“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳?”💭
“Never be afraid of anything. Trust yourself.”
We asked our colleagues what advice they would give their younger selves, and in this video they share the lessons, challenges, and moments that shaped who they are today.
From pursuing a passion for technology and science, to finding belonging in a workplace with more than 100 nationalities under one roof, their stories reflect authenticity, ambition, and the power of human connection.
Because at imec, innovation happens when people can truly be themselves.
🎥 Meet the people behind the innovation and hear the advice they’d pass on today.
#futureatimec
Ever wondered what a master's student does at imec?
Inspired by our Student Excellence Day in October 2024, Y Vi Thach recently joined imec's optoelectronics team to conduct research for her master's thesis (Msc in Material Science and Engineering at @ethzurich ). Take a look at the video to discover what her life at imec looks like, from research in the lab to wrapping up the day at an inspiring @tedxkuleuven event.
💡 Thinking about joining imec as a student?
Explore all academic opportunities on our job page (link in bio).
#lifeatimec #womeninSTEM #futureatimec
Good leadership leaves traces in the way an organization shows up.
This aftermovie captures how deeply Luc is appreciated. Not just for the technology he helped advance, but for the people, the culture, and the belief that progress happens when we move forward together. Luc was moved. And so were we.
Thank you, Luc, for your leadership, your humanity, and for shaping imec into the place it is today: a community built on collaboration and respect.
Thank you, Luc, for the impact you made as a CEO, and for what lies ahead as Chairman of imec.
Today marks Luc Van den hove’s last day as CEO of imec. As of tomorrow, he steps into his new role as Chairman of imec. Before turning the page, we take a moment to reflect on an exceptional journey, from a young researcher to the CEO of the world’s leading chip R&D lab.
More than 40 years ago, Luc joined imec at its very beginning. Back then, breaking the 1-micron barrier was a bold ambition. Today, we are on the verge of 2nm.
“Even for someone who has witnessed this evolution from the front row, that is mind-blowing.” But Luc’s story is not just about technology, it’s about people, vision, and perseverance. Early in his career, he was already negotiating with global industry players, helping shape the collaboration model that would later define imec, built on trust, partnership, and the belief that working together enables breakthroughs no one can achieve alone.
Seventeen years ago, after a long day of meetings, a simple question over dinner changed everything: Would you be willing to become CEO? He said yes.
What followed was a period of remarkable growth, but also moments of uncertainty, where leadership meant staying open, decisive, and human. “Never say no. Never give up. Stay humble.” It’s a philosophy that shaped not only his leadership, but the culture of imec itself.
Today, as Luc hands over the role of CEO, we don’t just mark the end of a chapter. We celebrate a journey that helped shape imec into what it is today, and that will continue in a new role, as Chairman.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗟𝘂𝗰.
Read the full story via the link in bio, and discover how Luc helped build the foundations of imec.
🌍 International Women’s Day
At imec, women drive innovation forward every day, as researchers, engineers, leaders, and role models. Together, they form a strong and inspiring community shaping the future of technology.
One of them is imen jadli, Portfolio Manager at imec and the face of our latest video in the series “What advice would you give your younger self?” Her answer? “Do exactly what you did.”
From assistant professor in Tunisia to R&D engineer and now Portfolio Manager at imec, Imene’s journey is defined by bold choices, exploring new horizons, and continuous growth, both professionally and personally.
At imec, we believe that this strength makes the difference. Diversity in people and perspectives accelerates innovation and enables new breakthroughs.
Get inspired by Imene’s story. 🎥
#InternationalWomensDay #WomeninSTEM #futureatimec
𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗜𝗧𝗙 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 | 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵–𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗽
The race toward the next frontier in artificial intelligence is accelerating. Reaching next-generation AI, however, requires sustained innovation and close collaboration across the global technology ecosystem, enabling breakthroughs in healthcare, mobility, robotics, and beyond.
At ITF World, industry leaders will explore strategic paths to an AI-defined future and the key enablers shaping the road ahead.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗧𝗙 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱
• Hear strategic insights from leaders shaping AI and semiconductor innovation
• Learn how energy-efficient hardware and sub-2nm advances enable next-gen AI
• Connect with 2,000+ deep-tech professionals across industry, start-ups, policy, and investment
• Experience live demos of technologies powering future AI applications
With its unique position at the crossroads of the semiconductor ecosystem, imec brings together the partners, technologies, and ideas needed to move the industry forward.
Info & registration via link in bio.
#ITFWorld2026 #AI #Semiconductors #DeepTech #Innovation
✨ Thank you for making imec sparkle brighter than ever! ✨
A record-high number of colleagues across all imec offices participated in our Spread Your Sparkle winter initiative this year. For every person in a photo, €1 was raised for the Empowering Girls Through Education project in Kenya (in collaboration with @hope.for.girls ).
Thanks to all colleagues, imec will donate €3.694 and support the long-term educational journeys of 8 young girls.
#spreadyoursparkle #education #sustainablechange #levensloop
Behind every breakthrough, milestone, and new project, there are people.
In 2025, our colleagues experienced highlights big and small: starting new journeys, working closely as teams, advancing research, meeting new faces, and many learning opportunities. Together, these moments shaped a year full of progress. Not just for imec, but for the community that makes it happen every day.
Here’s a glimpse of what made 2025 memorable for us.
2025 was a year of growth, collaboration, innovation, and impact at imec.
Building on our legacy of world-class R&D, we strengthened our leadership in semiconductor research by expanding into important regions and connecting new hubs and fabs worldwide. Collaboration remained at the heart of this progress: by deepening strategic partnerships with technology centers that bring complementary expertise and infrastructure, we accelerate technological breakthroughs while creating mutual opportunities for local ecosystems and talent, shaping a stronger and more connected global semiconductor ecosystem.
People make it all possible. Attracting diverse talent and fostering skills development are key to driving innovation and supporting the future of the industry. Together, our 6,500 colleagues turn bold ideas into impact.
Watch our 2025 highlights in numbers! 👀
#futureatimec #imec
On December 11, we came together for imec’s open.minds 2025.
Open.minds is our annual gathering with colleagues to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next. It’s a moment to listen, exchange perspectives, and revisit the milestones we reached across imec.
And of course, it wouldn’t be open.minds without taking some time to celebrate. Great conversations, good food and drinks, followed by a lively party filled with impressive dance moves and sparkling outfits — some even featuring Christmas lights — made it a welcome break from the daily routine and a great way to wrap up the year.
Open.minds is a reminder that imec moves forward because of its people and the way we work together. Thanks to everyone who joined and helped make this edition so memorable. Wishing everyone a wonderful end to the year and a good start to the next.
#openminds #imec #futureatimec
🌟 Innovatie in de kleuterklas!
Smart Symbols, ontwikkeld binnen Smart Education at Schools, is nu beschikbaar in zes talen.
Een echte game-changer voor kleuterleerkrachten: dankzij Smart Symbols kunnen ze (spel)activiteiten én de sociaal-cognitieve ontwikkeling van kleuters eenvoudiger volgen én sturen.
Dank aan alle fantastische partners:
VBS De Peereboom • VBS De Bunderboog • VBS Brugske Slyps • VBS Sint-Jan • VBS Sint-Eloois-Winkel • VBS De Fontein • Fourcast • Optis • Pozyx • imec Vlaanderen • imec.istart • EdTech Station • VLAIO
👉 🎥 Bekijk de video via de link in onze bio.
💩 Zin in warme weetjes over inslikbare technologie en geurende gassen, euh… gegevens live uit Brams binnenkant? Ontdek ze in de nieuwste aflevering van Wetenschapje, deze keer in de vorm van Radio Rectum! 📲 Luister op Spotify of op www.wetenschapje.be.
💙 Deze aflevering kwam tot stand met de steun van Imec.
🧠 Aniek Even (gastspreker)
🗣️ Leen Renders (concept, host en regie)
🎛️ Bram Coumans (klank en muziek)
👊🏼 Katarina Martynowski, Marijke Guetens, Laure Budts, Pieter-Jan Vinckx (achter de schermen)
🖌️ Sam Vanbelle (illustratie)
#geluidshuis #audioproductie #podcast #podcastvoorkinderen #wetenschapje #wetenschap #wetenschapvoorkinderen #imec
