The most advanced chips in mobile phones are one ten-thousandth the thickness of a human hair.
A new research center, Kvanttinova, will be established in the Otaniemi area of Espoo. The project is being implemented by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, several companies, and the authorities of Espoo.
— Kvanttinova is an ecosystem for research and product development, where VTT, together with its partners, will create innovations in the field of chips and semiconductors, said Erja Turunen, Director of Digital Technologies at VTT.
The project will cost 150 million euros. Including equipment, investments may exceed half a billion euros. The government will allocate funding of 79 million euros.
Jussi Tuovinen, CEO of Kvanttinova Oy, notes that the project will become one of the largest investments in Finland in the near future. Construction of the center is planned to begin next year.
The project is expected to significantly accelerate the growth of Finland's semiconductor industry, which is engaged in the development and production of chips.
— We are talking about devices that are only a few nanometers in size. For example, the most advanced chips in mobile phones are one ten-thousandth the thickness of a human hair, explains Turunen.
These innovations could have a significant impact on economic growth and Finland's competitiveness. The semiconductor industry is experiencing rapid growth worldwide due to the development of artificial intelligence and digitalization.
Finnish industry players have set an ambitious goal to increase annual revenue from 1.5 billion euros to six to seven billion euros.
The Director of Digital Technologies at VTT believes it is quite realistic for Finland to become the “Taiwan of quantum technologies.” According to her estimates, the number of people employed in Finland's semiconductor industry will grow from 7,500 to about 20,000.
— This will serve as a magnet that attracts even more high-class specialists from around the world. We aim for a positive domino effect and the creation of new jobs in Finland, shares Tuovinen's vision.
