Patrick Vandenameele

Patrick Vandenameele is Chief Executive Officer at imec  - a globally recognized R&D center specializing in nanoelectronics and digital technologies - since April 1, 2026. His leadership underpins imec’s commitment to addressing market-driven application challenges while advancing its world-class technology platforms through targeted internal investments and external collaborations.

Prior to this appointment as CEO, he served as Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer at imec, where he was overseeing and shaping the organization's R&D strategy and its execution. In this position, Patrick was responsible for shaping and driving the center’s innovation agenda, ensuring the alignment of research initiatives with emerging market needs, partner priorities and technological frontiers. Previously, as chief portfolio officer at imec until early 2024, he spearheaded strategic initiatives spanning business development, portfolio management, and venture creation. 

Holding a PhD from KU Leuven, Patrick began his journey with imec in 1996, contributing to the wireless communications program. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding and leading several deep-tech ventures, three of which were built on imec technology. Patrick also held senior positions at top semiconductor firms like Qorvo and Hisilicon/Huawei, leading 11 product launches and overseeing over 100 million units shipped. After returning to imec in 2017, Patrick has been instrumental in expanding imec’s venture development activities, working closely with the deep-tech venturing fund imec.xpand to strengthen imec’s position as a pioneer in technology-driven solutions.