ASML takes a share in Mistral – why does a hardware company need AI?
Dutch company ASML is the global market leader in the production of machines used to manufacture computer chips. Recently, the company acquired an 11 percent share in Mistral AI, a French company. Ming Cao, Professor of Networks and Robotics at the University of Groningen, explains why a chip-machine factory requires AI.
‘There are good reasons for this investment, as AI software is important for the production of hardware,’ explains Cao. ‘And Mistral AI is a frontrunner in Europe. It’s the only European AI company that can compete with the US and China.’
A seat on the company's board
First, ASML could use AI to improve its operations. ‘The right settings for ASML’s chip-making machines, such as temperature or humidity, need to be just right. It’s very difficult to manage this. AI could monitor these settings and find the best combinations.’ Furthermore, AI can be used to streamline the company’s operations with its large number of suppliers, which is also very complex.
This is a clear geopolitical reason for ASML to take a share in a European AI company.
The investment in Mistral will give ASML a seat on the company’s board. According to Cao, this might be a significant advantage. ‘A recent report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stated that businesses investing in the use of AI only see measurable business results in five percent of all cases. ASML has the opportunity to influence the development of Mistral’s AI system. This way, they can make sure the result better fits their needs.’
Mistral AI is committed to open-source software. ‘That’s not the case with the main competitors such as OpenAI, despite its name, ’ says Cao. This is the reason why the University of Groningen has opted to use Mistral’s AI model Le Chat.
Operation Beethoven
Last year, the Dutch government launched Operation Beethoven to support the semiconductor industry, of which ASML is the flagship. This is part of a wider movement: Europe is working towards building its own ecosystem in vital sectors such as computer science and AI. Cao: ‘This is also a clear geopolitical reason for ASML to take a share in a European AI company.’
| Last modified: | 24 September 2025 4.37 p.m. |
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