ITF2017 Belgium was a success
ITF2017 Belgium (May 16-17), the flagship edition of the worldwide series of imec Technology Forums, was a success. This year’s event was extra special as it was the first ITF Belgium since the merger between imec and iMinds. Hence, the central theme ‘Nano-Bytes Creating Magic’ was all about celebrating the fusion between nanoelectronics and digital technologies and the magic that happens when these two fields meet.
More than 1,800 participants from all over the world gathered in the center of Antwerp to discuss the technology of the future. On the exhibition floor, over 50 demo booths were set up to demonstrate imec’s newest tech innovations. The event’s guest of honor was Dr. Kinam Kim, President and General Manager of Semiconductor Business at Samsung Electronics, who was granted imec’s Lifetime of Innovation Award for his strategic vision and undeniable impact on the semiconductor industry.
Interested in joining us next year? TF2018 Belgium will take place on 23 and 24 May. Save the date!
Nine imec researchers in the top 50 of Belgian tech pioneers
In a special magazine issue, Belgian business newspaper De Tijd celebrated Belgium’s 50 tech pioneers. Imec is proud to say that 9 of its researchers were included in this list of top researchers that help shape the future with advanced, new technology (i.e. plastic electronics, advanced health wearables, collaborative robots, cryptography, etc.)
Imec introduces world’s first thin-silicon implantable chip for high-precision haptic prosthetics
Imec has developed a prototype implantable chip that can be lodged inside a nerve bundle instead of around it. With 64 electrodes, and a possible extension to 128, it promises patients better control over their prosthetic arm and hand and the possibility of finer haptic feedback, thus recreating a sense of touch. Read more about it in this press release.
20,000 euros to support cancer research
Imec participated in ‘Relay for Life, a festive event, organized around a 24-hour run, that takes place at different locations across the world. The aim is to bring people together as a community to pay tribute to cancer patients’ daily battle with the disease and to raise money for cancer research. This year, 130 imec employees participated in the Relay for Life event organized in Leuven (Belgium). Imec also raised extra money by organizing a number of smaller events (dessert buffet, nature run, start to run, etc.) in advance. This way the company managed to contribute about 20,000 euros to support cancer research.
Imec develops self-learning chip inspired by the human brain
At ITF, imec demonstrated the world’s smallest and most energy-efficient neuromorphic chip. This self-learning chip, which is inspired by the human brain, uses machine learning to compose new music. But neuromorphic chips can of course also be applied in many other domains. They could, for instance, learn to detect problematic heart rate patterns, thus predicting heart failure. As imec has advanced in-house expertise in both software and hardware, we are ideally positioned to pave the way in this fascinating, new research field. Learn more about it in this press release and watch the video on the self-learning chip or enjoy the music it composed.
Published on:
5 June 2017
