Student Excellence Day, Winter Edition 2026

Ever wondered what it’s like to contribute to the future of semiconductor innovation? The NanoIC Student Excellence Day, hosted at imec's headquarters in Leuven, offers a unique opportunity to discover how cutting-edge semiconductor research is transformed into real-world industrial impact. You'll learn about the role imec, world leader in microchip research, plays in bringing  fundamental research to the semiconductor industry, discover best-in-class research opportunities, and connect with imec experts in an informal setting.

When and where? 

• When: Wednesday, 25 November
• Timing: Full day, including poster session
• Where: imec HQ, Leuven, Belgium

Who can apply? 

Are you a third year bachelor's, master’s or PhD student in a STEM field (electrical engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, physics, and related domains)? And you are curious about how your skills could shape the future of semiconductors, this event is for you! 

How to apply? 

As places are limited, there is a short application process to review your profile. How do you distinguish yourself from others at an academic level? Feel free to provide your average grade of your current academic program and any other info (e.g. GPA if available) that you want to share. 

The application deadline is 25 October 2026. All applications will be reviewed in the following week. The outcome of the selection process will be communicated no later than 2 November to ensure the selected applicants have enough time to make their travel arrangements. 

The application link will be added shortly. 

In order to submit your application, you will need a user account for imec academy. Once that account has been set up, you can start the application process. 
Need some help in registering? Click for a step by step manual.

Good to know

The Student Excellence Day is immediately followed by the NanoIC Winter School on Embedded Memories on 26-27 November 2026 at imec Leuven.

Student Reimbursement Policy

• Students can apply for a reimbursement up to EUR 250 for travel expenses for the entire trip.
• Accommodation reimbursement is capped at EUR 100 per night, with a maximum of 2 nights when attending a single event (either the NanoIC Student Excellence Day or the Spring School), or up to 3 nights when attending both the NanoIC Spring 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 Spring 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. Reimbursement requests will only be processed if complete documentation is provided by 31 December.

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.