ICOS VISION SYSTEMS NV

Their core work

ICOS Vision Systems (now part of KLA Corporation) develops advanced inspection and metrology equipment for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Their core business is vision-based systems that measure, inspect, and control chip fabrication processes — ensuring defects are caught and quality maintained at nanometer scales. Within EU projects, they contribute specialized metrology and inspection capabilities to large-scale pilot lines and technology integration efforts targeting next-generation semiconductor nodes and advanced electronic packaging.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2017–2018), ICOS focused on semiconductor process equipment and power electronics pilot lines, contributing to foundational manufacturing infrastructure like the R3-PowerUP 300mm line and the 5nm integration effort TAKEMI5. From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward metrology, AI-based inspection, and advanced packaging — reflecting the industry's growing need for intelligent quality control at ever-smaller nodes. The progression from hardware contributions to AI-augmented measurement platforms signals a company moving up the value chain from equipment supplier to smart manufacturing enabler.

ICOS is moving toward intelligent, AI-driven inspection and metrology for sub-5nm semiconductor nodes and heterogeneous system integration — expect continued focus on smart factory measurement solutions.

How they like to work

ICOS primarily participates as a specialist partner in large Innovation Action consortia, having joined 4 of 5 projects as a participant. Their single coordinator role (APPLAUSE) shows they can lead when the topic aligns with their core packaging inspection expertise. With 127 unique partners across 19 countries, they operate within the massive ECSEL/KDT-style consortia typical of European semiconductor initiatives — meaning they are well-networked but function as a focused technology contributor rather than a consortium architect.

ICOS has collaborated with 127 unique partners across 19 countries, reflecting deep integration into Europe's semiconductor ecosystem through large-scale pilot line and technology programs. Their network spans the major European chip-making nations and connects them to fabs, equipment makers, research institutes, and end-users across the continent.

What sets them apart

ICOS brings specialized vision-based inspection and metrology capabilities that sit at a critical quality control bottleneck in semiconductor manufacturing — where nanometer-level defects determine yield and profitability. As part of KLA Corporation (the global leader in process control equipment), they combine the agility of a European R&D unit with the backing of a major industry player. For consortium builders, this means access to world-class inspection technology, deep semiconductor process knowledge, and a partner with real commercial deployment pathways beyond the project.

Highlights from their portfolio

• APPLAUSE
  Their only coordinator role (EUR 512K), focused on advanced photonics and optics packaging — demonstrates leadership in a niche where vision inspection meets emerging sensor technologies.
• MADEin4
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 524K), combining metrology with AI and cyber-physical systems for Industry 4.0 manufacturing control.
• ID2PPAC
  Participation in the 2nm node integration effort signals involvement at the absolute frontier of semiconductor technology scaling.