IMEC's Málaga center project is moving forward swiftly. The conceptual design is complete, and the building permit application is anticipated in October 2025. The tender for construction is expected by December 2025, with construction commencing in early 2027 and lasting approximately two years. Full operations are planned for early 2030.
This center will be an R&D facility capable of producing microchips. It's not a mass-production factory but rather a 300mm 'fab' for research and experimentation with new materials and chip architectures. This marks IMEC's first such facility outside Belgium and the first in Spain. The facility will occupy a 50,000+ square meter plot with a 32,000 square meter building, including a 2,000 square meter cleanroom.
IMEC is actively recruiting for the Málaga center, aiming for a staff of 200-250, plus an additional 100 from external providers and collaborators. At least 100 employees will be needed by 2030.
The project’s total cost is €615 million, with €500 million from the central government (including EU funds) and the remainder from the Junta de AndalucÃa. The Málaga city council provided land and is facilitating the project's urban development processes.