New laboratory at CEZAMAT was officially opened

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Krzysztof Zaremba, Rector of WUT; Mariusz Wielec, Director of CEZAMAT; Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs; Michał Jaros, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology; Katarzyna Smyk, Head of the European Commission Representation in Poland; and Wawrzyniec Kaszub, PhD, representing Łukasiewicz – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics.

The opening of the laboratory marked the completion of the "Microelectronics and Photonics Competence Centre" project, whose direct aim was to increase the innovativeness of the Polish economy by strengthening existing research and development infrastructure and creating new facilities. As part of the project, CEZAMAT purchased technological equipment that complements and expands its existing capabilities.

"This investment is highly significant for the development of national capabilities in photonics and microelectronics – technologies regarded as critical to the digital transformation of the economy and, especially in the current climate, to building the technological sovereignty of Poland and Europe. It therefore forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor value chain," said Prof. Krzysztof Zaremba, WUT Rector, during the event.

The new equipment was designed to complement and expand CEZAMAT’s existing capabilities, forming a coherent research and technology environment together with the infrastructure already in place. It has been installed in laboratory spaces with controlled environmental conditions, ensuring high quality and repeatability in technological processes.

"We aspire to be an institution that not only supports the deployment of technologies in manufacturing, but also independently carries out small-scale production," said Mariusz Wielec, Director of CEZAMAT. "What we do is possible because we have succeeded in building infrastructure that is genuinely unique in this part of Europe, together with a team of exceptionally skilled people. Drawing on the capabilities offered by the equipment in our laboratories, they can undertake truly extraordinary and ambitious projects."

The outcome of the "Microelectronics and Photonics Competence Centre" project is a process line for manufacturing photonic integrated circuits and microelectronic devices. It is the only line of its kind in Poland fully adapted to the 200 mm wafer manufacturing standard. It enables CEZAMAT to carry out commissioned research, development and technological work for industry.

As part of the project, CEZAMAT developed a complete service chain, from design and modelling through the manufacture of components, structures and devices to assembly and packaging, as well as the optical and electronic characterisation of electronic and photonic devices and circuits. The production line therefore delivers a finished product that can be supplied to the customer.

The project was implemented by a consortium comprising Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics (leader), Warsaw University of Technology, represented by CEZAMAT, and Łukasiewicz Research Network – Tele and Radio Research Institute. The undertaking was financed under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).