AIBEs very own Sensory Neurotechnolgy Lab will be part of the second phase of SEMECO (Secure Medical Microsystems and Communications). SEMECO will receive up to EUR 15M in funding for another three years as part of the Clusters4Future initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Building on the successes of the first funding phase, SEMECO is focusing on the concept of medical semiconductors as a key technology.
Medical semiconductors are specialized microsystems usable across multiple manufacturers that tailor sensor technology, data processing, communication, and security to the specific requirements of medical technology. Building on this, SEMECO is pursuing a platform-based, modular approach in which medical semiconductors, electronics, and software components are developed separately, securely combined, and gradually refined. AI-supported methods for certification and regulatory approval help to accelerate the transfer into practical applications. Concrete examples include securely networked, modular medical devices, portable ultrasound systems, medical sensors, and smart communication implants for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
“In the first funding phase, SEMECO was able to demonstrate that the close integration of modern semiconductor and secure communication technologies enables new applications in medical technology. Securing another round of funding is a strong signal for us to continue consistently on this path. In the second implementation phase, we are refining our platform approach and systematically moving medical semiconductors toward application, standardization, and the market,” say cluster spokespersons Prof. Gerhard Fettweis and Prof. Jochen Hampe.
Together, the SEMECO partners are pursuing the ambitious goal of making long development and approval processes, complex individual solutions, and rigidly structured device systems more efficient through modular electronics platforms. This significantly facilitates further development, scaling, and regulatory evaluation. The Sensory Neurotechnology Lab will contribute crucial expertise on auditory attention decoding and neural signal processing.
With the Clusters4Future initiative, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) promotes excellent, primarily regional innovation ecosystems. SEMECO (Secure Medical Microsystems and Communications) is one of a total of 14 funded next generation innovation networks. The second of up to three possible implementation phases will start in May 2026. SEMECO can receive a total of up to EUR 45M in funding over a period of up to nine years.