Macron targets 2nm chip supremacy as France joins global race with Nvidia and TSMC

French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for France to become a global force in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, laying out ambitions to produce chips as advanced as 2 nanometres.

Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris on 5 June, Macron declared that France must manufacture the world’s most advanced semiconductors in order to secure its place in the global tech supply chain.

His comments came alongside announcements of new artificial intelligence infrastructure investments in Europe, including major collaborations involving Nvidia and French AI startup Mistral.

France sets sights on sub-10nm chips

Macron’s remarks were made during a panel featuring Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Mistral AI’s Arthur Mensch, where the future of European tech manufacturing was discussed.

Macron cited the need for France to produce semiconductors in the 2 to 10 nanometre range.

These are among the most powerful chips globally, capable of enabling the latest advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation mobile networks.

The move comes as France and the wider European Union seek to reduce their dependency on foreign chipmakers, particularly those based in Asia.

Currently, Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung lead the global production of sub-5nm chips.

Apple’s newest iPhone chips, for instance, use 3nm technology made by TSMC.

Macron acknowledged that to reach these targets, France may need global players like Samsung or TSMC to establish local manufacturing facilities, just as both firms have done in the United States.

STMicroelectronics and Foxconn circle French expansion

Macron referenced STMicroelectronics, originally born from a merger involving a French firm, as part of France’s semiconductor legacy.

Although STMicro is now primarily focused on automotive-grade chips and not high-end AI processors, its roots served to highlight Macron’s broader message — that France has a foundation to build upon.

Macron also highlighted an emerging partnership involving French defence electronics company Thales, interconnect component manufacturer Radiall, and Taiwan’s Foxconn.

The three firms are reportedly exploring the launch of a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in France.

Macron said he hopes to persuade them to go beyond testing and into full-scale manufacturing, further anchoring chip capabilities within France.

Nvidia, Mistral deepen AI ties in Europe

While France targets chip manufacturing, it is also expanding its AI infrastructure.

On the same day as Macron’s remarks, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang announced a new partnership with Mistral AI to develop an AI-focused cloud platform in Europe.

This builds on Macron’s earlier February announcement that France would see €109 billion ($125.6 billion) in private investment into its AI sector over the coming years.

The collaboration with Mistral positions France as a core participant in Europe’s growing AI race.

Macron said the Nvidia-Mistral tie-up represents an acceleration of his broader tech strategy, underlining France’s role in AI development and infrastructure deployment.

Europe’s tech future hinges on local chip fabrication

Macron’s vision places semiconductor fabrication and AI investment at the heart of Europe’s industrial future.

Although few firms currently possess the ability to produce chips below 5nm at scale — with TSMC and Samsung far ahead — France is aiming to narrow the gap through strategic partnerships, public-private cooperation, and international investment.

The broader goal aligns with the European Union’s push under the EU Chips Act to boost local chip production and reduce external dependency.

Macron’s announcement also reflects growing concern over the geopolitical risks of relying on Taiwan or China for essential hardware.

At VivaTech, he framed semiconductor self-sufficiency as not just an economic priority, but a national security imperative.

If successful, Macron’s pitch could see France emerge as a key player in global semiconductor and AI infrastructure, blending legacy industry expertise with modern AI leadership.