Saxony:
European Centre for Microelectronics and Semiconductors
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FROM THE EASTERN BLOC TO EUROPE'S CORE
Author and responsible for content / All information were compiled and published by: Stefan Schandera, Gigahertz Ventures GmbH (Dresden, Germany)
In the GDR, Dresden and Chemnitz (then Karl-Marx-Stadt) were known as the “Silicon Valley of the Eastern Bloc” – home to chip development, early automation, and a strong tradition in electronics and computing. That legacy didn’t vanish after reunification. It became the foundation for what is now Europe’s leading microelectronics hub.
Silicon Saxony Today
Saxony hosts over 500 companies in the semiconductor value chain, centered around the Silicon Saxony cluster in Dresden. Around 80,000 people work in the industry – from materials and design to fabrication and software. In 2023, TSMC committed €10 billion to a Dresden fab, joined by Bosch, Infineon, and NXP. The move strengthens Europe’s chip sovereignty at a critical moment.
Research with Industry Impact
TU Dresden, one of Germany’s top research universities, plays a key role. Its expertise in embedded systems, photonics, and nanoelectronics is directly tied to industry. Institutes like Fraunhofer IPMS support the entire ecosystem.
Why This Matters for Ukraine
Ukraine brings a strong tradition in electronics, embedded systems, and control software – and now, a national semiconductor strategy. What’s often missing is industrial infrastructure. Saxony offers access to cleanrooms, design tools, supply networks, and EU certification pathways.
Ukrainian engineers already deliver high-level work in defense, energy, and automation. What’s needed is scale and system access – not just support, but co-development.
A Platform for Joint Development
This is not about outsourcing – it’s about aligning two capable ecosystems. Ukraine has significantly advanced its capabilities in electronics and manufacturing over the past years and is now implementing a national semiconductor strategy with clear industrial ambitions.
Saxony offers established infrastructure and integration experience; Ukraine brings flexibility, speed, and a new wave of high-end engineering. Together, they can jointly develop components, systems, and certified production lines – across both regions.
The challenges align – and the capabilities are complementary. Now is the time to connect semiconductor strategies and build real industrial value – together.