SCCC takes centre stage as National Semiconductor Centre opens

Published 15 September 2025

On 22 September, the Swedish Chips Competence Centre (SCCC) will open in The Loop in Lund. With Lund University as the host partner, researchers, start-ups and industry partners are coming together to strengthen Sweden's and Europe's position in semiconductor technology.

A shared vision for Swedish and European semiconductor technology

Semiconductor technology is crucial for everything from mobile phones and electric vehicles to power plants and medical technology. In the wake of the pandemic and changing geopolitical conditions, the need for European expertise in chip design and manufacturing has become increasingly urgent. In Lund, several research groups and centres for semiconductor research moved into The Loop in spring 2025, a hub for innovation close to the MAX IV and ESS research facilities.

SCCC (pronounced S triple C) is run by Lund University together with Chalmers Industriteknik and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. The centre is primarily aimed at start-ups and small companies in Sweden and Europe, with the goal of offering cutting-edge education and access to testing and development environments.

Dr Maria Huffman returns back to Lund to lead the work

Dr Maria Huffman has been recruited from the Washington Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Washington to lead the work in Sweden. She is returning to Lund University, where she was director of Lund Nanolab from 2015 to 2019, so she is familiar to many from before. This makes things easier, as a large part of her work involves building networks and collaborations.

"Professionally, coming back to Sweden and Lund University was an easy choice since I see a lot of potential with the SCCC and the European Chips activities that can establish Sweden as a vibrant ecosystem for semiconductors. This area combines research excellence, many SMEs, key big companies, and a good business climate. We have a lot of work to do to have a winning, long-term strategy but that is the challenge that drew me back to Lund."

"On a personal level, coming back to Sweden has felt almost like homecoming. Lots of familiar faces and places as well as some life-long friends."

Tailor-made training in areas of strength

SCCC is part of a larger European initiative in which similar competence centres are being established in several countries to create a coherent network for innovation and education. Sweden can promote profile areas such as power electronics for electric vehicles, high-frequency technology for telecommunications and advanced materials for sustainable electronics.

“We will offer specialised training and access to test and development environments so that even smaller companies dare to invest in semiconductor technology and receive support with financing and contacts,” says Maria Huffman.

Some courses and open webinars may be of interest to researchers and students at Lund University. More information about current events is available on the centre's website, via LinkedIn and in a bi-monthly newsletter.

“Everyone has different strengths and skills within the semiconductor value chain, and through effective collaboration we can strengthen regional and European competitiveness in this highly complex and global ecosystem,” says Maria Huffman.