FTD Solutions imec partnership is set to strengthen research into sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, with a focus on industrial water systems, chemical modelling, and operational efficiency across fabrication facilities.
FTD Solutions has joined the imec Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS) programme, bringing its expertise in operational water intelligence into one of the sector’s leading collaborative research environments.
The partnership aims to improve how semiconductor manufacturers manage increasingly complex water and chemical systems, particularly as the industry works towards net-zero targets and tighter environmental controls.
FTD Solutions imec partnership addresses water complexity in semiconductor manufacturing
Semiconductor fabrication relies heavily on high-purity water and tightly controlled chemical processes. However, a longstanding challenge within the industry is the separation between manufacturing technologies and facility infrastructure, which can limit system-wide optimisation.
The FTD Solutions imec partnership is focused on bridging this divide by developing more integrated and technically robust models. These models are designed to support decision-making across both production processes and facility-level systems, enabling improved performance, reduced risk, and enhanced water circularity.
One key area of focus is the management of complex contaminants such as PFAS, where effective solutions may require coordinated upstream and downstream interventions. By combining expertise in water intelligence and semiconductor process research, the collaboration aims to provide more holistic and actionable insights for fabrication facilities.
The initiative also seeks to enhance imec’s existing net-zero modelling capabilities by incorporating more detailed representations of wastewater and water reclamation systems, allowing for more accurate sustainability assessments at site level.
Advancing water intelligence in semiconductor sustainability
Industrial water management is becoming increasingly central to semiconductor sustainability strategies, as fabs face growing regulatory pressure and operational complexity. Water is not only a critical input but also a major factor in environmental impact, particularly in regions experiencing water stress.
By integrating advanced modelling with operational data, the FTD Solutions imec partnership aims to deliver clearer water accounting and improved visibility into system performance. This approach supports facility managers in making more informed decisions around resource use, infrastructure investment, and risk mitigation.
The collaboration reflects a broader industry shift towards more connected and data-driven sustainability frameworks, where water, energy, and chemical systems are managed as interdependent components rather than isolated functions.
Through its participation in the SSTS programme, imec continues to bring together stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain to reduce environmental impact while maintaining technological advancement.
This joint effort is expected to contribute to more standardised approaches to water management in semiconductor manufacturing, supporting long-term resilience and operational efficiency across the sector.
Explore more on our Technology & Innovation coverage and Water & Ocean insights.
