Imec and Iminds, both of Belgium, announce that they intend to merge the research centers to create a nanotech research center in which Iminds will be integrated as an additional business unit within Imec. The center will fuse the technology and systems expertise of more than 2500 Imec researchers worldwide with the digital competencies of some 1000 Iminds researchers representing nearly 50 nationalities. The additions of Iminds’ flagship open innovation research model Icon, (in which academic researchers and industry partners jointly develop solutions for specific market needs), the Istart entrepreneurship program (supporting start-up businesses), and Living Labs will strengthen the unique capabilities and assets of Imec as a research and development center.
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, with the united organization staged to bring added value to existing partners while further strengthening Flanders’ authority as a technology epicenter and region focused on creating a sustainable digital future.
Imec has been a global leader in the domain of nanoelectronics for more than 30 years, and has innovated applications in smart systems for the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Health, and Internet of Power. It has built an extensive and worldwide partner network, as well as in Flanders, and has generated successful spin-offs. iMinds’ activities span research domains such as the IoT, digital privacy and security, and the conversion of raw data into knowledge. Its software expertise is widely renowned and its entrepreneurship activities in Flanders are first-rate.
Now that the intention to merge has been approved, the merger protocol will be developed and the integration process will be initiated immediately. The current Iminds activities will constitute a third pillar next to Imec’s units. Iminds will remain headquartered in Ghent with its researchers spread across the Flemish universities. The ambition is to operate as one organization by the end of 2016.
