IMS CHIPS - Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart
IMS CHIPS stands for application-oriented research, development, and technology transfer in microelectronics. The institute brings scientific excellence in microelectronics, integrated circuits and systems, MEMS, photonics, nanotechnologies, as well as training and continuing education programs directly into industrial application. As a member of the Baden-Württemberg Innovation Alliance, IMS CHIPS connects science and industry, supporting companies, research institutions, and public clients along the entire innovation chain—from feasibility studies through research and development to prototype and small-series production.
IMS CHIPS Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Niels Quack
Allmandring 30a
70569 Stuttgart
Tel. 0711 / 21855-0
info@ims-chips.de
www.ims-chips.de
Core Competencies
IMS CHIPS supports innovation projects along the entire value chain. Through the close integration of research, development, and manufacturing, the state institute helps companies efficiently evaluate, develop, transfer new technologies into market-ready products, and scale them.
- Technology transfer: Converting research results into market-ready applications
- Research and development: Developing innovative technologies and prototypes
- Cleanroom and manufacturing expertise: Development, production, and qualification of microelectronic, photonic, and microtechnical components
- Prototyping and small-series production: Bringing new technologies quickly into application
- Consulting and project support: Accompanying from idea to implementation
- Training: Conveying practical expertise and qualifying specialists
Business Fields
With interdisciplinary know-how, modern research and manufacturing infrastructure, and years of experience in technology transfer, IMS CHIPS supports its partners in various application fields:
- Circuits & systems: Custom ASICs, sensor systems & intelligent electronic solutions for applications in industry, medical technology, mobility, communication
- Photonics: Photonic chips & optical systems for high-speed data transmission, quantum technologies, innovative measurement, communication & sensor systems
- Microelectromechanical systems: Microelectromechanical systems, miniaturized sensors & microtechnical components for intelligent products, automated processes & modern industrial applications
- Nanopatterning: Precise micro & nanostructures for optical applications, semiconductor technologies, quantum systems & industrial special solutions
- Educational services: Practical training & continuing education programs
Photonic line for Europe in THE LÄND at IMS CHIPS
While Europe is launching a new quantum pilot with **Photonics for Quantum (P4Q)** starting in 2026, a central foundation for this is already anchored in Germany: the photonic pilot line expertise at **IMS CHIPS** in Stuttgart, at the heart of **THE LÄND**. Here, a dedicated pilot line for photonic chips has been established, demonstrating how existing manufacturing infrastructure can be industrially utilized for new photonics-based applications. This creates the exact momentum needed to bring quantum photonics from the lab into scalable, reproducible applications—ranging from quantum sensing to secure communication solutions.
Real-world laboratory for photonic AI
IMS CHIPS is driving the development of a new generation of energy-efficient AI hardware. The focus is on photonic computing, where light is used instead of electrons for data processing. This technology enables extremely fast computing operations with significantly lower energy consumption and opens up new perspectives for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Through the close integration of research, development, and application, IMS CHIPS creates a platform where photonic AI technologies can be tested and further developed under real-world conditions. This strengthens the position of Baden-Württemberg and Europe in the future field of energy-efficient AI hardware and actively shapes the digital transformation.
Quantum sensors for human-machine interaction
With the QHMI2 project, IMS CHIPS is developing novel magnetic quantum sensors for next-generation human-machine interfaces. The goal is to support people with amputations, neuromuscular diseases, or brain and spinal cord injuries in better diagnosing and partially restoring lost or impaired bodily functions. The highly sensitive quantum sensors enable precise and contactless detection of biological signals, thus creating the foundation for innovative assistance and rehabilitation systems. The project combines quantum technology with medical engineering and helps translate research results from quantum sensing into concrete applications with societal benefits.