NanoIC European Winter School on Embedded Memories

The NanoIC European Winter School on Embedded Memories offers a deeper dive into one of the key technologies underpinning modern microelectronics. Over two days at imec in Leuven, participants will explore embedded memory technologies and gain a broader view of NanoIC and imec. 

This event directly follows the Student Excellence Day on 25 November 2026. For students, we highly recommend recommend combining both events. The Student Excellence Day serves as an ideal introduction to the broader semiconductor ecosystem, offering valuable context before diving into the more specialized technical content of the Winter School.

Explore the future of embedded memory technologies

Imec invites professors, lecturers, academic researchers, and students from European universities to participate in the NanoIC Winter School on Embedded Memories 2026. This two-day program offers a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving embedded memory landscape and its role in next-generation semiconductor systems. 

Why attend? 

As embedded memories become increasingly critical enablers for AI, edge computing, automotive applications, and advanced System-on-Chip architectures, there is a growing need to equip the next generation of engineers with the right knowledge and skills. This Winter School provides faculty members with both technical insights and perspectives on future workforce and education needs, helping bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and academic curricula.

Register now 
Important update: Student places are fully booked and registration for students has been closed. Students can still join the wait list through the registration button. Faculty members can still register using the registration link.

The technical sessions will enable participants to deepen their understanding of embedded memory technologies through topics such as:

• Introduction to embedded memories and semiconductor memory architectures
• Fundamentals of embedded memory technologies
• Materials, fabrication and integration challenges
• Patterning and process technologies for memory manufacturing
• Device characterization, testing and reliability
• Emerging memory technologies, including MRAM, PCM, RRAM and eDRAM
• Future directions for embedded memories in advanced semiconductor systems

Additionally, participants will receive:

• An overview of the NanoIC project and Europe's semiconductor innovation ecosystem
• Insights into imec's research roadmap and industry collaborations in memory technologies
• An overview of opportunities for academic collaboration, including student research internships, and PhD programs
• A cleanroom window tour (1h)

The program will also feature dedicated networking opportunities, fostering exchanges between academia, research institutes, and industry experts active in semiconductor education and research.

Registration & practicals

• When: Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27, 2026
• Timing: 2 full days
• Where: imec HQ, Leuven, Belgium
• Registration deadline: Registration will remain open until capacity is reached. 
  • Important update: Student registrations are fully booked and registration for students has been closed. Students can still join the wait list through the registration button. Faculty members can still register using the link above. 
• Registration fee:
  • Students and PhD researchers: Free
  • Faculty members, lecturers, researchers, and industry professionals: €200 total

Your registration includes all lunches, breaks, and a networking dinner.

Student reimbursement policy

• Students can apply for a reimbursement up to €250 for travel expenses for the entire trip.
• Accommodation reimbursement is capped at €100 per night, with a maximum of 2 nights when attending a single event (either the NanoIC Student Excellence Day or the Winter School), or up to 3 nights when attending both the NanoIC Winter School and Student Excellence Day. 
• In order to be eligible for reimbursement, students must provide:
  • a registration certificate or official proof of enrollment in a university program
  • official invoices for travel (e.g. boarding pass, train ticket) and accommodation expenses (hotel invoice). 
• After having attended the Student Excellence Day, the Winter School, or both, you will receive an invitation via mail to use our external reimbursement app. Through this app, you can upload your transportation and accommodation expenses. Please keep a record of your travel expenses (e.g. boarding pass, train ticket) and accommodation expenses (hotel invoice). 

NanoIC Pilot Line 

This event is organized with the funding of the European Union's Horizon Europe initiative 101183277, which aims to support the NanoIC European pilot line for research, innovation, and communication related to beyond 2nm leading edge System-on-Chip technology across the value chain.