 28 February by TU/e.
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