Brussels, 04 July 2024

The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has launched two new calls to support semiconductor research in Europe: a call for competence centres and a coordination and support action (CSA) to Support to the European Network of Chips Competence Centres. The goal of these calls is to support Europe’s semiconductor industry with a total expenditure of €120 million, funded by the Digital Europe Programme. 

Co-financed by the EU and Participating States, the competence centres will provide access to technical expertise and experimentation in semiconductors, helping companies, SMEs in particular, to improve design capabilities and develop their skills. These centres will also aid in finding investors and facilitate access to pilot lines and the European design platform. 

Building on the CCs, the CSA call aims to strengthen the CCs network and support the adoption and use of the semiconductor technologies particularly by SMEs and startups according to local environments, while facilitating the transfer of knowledge within the Chips CCs. The CSA expects to provide and maximise networking opportunities, knowledge transfer and expertise on the semiconductor industry on a European level, while exchanging best practices among the CCs. 

Read the European Commission's statement about the Chips JU Calls. 

How to apply 

Interested parties can find out more information about the calls and instructions on how to apply on the Chips JU website. Applicants can apply through the F&T Portal, available here for the Chips CCs call, and here for the CSA call. It is important to note that the Chips JU will hold information sessions for these calls on July 12, 2024. To register, please visit the Chips JU website.

In July, the Chips JU is expected to open a call for a photonic integrated circuits (PICs) pilot line, with an investment of 180M€. An additional call for a design platform is foreseen in August with a funding of 25M€.  

Visit the Chips JU website for more information and apply on the Funding and Tenders Portal. 

About Chips Joint Undertaking:

Chips Joint Undertaking supports research, development, innovation, and future manufacturing capacities in the European semiconductor ecosystem. Launched by the European Union Council Regulation No 2021/1085 and amended in September 2023 as part of the Chips for Europe Initiative, it confronts semiconductor shortages and strengthens Europe's digital autonomy, engaging a significant EU, national/regional and private industry funding of nearly €11 billion. The Chips JU is funded by the European Union, Chips JU Participating States and the Private Members.

Editor’s contact: Luciano.Gaudio@chips-ju.europa.eu