The EU’s GENESIS project is reshaping semiconductor manufacturing with sustainability at its core. If you’ve ever wrestled with the impact of rapid technological change on our environment, you’ll find this initiative both timely and reassuring. GENESIS tackles pressing issues such as reducing PFAS use, cutting emissions, and optimising raw material efficiency.
Launched in 2025 under Horizon Europe and co-funded by both the EU and Switzerland, this project unites 58 partners—from research institutions to leading global companies. By combining diverse expertise, GENESIS is developing scalable methods that aim to minimise environmental harm while keeping performance and competitiveness in the spotlight.
The project stands on four critical pillars. The first, led by CSEM, introduces advanced tools for real-time monitoring to help semiconductor fabs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Next, IMEC heads the second pillar, exploring practical replacements for PFAS and low‐GWP materials, ensuring that new solutions work in real industrial settings.
The third pillar, managed by the Fraunhofer Institute, dives into waste minimisation with innovative recycling and recovery solutions. Meanwhile, the fourth, steered by the Università degli Studi di Roma ‘Tor Vergata’, is busy addressing Europe’s dependency on key raw materials like gallium and indium by testing alternatives and integrating smarter processes.
GENESIS goes beyond laboratory research by demonstrating its technologies in real-world industrial environments. This hands-on validation helps ensure that the innovations are not only technically sound but also practical for everyday manufacturing.
Looking toward the future, GENESIS is set to influence the broader microelectronics landscape well past 2028. By aligning with EU policies such as the Green Deal and Critical Raw Materials Act, the project paves a clear path for a greener production paradigm. Its commitment to open science further invites continual collaboration and learning across the international community.
In the end, GENESIS offers a balanced blend of environmental stewardship and technological advancement. It shows that you can improve sustainability without sacrificing the industry’s competitive edge—setting a precedent for responsible innovation in microchip production.
