The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has launched the NextGen project, a strategic initiative to design the next generations of FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator) semiconductor chips. The core objective is to develop more efficient and energy-efficient chips, ensuring France and Europe maintain control over advanced components and remain competitive in future microelectronics markets.
NextGen focuses on advancing FD-SOI technology, a specialty of European semiconductor research, known for its power efficiency advantages—a critical factor for applications like IoT, automotive, and edge computing. By spearheading this R&D effort, the CEA aims to secure technological sovereignty, reducing dependency on foreign chip designs and manufacturing processes. The project underscores a broader European push to bolster its semiconductor ecosystem amid global supply chain tensions and strategic competition.