Deadline: 29-Oct-2025
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals aimed at strengthening the European High Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem. This initiative supports either the creation or further development of a National Competence Centre (NCC) for HPC in as many EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) Participating States as possible.
NCCs are expected to serve as the primary hubs for HPC activities in their respective countries. Their primary goal is to offer a broad range of HPC-related services and training opportunities to industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as to academia and public sector institutions. These centres will help deliver tailored, modular HPC solutions suited to various user groups and link local stakeholders with national and European HPC initiatives.
The core focus of NCC activities will be on supporting SMEs and start-ups. While academic institutions and other stakeholders will be engaged, the majority of NCC resources must be allocated to meeting the needs of local industry and public service sectors.
Each proposal should either establish or strengthen a single NCC for HPC, based on the specific requirements and existing infrastructure in the country. These centres will act as national knowledge bases, helping to develop innovative HPC-driven solutions and ensuring that services such as training, communication, and consultation are localized to best serve national and regional communities.
A flexible portfolio of HPC services should be developed, reflecting the maturity of the national HPC ecosystem. Coordination with other NCCs is essential to ensure broad knowledge-sharing, effective support to stakeholders in other countries, and collective impact across Europe. Collaboration will be guided by a complementary Coordination and Support Action.
The total available budget for this topic is EUR 20,000,000. The expected outcomes include the creation of a robust pan-European network of HPC competence centres, an increased use of HPC solutions among national stakeholders, and an improved innovation capacity within the European HPC landscape. Additional goals include enhancing skills in HPC and minimizing knowledge gaps across member states.
Each NCC must submit an annual public report detailing its structure and activities. Eligible applicants must be legal entities, whether public or private, established in EU Member States or in certain associated non-EU countries that qualify under the Digital Europe Programme.
For more information, visit EC.
