INTEGRATED DETECTOR ELECTRONICS AS

Their core work

Integrated Detector Electronics AS (IDEAS) is a Norwegian SME that designs application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and readout electronics for advanced sensor systems. Their work spans detector interfaces for neutron detection, photonics packaging, 3D-integrated smart sensors, and mixed-signal chip design. They serve as a specialist electronics partner to European research consortia that need custom IC design for scientific instruments, imaging systems, and industrial sensor applications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their earliest H2020 involvement (2014-2015) included a feasibility study on holographic security scanning and joining a neutron detector project — both indicating broad detector electronics capability without a narrow focus. From 2018 onward, they shifted decisively toward semiconductor integration and advanced packaging, with 3D-MUSE and APPLAUSE centering on smart sensor interfaces, mixed-signal design, MEMS, and photonics packaging. The trajectory shows a move from general detector readout electronics toward deep specialization in 3D-integrated sensor systems and European semiconductor manufacturing.

IDEAS is positioning itself as a go-to European SME for custom mixed-signal ASIC design within the growing EU push for sovereign semiconductor and photonics manufacturing capabilities.

How they like to work

IDEAS operates predominantly as a specialist partner (3 of 4 projects), bringing niche IC design expertise to larger consortia. With 40 unique partners across 12 countries from just 4 projects, they work in sizeable European consortia rather than small bilateral arrangements. Their single coordination was a Phase 1 SME Instrument feasibility study, suggesting they prefer the technical contributor role over consortium management.

Despite only 4 projects, IDEAS has built a broad network of 40 partners spanning 12 countries, indicating they join well-connected European consortia in the detector and semiconductor space. Their Oslo base connects them to both Nordic research institutions and wider European microelectronics ecosystems.

What sets them apart

IDEAS occupies a rare niche as a European SME offering custom ASIC and mixed-signal readout design — a capability typically found only at large semiconductor houses or major research labs. Their combination of detector electronics heritage with recent 3D integration and photonics packaging work makes them a versatile IC design partner for any consortium that needs custom sensor electronics but cannot rely on off-the-shelf chips. For coordinators building sensor-heavy proposals, IDEAS brings proven H2020 delivery experience with the agility of a small specialist firm.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 3D-MUSE
  Their largest project (EUR 753k) and most technically focused — sequential 3D integration for smart sensor interfaces represents their core future direction.
• APPLAUSE
  Directly addresses European photonics and electronics packaging manufacturing competitiveness, covering an unusually wide application range from MEMS to cardiac monitoring to datacom.
• HOLOSCAN
  Their only coordinated project — a security-sector feasibility study on holographic people screening, showing entrepreneurial initiative beyond their usual partner role.