Bavarian Chip-Design-Center (BCDC)

More innovation through chip design

The semiconductor and chip crisis has had a serious impact on industrial companies worldwide. A high level of dependence on Asian and American suppliers and value chains regularly poses major challenges for the Bavarian, German and European economies. The Bavarian economy in particular (automotive, medical technology, IT) is heavily dependent on microelectronic components.

Chip design plays a central role in the process from the idea to the finished chip, as it translates the requirements into functionalities and thus shapes the final product innovations.

The Bavarian Chip Design Center (BCDC) has set itself the goal of further expanding chip design capabilities in Bavaria and providing companies, especially start-ups and SMEs, with easier access to chip design and the necessary supply chains.

Funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, the BCDC can further expand its research expertise and, together with five Bavarian colleges and universities, develop into a leading competence center for chip design in Bavaria.

Three Fraunhofer Institutes are working together to achieve this:

The BCDC is organised in three pillars:

 

The IC - DESIGN ECOSYSTEM supports the development of specific solutions in the areas of sensor & actuator systems and AI, digital signal processing, secure system-on-chip and chiplets. It develops IP portfolios for innovative technologies.

The IC - DESIGN TALENTS pillar addresses the shortage of skilled workers in chip design through on-the-job training for talented individuals, fast training courses and sustainable measures to attract young talent.

IC - SUPPLY CHAIN supports companies in accessing the production and testing of their own integrated circuits as prototypes and small series.

In addition to expanding research capacities, the BCDC is establishing a network with industry, driving forward strategic initiatives at the national and EU levels.

 

Measures for sustainably more skilled workers in chip design

 

Low-threshold access to chips in small volumes

 

Building blocks for future chips

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Event / 23.10.2026

Invitation to the BCDC Meet-up Call (in German language)

Overview of the BCDC's key topics and in-depth insights into selected areas of focus.

10.-13.11.2026 | Munich

electronica 2026

Exchange ideas with us at electronica 2026 from November 10 to 13 in Munich. Our experts in the fields of neuromorphic computing, ultra-low-power wake-up receivers, IC design, sensor systems and the Bavarian Chip-Design-Center await you. 

Visit us in Hall C5, Stand 241 – we look forward to seeing you!

 

Magazin article

The next generation of chip design

The BCDC promotes young talent for a key technology. 

 

Magazin article

Customized chip solutions

Four decisive advantages: How companies benefit from collaborating with Fraunhofer IIS in chip design!

 

BCDC-News

Do you always want to be informed about the latest developments at BCDC? Then sign up for our BCDC news (in German language).

Play an active role in shaping Bavaria's technological sovereignty in the semiconductor sector!