The Electronic Components and Systems (ECS) Brokerage Event 2025, held on 18 and 19 February at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels, brought together key stakeholders from the European semiconductor ecosystem. Organised by AENEAS, EPoSS, and INSIDE Industry Associations, the event served as a platform for industry professionals and researchers to network and collaborate on project ideas to apply for funding opportunities under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) Calls 2025.

Setting the Stage for Europe’s Chips Future

The event opened with a keynote speech by Arian Zwegers, Deputy Head of Unit "Microelectronics and Photonics" at the European Commission. The presentation provided an important update on the status of the European Chips Act, focusing on the activities under the Chips for Europe Initiative, which are being implemented by the Chips JU. This address underscored the significance of this initiative in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor capabilities and fostering technological independence.

Chips Joint Undertaking: A Key Driver of Innovation

Following this, Jari Kinaret, Executive Director of the Chips JU, took the stage to highlight the importance of the JU in supporting Europe’s chips industry. The presentation emphasised how the partnership is crucial for enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in semiconductor technologies and ensuring resilience in supply chains.

Anton Chichkov, Acting Head of Programmes and Communication at the Chips JU, then detailed the ECS R&I calls for proposals set to launch this year. The presentation covered the key topics, budget allocations, and timelines from call openings to evaluation, selection, and grant agreement preparation. This information was essential for attendees looking to participate in upcoming funding opportunities.

The role of the Industry Associations and the SRIA

Patrick Cogez, Technical Director at AENEAS, presented an overview of the ECS Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) 2025. This document serves as a foundation for the upcoming research and development efforts across the ECS value chain, aiming to accelerate Europe’s digital transformation while integrating core European values. The ECS SRIA also plays a pivotal role in shaping the Chips JU calls, ensuring alignment with the industry’s needs and strategic objectives.

The role of the Industry Associations as private members of the Chips JU was further elaborated by Caroline Bedran (AENEAS Director General), Elisabeth Steimetz (EPoSS Director), and Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE Secretary General). The session outlined the responsibilities of Industry Associations in defining strategic R&I orientations, developing the ECS SRIA, influencing the Chips JU work programme, and organising workshops and events to support the calls. 

Fostering Collaboration and showcasing project ideas

The remainder of the morning provided an opportunity for SMEs to present their pitches on stage, showcasing innovative solutions and attracting potential partners. These sessions were instrumental in fostering collaboration between SMEs, larger industry players, and research institutions.

The afternoon was dedicated to project idea presentations, where participants shared their concepts for future research and development projects. This was followed by face-to-face consortia-building meetings, offering attendees a structured environment to form partnerships and refine their ideas. In addition to the presentations and discussions, the event featured a project poster exhibition, where attendees explored innovative project proposals. The day concluded with a networking cocktail, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for collaboration. 

The Chips for Europe Initiative

Anton Chichkov kicked off the day with an update on the Chips for Europe Initiative, discussing its progress and future calls and investment. This session underscored the critical role of collaboration and networking in achieving the initiative’s ambitious goals. The sessions then delved into the key activities under the Chips for Europe Initiative.

• NanoIC pilot line: Inge Asselberghs presented the objectives and possibilities of the NanoIC pilot line, highlighting the potential impact of pilot line technologies and the opportunities that it will offer to the whole ecosystem.

• FAMES pilot line: Bruno Paing explained the technological portfolio of the FAMES pilot line and the opportunities for disruptive chips architecture. The presentation also let participants know about the conditions to access the FAMES pilot line.

• APECS pilot line: Konstanze Scheurer introduced how APECS leads the way in heterogeneous integration, application areas of the pilot line, and the overall benefit for the European semiconductor ecosystem. 

• Design Platform: Helio Fernandez Tellez highlighted the objective of the design platform and illustrated the importance of developing efficient ecosystems.

• Competence Centres: Berta Ferrer Llosa outlined centres of expertise that support the ECS community, noting that knowledge exchange and networking are key to their success.

• Quantum Calls: Cecilia Gonzalez Alvarez detailed the functioning of framework partnership agreements and specific grant agreements for quantum chips technology.

The second day concluded with final project idea presentations and consortia-building meetings, allowing attendees to solidify partnerships further and refine ideas. The extensive networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing sessions demonstrated that collaboration is the cornerstone of progress in this highly competitive sector. With the Chips JU Calls 2025 on the horizon, the insights and partnerships formed during this event will be instrumental in advancing Europe’s position as a leader in semiconductor technology.