20210216_FLIX-031.jpg

How East Netherlands is shaping the future of ChipTech – with New Origin leading the way

New Origin

From its base in Twente, New Origin is making a unique contribution to Europe’s chip ambitions. As demand for photonic chips grows and geopolitical tensions rise, Europe must ensure it has the facilities to design and produce these chips independently. The European Union has set a clear goal: by 2030, 20% of the world’s chips should be manufactured in Europe. Achieving this requires scaling up from research infrastructure to full production capacity. A concrete step in that direction is the construction of New Origin in Twente.In Enschede, New Origin is taking shape: the world’s first facility dedicated entirely to manufacturing silicon nitride photonic chips. Unlike traditional chips, photonic chips use light instead of electricity, making them faster, more energy-efficient, and more reliable. They are essential for technologies such as AI, medical devices, and quantum computing. With New Origin, the Eastern Netherlands is establishing a crucial link in Europe’s semiconductor value chain.<h2>From research to industrial capacity</h2>New Origin builds on decades of expertise developed at institutions such as the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente. The new facility represents a decisive shift from research to production – a milestone in the development of an integrated photonics ecosystem.Silicon nitride is the breakthrough technology that makes New Origin unique on a global scale. The facility complements other production hubs across Europe and directly supports the EU Chips Act, reinforcing Europe’s ability to produce chips on its own soil.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:92.23%;"><img src="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/New_Origin_artist_impression_1_56c1c99458.jpg" alt="New_Origin-artist-impression (1).jpg" srcset="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/thumbnail_New_Origin_artist_impression_1_56c1c99458.jpg 245w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/small_New_Origin_artist_impression_1_56c1c99458.jpg 500w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/medium_New_Origin_artist_impression_1_56c1c99458.jpg 750w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/large_New_Origin_artist_impression_1_56c1c99458.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>Artist impression New Origin facility</figcaption></figure><h2>An ecosystem with impact</h2>New Origin is the result of strong collaboration between the University of Twente, Oost NL, PhotonDelta, Bronkhorst, Demcon, LioniX, and Micronit, supported by the Province of Overijssel and private investors. Together, they have created the conditions to industrialize the region’s expertise and capabilities. This integrated approach is not just a technological breakthrough – it is also a social and economic one. The region is evolving into a deeptech engine, creating hundreds of new jobs and securing a strong position in the global chip technology ecosystem. With New Origin, the Eastern Netherlands becomes a strategic launchpad for Europe’s photonics industry.The impact goes well beyond technology. The facility will create opportunities at every educational level – from academics to skilled technicians – and attract new businesses to the region. As Twan Korthorst, CEO of New Origin, puts it: “With initiatives like this, you often see new startups emerge or other photonics companies establish themselves nearby. It spreads like wildfire. The facility stimulates innovation and job creation, strengthening the position of the Eastern Netherlands and of Europe on the global stage.”<h2>Contributing directly to europe’s ambitions</h2>By the end of 2027, New Origin aims to deliver its first photonic chips. In doing so, it will make a direct contribution to the EU Chips Act and to Europe’s strategic autonomy in this key technology.This story will also be highlighted during the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) in October 2025, when the Eastern Netherlands showcases its contribution to Europe’s semiconductor sector. On October 14, Think East Netherlands will host the networking event “Connecting regional semiconductor ecosystems” in Brussels.Together, we make chip technology work – for the Netherlands and for Europe. #MakeChipTechWork