imec Launches Regional R&D Hub in Qatar to Drive Innovation

At the Mobile World Congress in Doha, held on November 25, 2025, imec announced its plans to establish a regional research and development hub in Qatar. This initiative, set to launch in early 2026, is backed by Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, and the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Council (QRDI). The new centre aims to harness Qatar’s advanced infrastructure to foster innovation and support imec’s expansion across the Gulf region.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are increasingly focusing on economic diversification, sustainability, and technological advancements, particularly in semiconductor development. The establishment of imec’s hub aligns with these regional ambitions. During the signing ceremony, which included signatures from key Qatari officials, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its potential contributions to Qatar’s innovation landscape.

Focus on Advanced Technologies and Talent Development

Located within the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), imec’s facility will concentrate on accelerating digital transformation in the region. The hub will introduce IC-Link by imec, specializing in chip design expertise, to benefit both Qatar and the broader Middle East. Key projects will include developing process design kits (PDKs) for cutting-edge technologies such as silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and silicon interposers.

In addition to research and development, imec is committed to nurturing semiconductor talent through various programs, including internships and PhD initiatives, in partnership with universities and startups. This approach aims to establish a robust talent pipeline in the semiconductor field, enhancing local capabilities and fostering innovation.

Imec’s hiring process has already begun, with the goal of employing approximately 100 staff members by 2030. Positions available will range from site management to research engineering roles, all pivotal for the successful operation of the new hub.

Statements from Leadership

Luc Van den hove, President and CEO of imec, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “After growing our footprint across Europe, the USA, and Asia, we are proud to add another chapter to our internationalisation strategy with the launch of our Qatar hub.” He expressed confidence that the hub will play a crucial role in supporting regional semiconductor innovation and contribute to a diversified, sustainable economy.

Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, noted that this partnership exemplifies Qatar’s strong investment ecosystem. He remarked, “Ranked first in the region for foreign investment policy and equipped with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, Qatar is solidifying its position as a regional hub for advanced technologies and sustainable R&D investments.”

Similarly, Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of QRDI, highlighted the collaboration’s importance in establishing Qatar as a leader in R&D-driven innovation. He stated, “This collaboration will strengthen local capabilities in advanced computing and AI hardware, build world-class talent, and accelerate technology transfer across research and industry.”

Imec’s foray into Qatar marks a significant step in its global strategy and underlines the growing importance of the region in the high-tech landscape. As the hub begins operations, it is poised to contribute to Qatar’s national innovation agenda while creating new opportunities for talent development and high-tech investment.