Podcast: Beyond Chips

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we explore RETICLES, a Chips JU-funded project modernising EUROPRACTICE into a comprehensive European platform for semiconductor design and innovation. Together with Romano Hoofman and Natalia Belova, we discuss how RETICLES provides SMEs, startups, researchers, and universities with access to advanced chip design tools, prototyping, packaging services, and specialised training. We also explore the project's close connection with the Chips JU Design Platform and its role in strengthening Europe's semiconductor ecosystem. From supporting the next generation of innovators to improving access to cutting-edge technologies, this episode highlights how collaborative European initiatives are helping transform research into industrial impact.

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we explore HiEFFICIENT, a Chips JU-funded project focused on developing more efficient, compact, and reliable electric drivetrains through next-generation power electronics. Together with our guest, Christoph Abart, we discuss how technologies based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) can significantly improve vehicle efficiency, reduce energy losses, and increase system reliability. We also look back at the project's key achievements, the challenges of coordinating a large European consortium, and the role of Chips JU funding in accelerating innovation. Beyond the technology, the conversation offers a personal perspective on working in a rapidly evolving field and what the future of electric mobility could look like for Europe and beyond.

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we explore TRISTAN, a Chips JU-funded project working to build a secure and sovereign European RISC-V ecosystem. We discuss how the project is developing industrial-grade IP blocks, tools, and open-source hardware to strengthen Europe’s capabilities in advanced computing. The conversation explores the importance of open hardware architectures, secure and scalable toolchains, and how collaboration across industry and academia is helping make RISC-V technologies more accessible to European innovators, SMEs, and industry. The episode also highlights the role of Chips JU funding in supporting long-term technological independence and strengthening Europe’s position in next-generation semiconductor technologies.

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we return to the AGRARSENSE project to explore its impact from an industrial integration perspective. We speak with Frank Lammers about how the project is supporting the development of smart sensing technologies for agriculture, and how collaboration across the value chain enables the transition from early-stage research to scalable solutions. The discussion highlights the practical challenges of bringing innovation to market, the role of large R&D consortia, and the importance of sustained public funding in enabling long-term technological progress. The episode also reflects on transparency and accountability in publicly funded research, and why communicating project outcomes to society is an essential part of the innovation process.

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we explore REBECCA, a Chips JU-funded project focused on advancing reliable and energy-efficient electronic systems for next-generation applications. We speak with Iakovos Mavroidis about the project’s technological approach, its contribution to improving system robustness and performance, and the challenges of developing trusted semiconductor solutions in complex operational environments. The discussion also highlights how Chips JU funding has supported long-term research, cross-sector collaboration, and the transition from laboratory innovation to industrial deployment.

In this episode of Beyond Chips, we return to the APPLAUSE project to explore advanced packaging from an industry perspective. We speak with Volker Franco Steier about how APPLAUSE is enabling new approaches to integrating photonics and electronics, supporting the development of highly reliable and scalable systems for medical and industrial applications. The conversation focuses on translating research into real products, protecting innovation through intellectual property, and building long-term industrial partnerships. We also discuss how Chips JU funding has supported sustained development beyond the project lifetime, helping European companies strengthen their position in global value chains.