Education at IMS CHIPS. Opening doors to microelectronics.

Education at IMS CHIPS is about more than sharing knowledge.
As a research institute of the State of Baden-Württemberg, education is an integral part of our founding mission – for people of all ages. We open doors to the world of microelectronics, sensor technology, and nanopatterning.

What may initially seem complex becomes tangible. Theory becomes experience. Curiosity becomes expertise.

Why choose IMS CHIPS for education and professional training?

  • First-hand insights from practical experience
  • Opportunities to connect with experts
  • Up-to-date information and insights into future technological developments
  • Educational and training programs tailored to different requirements and individual needs

From curiosity. To technological expertise.

Curiosity is where everything begins. We turn it into practical skills.
Whether taking your first steps into technology or pursuing specialized professional development, we build bridges between schools, universities, industry, and society.

As a research institute of the State of Baden-Württemberg, we strengthen the region as a technology hub and invest in what truly matters: people with ideas and expertise.

From classroom learning. To career opportunities.

  • BOGY – Career Orientation at Secondary Schools in Baden-Württemberg
  • Student internships

From academic theory. To practical experience at a research institute.

  • Lectures and continuing education in microelectronics technology
  • Lectures on microchip design, manufacturing, and testing
  • Bachelor's and master's theses at IMS CHIPS
  • Events

From professional training. To specialized skills and expertise.

  • TAE – Technical Academy Esslingen
  • From Cleanroom. To Greenroom.
  • Customized professional training and continuing education

Microelectronics Education at IMS CHIPS. Exploring what is possible.

From microelectronics training. To digital learning platforms.

The Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart (IMS CHIPS) has been actively involved in education and professional training in microelectronics and microsystems technology (MST) for many years.
These activities aim to inspire young people to pursue careers in high-tech industries, qualify skilled professionals, and connect companies with educational institutions.

In collaboration with universities, schools, industry partners, and educational organizations, IMS CHIPS has developed innovative educational formats – ranging from programs for school students to digital learning platforms.

A hand plugs red and purple wires into a labeled experiment board and connects electronic circuits.

Students Make Chips: Hands-on Semiconductor Education

A key element of IMS CHIPS’ educational activities is inspiring young people to explore microelectronics and semiconductor technology at an early stage.

Programs such as “Students Make Chips” (Schülerinnen und Schüler machen Chips) introduce fundamental concepts of microelectronics through hands-on learning.
In courses and internships, students learn about:

  • Fundamentals of semiconductor technology and digital electronics
  • Digital circuit design
  • Programming and simulation of electronic systems
  • Building and testing their own electronic circuits

These activities make real-world development processes accessible – from the initial idea and circuit design to implementation in hardware.

The programs help young people explore academic and career opportunities in engineering.

MicroDidact (µDidact): Digital STEM Education

Through various research and educational projects, IMS CHIPS developed modern learning concepts for digital and practice-oriented microelectronics education.

One example is MicroDidact (µDidact), a project that developed digital learning environments for microsystems technology for different target groups.

These included:

  • Interactive learning modules for schools
  • Virtual learning environments for microelectronics
  • Practical training concepts and experimental platforms

One highlight was the virtual learning project “MST Wunderland”, which demonstrated how microelectronics is integrated into everyday applications – from smart homes to industrial production.

The learning platform was developed with numerous digital learning pages and interactive elements and was used by hundreds of learners.

Four people are looking at and discussing a technical model of microelectronics at an IMS-CHIPS booth.
A lecturer explains integrated photonics during a presentation, while participants in the seminar room listen attentively.

MOAS – microTEC Online Academy and Services: Online Learning in Microelectronics

In parallel, IMS CHIPS developed an infrastructure for digital continuing education in microelectronics as part of the MOAS – microTEC Online Academy and Services project.

The platform combined:

  • E-learning and blended learning
  • Interactive web-based training (WBT)
  • Online courses covering sensor technology, integrated circuits, and product development

Examples of learning modules developed included:

  • SensorLab – Learning environment for sensor technology
  • Microchips – Developing integrated circuits
  • From Idea to Product – Making product development easy

These educational offerings were designed to enable flexible qualification for professionals and students while supporting knowledge transfer between research, industry, and educational institutions.

From educational partnerships. To shaping the future together.

Qualifying skilled professionals in microelectronics and microsystems technology requires close collaboration between research, education, and industry.

IMS CHIPS therefore works with universities, schools, technology centers, and industry partners to develop new educational formats, learning platforms, and practice-oriented training opportunities.

Together, we develop:

  • Innovative teaching and learning modules
  • Hands-on training programs and demonstrators
  • Digital learning platforms and e-learning opportunities
  • New professional development concepts for skilled professionals

Our goal is to accelerate knowledge transfer, inspire young people to pursue microelectronics, and strengthen the competitiveness of the European semiconductor industry.

Become part of future educational projects and help us shape the training of the next generation of microelectronics experts. Or get in touch with your own idea!

Four young adults and an expert are examining a microscope and technical components together in the lab.