Imec at the Precision Medicine World Conference (PMWC) 2026

Imec, semiconductor power house for health solutions

Imec accelerates the future of healthcare by combining advanced chip technology building blocks, multi-disciplinary expertise and a state-of-the-art infrastructure for innovations in life sciences, neurotechnology, and smart medtech. By integrating sensing, data processing, and scalable manufacturing, imec helps partners turn innovative health concepts into real‑world solutions that improve diagnostics, therapies, and patient care.

Imec's expertise includes:

• Integrated Si and SiN photonics
• Precision fluidics
• Advanced sensing & actuation
• Custom imagers
• Post-processing of functionalities on commercial wafers
• Volume manufacturing 

Microphysiological systems (MPS)

Imec's microphysiological systems (MPS), or organ-on-a-chip technologies, combine silicon-based microfluidics, CMOS-compatible sensors, and multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) to create high-throughput, accurate models of human tissues. These technologies enhance drug screening and reduce animal testing, with applications focusing on heart, brain, and blood-brain barrier models. 

Merck and imec have entered a strategic collaboration to develop a new microphysiological systems (MPS) platform that brings chip technology and cell biology together. The goal is to create highly scalable, data-rich organ‑on‑chip solutions that can better predict how drugs behave in the human body. By combining imec’s semiconductor and sensor expertise with Merck’s deep knowledge in life science and drug development, the partners aim to accelerate safer, more efficient pharmaceutical research and reduce reliance on animal testing. This joint platform is intended to open the door to more reliable preclinical models and faster therapeutic innovation. The Merck/imec collaboration is built as an open model, inviting both end‑users and technology providers to join.

For inquiries regarding imec’s MPS activities, please contact Pawan Jolly, head of strategic partnerships (health) at imec.

Neuropixels

Imec delivers the critical building blocks for smarter neurotech that is more miniaturized, targeted and power efficient. A leading example of this is Neuropixels – Neuropixels probes were developed through an international collaboration funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Wellcome Trust, Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

The probes themselves were designed, developed, and fabricated at imec in Leuven, Belgium, in close collaboration with the HHMI Janelia Research Campus, the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and University College London. This joint effort has produced a new generation of neural probes capable of recording from hundreds to thousands of neurons simultaneously across multiple brain regions – a transformative leap for systems neuroscience.

Visit the Neuropixels website to explore the Neuropixels platform, community, and resources.

Solid-state nanopores

Imec is developing advanced solid‑state nanopore technologies that push the boundaries of single-molecule sensing and protein/DNA/RNA sequencing. By leveraging its world‑leading expertise in semiconductor fabrication, imec creates highly precise, scalable nanopore structures integrated with on‑chip electronics. These engineered pores enable controlled detection of single molecules as they pass through, opening the door to faster, more robust, and more cost‑effective sequencing platforms. Through innovations in materials, pore geometry, and signal processing, imec aims to deliver nanopore solutions that combine high throughput with exceptional sensitivity – paving the way for new applications in genomics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

For partnership opportunities or feasibility studies, please contact Erik Crawford, strategic partnerships manager (health) at imec.

IC-Link – chip innovation, delivered

Alongside its R&D and venturing activities, imec is also strongly committed to IC manufacturing. IC‑Link by imec helps companies, researchers, and startups turn innovative chip concepts into real, manufacturable integrated circuits. Acting as a bridge between design teams and semiconductor foundries, IC‑link provides access to advanced manufacturing technologies, MPW (multi‑project wafer) runs, packaging, testing, and supply‑chain support. With decades of experience and strong partnerships across the global semiconductor ecosystem, IC‑link enables fast, cost‑efficient prototyping and reliable volume production. Whether for ASICs, photonics, MEMS, or cutting‑edge research chips, IC‑link guides customers through every step of the process.