Europe leaps forward in cutting-edge technology as the newly formed consortium, PREVAIL, spearheads the development of next-generation edge-AI technologies. Coordinated by the EU’s foremost research and technology organizations (RTOs) – CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, imec, and VTT, the project aims to revolutionize the landscape of artificial intelligence through collaborative efforts and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Empowering innovation through collaborative efforts
The PREVAIL project, a collaborative initiative between leading RTOs across Europe, is poised to usher in a new era of innovation in artificial intelligence. With a focus on accelerating the development of next-generation edge-AI technologies, the consortium is leveraging the expertise and resources of its founding members – CEA, CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, imec, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
At the heart of the PREVAIL project lies a networked, multi-hub platform designed to provide stakeholders across the EU with prototype chip fabrication capability for advanced artificial intelligence technologies. By harnessing the power of cleanroom tools and advanced fabrication processes, the consortium aims to facilitate the rapid design, evaluation, testing, and fabrication of cutting-edge circuits.
With a focus on commercial foundry processes, the project will enhance advanced technology modules in the cleanrooms of the participating RTOs. This collaborative effort is expected to bolster Europe’s position as a global leader in AI innovation while energizing the EU’s digital transformation.
Driving the EU’s digital transformation
In addition to providing high-performance, low-power edge components to meet the burgeoning data-processing demands of AI, PREVAIL is poised to catalyze the EU’s digital transformation. By supporting the goals outlined in the European Chips Act, the project aims to reinforce Europe’s readiness to embrace and harness the potential of emerging technologies.
The consortium works closely with selected SMEs, industrial partners, and academic labs to prepare early designs for testing fabrication equipment in the RTOs’ facilities. Through open access initiatives, EU designers are expected to benefit from the platform’s capabilities by May 2026, fostering a culture of collaborative innovation and knowledge sharing.
Enhancing infrastructure and readiness
With approximately 80% of the project’s budget allocated to equipment suited for the design, testing, and fabrication of edge-AI devices, PREVAIL aims to dramatically reinforce the readiness of the RTOs’ pilot lines for developing 3D technologies. By providing process design kits (PDKs) compatible with standard commercial CAD tools, the consortium seeks to streamline the chip design process and empower developers to unleash the full potential of next-generation edge-AI solutions.
PREVAIL marks the EU’s inaugural effort to link the RTOs’ disparate infrastructures and synchronize their investments to minimize duplication while jointly increasing technology readiness levels (TRLs). With a nearly €156 million ($169.3 million) investment shared between the RTOs’ countries and the European Commission, the project represents a significant milestone in Europe’s journey towards technological advancement and innovation leadership.
