TEL and imec extend partnership into life science related research

Leuven (Belgium) – October 4, 2012 – Tokyo Electron (TEL) and imec announce the participation of TEL in imec’s bio-research program Human++. The agreement includes collaboration on bio-sensors and specialty imaging.

One of the research tracks within imec’s Human++ program is the development of next-generation platforms, for automated cell inspection methods in order to create pluripotent stem cells in clinical grade. The agreement between TEL and imec includes the development of high-quality imagers and sensors for a platform for inspection of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs). A compact lens-free imager will be developed at imec to monitor IPSC colonies, and a silicon photonics biosensor to quantify biomolecules involved in stem cell proliferation.

To further strengthen their collaboration, TEL will participate in imec’s resident researcher program and send, for the first time, a researcher to imec for joint research in the life science field.

“By participating in imec’s "Human++" program, TEL believes it will be possible to apply the technological strengths and expertise—both tangible and intangible—it has gained in the semiconductor production equipment business to the life science field. Imec’s extensive multidisciplinary track record is expected to be the ideal breeding ground to develop new technologies supporting next-generation life science solutions,” said Yoshio Kinoshita. “Moreover, imec’s unique environment of a semiconductor cleanroom combined with biolabs and a multidisciplinairy team of engineers, physicists, biomedical and chemical scientists, allows in-house cultivation of stem cell colonies, biochemistry development, and in-house testing with biological molecules and stem cell colonies.”

“Imec’s vision on future healthcare is one of high-quality and affordable diagnosis and treatment. We want to advance that vision by providing innovative top-notch electronics solutions to our partners,” said Peter Peumans, director life sciences program at imec. “I am delighted with this new agreement, broadening our collaboration scope with TEL from semiconductor technologies to life sciences. This collaboration endorses our expertise in life sciences and the value of our offering to TEL throughout our long-term strategic collaboration in the framework of imec’s advanced lithography affiliation program.”

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CMOS chip with a matrix of micronails with various dimensions, packaged in a dish suitable for cell cultures. With these micronail-electrodes individual cells can be stimulated and recorded. This platform for two-way electrical communication can be an interesting instrument for research on in-vitro cell cultures (e.g. Alzheimer research; drug development).
 

About imec

Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of close to 2,000 people includes more than 600 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2011, imec's revenue (P&L) was about 300 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

About Tokyo Electron

TOKYO ELECTRON LTD. (TEL), established in 1963, is a leading supplier of innovative semiconductor and FPD production equipment worldwide. Product lines include coater/developers, thermal processing systems, plasma etch systems, CVD systems, surface preparation systems, and test systems. To support this diverse product base, TEL has strategically located research and development, manufacturing, sales, and service locations all over the world. TEL is a publicly held company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. http://www.tel.com

Contact:

imec : Hanne Degans, External communications officer, T: +32 16 28 17 69, Mobile : +32 486 06 51 75, Hanne.Degans@imec.be
Tokyo Electron : Public Relations Group, telpr@tel.com