The silicon R&D platform

The silicon R&D platform at CEA-Leti has helped make Grenoble one of the world’s top five R&D centers for integrated circuits and microsystems on 200 mm and 300 mm substrates that will hit the market within the next three to five years.

The platform operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with wafers circulating in short loops with plants around the world, including IRT Nanoelec partner STMicroelectronics’ Crolles plant near Grenoble.

The R&D conducted at the platform ranges from early-stage research and technology development through to demonstrators and prototyping. Equipment manufacturers send their people to the platform to test the systems they are developing, and the platform regularly spins-off start-ups to develop and commercialize its technologies.

IRT Nanoelec uses the platform for its 3D integration and photonics-on-silicon programs.


> Key figures

  • Operates 24/7
  • 8,500 sq. m of clean rooms