European Chipmakers Unite in Darmstadt to Strengthen AI‑Ready Semiconductor Value Chain
(IN BRIEF) Merck brought together top executives from Merck, Siemens, Intel, TRUMPF, and ZEISS in Darmstadt to highlight Europe’s critical contributions to the global semiconductor industry. With leading-edge capabilities in materials, lasers, optics, electronics, chip‑design software, and automation, these companies play central roles in manufacturing AI‑optimized chips. The gathering emphasized the need for tighter collaboration across the value chain—including materials, equipment, and design—and called on policymakers to bolster local production through talent development, infrastructure upgrades, competitive energy pricing, reduced bureaucracy, and faster approvals. Executives from each firm underlined Europe’s hidden strengths and the importance of uniting industry and government to lead in AI and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 15-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Merck today convened leading figures from the semiconductor sector in Darmstadt to explore Germany and Europe’s pivotal role in powering the global chip industry. With deep expertise in materials science, lasers, optics, electronics, chip‑design software, and smart manufacturing, companies such as Merck, Siemens, Intel, TRUMPF, and ZEISS collectively drive the creation of next‑generation semiconductors—especially those underpinning artificial intelligence. Europe’s strong R&D ecosystem and innovative prowess provide a solid base for competitive advancement. By collaborating more closely across the entire value chain—from materials and equipment to design and production—European firms can accelerate breakthroughs while satisfying the exacting requirements of chip manufacturing.
“At Merck, we engineer innovations at the atomic scale to create outsized impact,” explained Kai Beckmann, Member of Merck’s Executive Board and CEO Electronics. “Europe’s footprint in semiconductors and AI is far larger than often perceived. Yet to shape the global market, industry and policymakers must unite and leverage our collective strengths.”
This industry alliance, initiated by Merck, calls for a strategic strengthening of Europe’s semiconductor capabilities. Beyond fabrication, priority must shift to upstream segments such as chip design, equipment engineering, and advanced materials. “We must tap into Europe’s hidden strengths to lead the AI revolution,” said Cedrik Neike, Siemens AG Managing Board Member and CEO of Digital Industries. “As a key provider of chip‑design and industrial software, we support customers from initial design through high‑tech production to AI‑driven applications.”
Despite these assets, Europe currently lags in cutting‑edge semiconductor production and AI‑enabling technologies. Expanding local manufacturing capacity will require bolstering regional demand, addressing talent shortages, upgrading infrastructure, and reforming economic conditions—ranging from competitive energy pricing to streamlined regulations and faster permitting.
“Intel is sharing its technological expertise to accelerate Europe’s digital transformation alongside industry, academia, and government,” noted Sonja Pierer, Germany Country Manager for Intel Corporation. “We aim to tailor pioneering solutions that foster a resilient, innovative, and sustainable chip ecosystem in Europe—enhancing competitiveness, independence, and supply‑chain security.”
Berthold Schmidt, CTO of TRUMPF, added, “Our high‑power lasers and plasma‑process electronics have fueled the semiconductor industry for years. European policymakers must maintain an industrial‑friendly agenda to preserve global leadership. By partnering with equipment makers, materials specialists, and chip designers, we can advance Europe’s technology leadership and set worldwide standards.”
Thomas Stammler, CTO of ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, concluded, “ZEISS optics are used in roughly 80 percent of microchip production globally, placing us at the heart of digitalization. Moving forward, interdisciplinary teamwork will be essential to conquer the complexities of modern chip development and fabrication.”
About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.
Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.
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SOURCE: Merck
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