Apply now for Skills Hubs of Excellence Initiative

The European Commission has launched a €10 million funding programme to establish Skills Hubs of Excellence that strengthen semiconductor education, address skills shortages, and build industry-ready talent across Europe. Grants ranging from €1 million to €10 million are available for projects that develop higher education programmes, university–industry partnerships, practical training, and cross-border collaboration in the semiconductor sector.

What is the Skills Hubs of Excellence Programme?

The Skills Hubs of Excellence Programme is a funding initiative under the DIGITAL Europe Programme that supports higher education institutions and industry partners in developing Europe’s semiconductor workforce.

The programme aims to increase education capacity, modernise semiconductor training, and strengthen collaboration between universities and industry to ensure graduates possess the skills needed for Europe’s rapidly growing semiconductor and microelectronics industries.

Projects should establish Skills Hubs of Excellence that deliver industry-focused education, practical laboratory training, internships, and international collaboration.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Address Europe’s semiconductor skills shortage.
• Strengthen higher education in microelectronics.
• Develop industry-ready graduates.
• Foster partnerships between universities and industry.
• Expand practical learning opportunities.
• Support innovation in semiconductor education.
• Increase student mobility across Europe.
• Enhance Europe’s long-term technological competitiveness.

Key Highlights

• Programme Name: Skills Hubs of Excellence for Semiconductors
• Funding Authority: European Commission
• Programme: DIGITAL Europe Programme
• Total Budget: €10 million
• Grant Amount: €1 million to €10 million
• Project Focus: Semiconductor education, skills development, and university–industry collaboration
• Eligible Countries: Eligible EU Member States and EEA countries (subject to programme conditions)

Funding Priorities

The programme supports projects that strengthen semiconductor education and workforce development across Europe.

Higher Education Skills Development

Projects may include:

• Expanding semiconductor education capacity.
• Developing specialised higher education programmes.
• Creating multidisciplinary learning pathways.
• Supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

Semiconductor Talent Development

Funding supports initiatives that:

• Train future semiconductor professionals.
• Address workforce shortages.
• Build advanced technical expertise.
• Improve graduate employability.

University–Industry Partnerships

Projects should establish strong collaboration between:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Semiconductor companies
• Industrial partners

These partnerships should ensure that academic programmes reflect current and future industry requirements.

Industry-Aligned Educational Programmes

Eligible activities include developing:

• Bachelor’s degree programmes
• Master’s degree programmes
• PhD programmes
• Flexible professional learning courses
• Industry-designed course modules

Educational content should be developed in collaboration with industry experts.

Practical Training and Laboratory Experience

Projects should provide students with:

• Hands-on laboratory training.
• Access to modern semiconductor processing equipment.
• Experience using advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Practical learning in industrial environments.

Educational Infrastructure

Funding may support infrastructure that enables:

• Modern semiconductor laboratories.
• Processing and fabrication equipment.
• Experimental learning environments.
• Business-oriented innovation spaces.
• Industry training facilities.

The objective is to provide students with practical experience alongside academic learning.

Student Mobility and Internships

Projects are encouraged to promote:

• Internship opportunities.
• Cross-border student exchanges.
• Access to Skills Hub facilities.
• International collaboration.
• Mobility between universities and industry partners.

These activities help students gain experience across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Cross-Border Collaboration

The programme promotes cooperation between European regions through:

• Joint educational programmes.
• Shared research infrastructure.
• International university partnerships.
• Collaboration with Chips Competence Centres.
• Networks supporting semiconductor innovation.

International Talent Attraction

Projects should also:

• Attract talented students from outside the European Union.
• Increase Europe’s global competitiveness in semiconductor education.
• Build internationally recognised education programmes.

Career Guidance and Public Awareness

Applicants are encouraged to establish:

• Career guidance platforms.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Student outreach programmes.
• Activities promoting careers in microelectronics.
• Information initiatives highlighting the importance of semiconductors for Europe’s digital future.

These activities should encourage more students to pursue careers in semiconductor technologies.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must comply with the eligibility rules of the DIGITAL Europe Programme.

Eligible participants include legal entities established in:

• European Union (EU) Member States
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries

Participation is subject to applicable eligibility, security, and programme requirements.

Funding Amount

The programme provides:

• Minimum Grant: €1 million
• Maximum Grant: €10 million
• Total Available Budget: €10 million

Projects should demonstrate significant impact on semiconductor education and workforce development.

How to Apply

Follow these steps before submitting an application:

1. Review the DIGITAL Europe Programme eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that your organisation is eligible.
3. Develop partnerships between universities and industry.
4. Design education programmes aligned with semiconductor industry needs.
5. Prepare a comprehensive project proposal and budget.
6. Demonstrate expected educational, technological, and workforce impacts.
7. Submit the application according to the official programme guidelines.

Why This Programme Matters

Europe faces increasing demand for highly skilled semiconductor professionals as the industry expands.

The Skills Hubs of Excellence Programme helps to:

• Address critical workforce shortages.
• Improve semiconductor education.
• Strengthen industrial competitiveness.
• Accelerate innovation.
• Enhance collaboration between academia and industry.
• Support implementation of the European Chips Act.
• Build Europe’s long-term technological resilience.

By investing in education and practical training, the programme helps secure the future of Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To improve your chances of success:

• Build strong partnerships with industry leaders.
• Demonstrate clear workforce development outcomes.
• Include hands-on laboratory and internship opportunities.
• Show how programmes align with industry needs.
• Explain plans for cross-border collaboration.
• Develop realistic implementation and sustainability plans.
• Include measurable educational and employment impacts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Designing programmes without industry involvement.
• Providing insufficient practical training opportunities.
• Ignoring student mobility and international collaboration.
• Presenting unclear project objectives.
• Submitting incomplete budgets or partnership information.
• Failing to demonstrate long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total budget for the programme?

The programme has a total budget of €10 million.

2. How much funding can projects receive?

Projects may receive grants ranging from €1 million to €10 million.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible legal entities established in EU Member States and EEA countries, subject to the DIGITAL Europe Programme eligibility conditions.

4. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects that establish Skills Hubs of Excellence, strengthen semiconductor education, develop university–industry partnerships, provide practical training, and improve workforce development.

5. Which education levels are supported?

The programme supports Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes, as well as flexible industry-led educational courses.

6. Does the programme support internships and student mobility?

Yes. Internship programmes, student mobility, and cross-border collaboration are important components of the programme.

7. What is the overall goal of the programme?

The programme aims to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor workforce by improving higher education, expanding practical training, fostering university–industry collaboration, and addressing long-term skills shortages.

Conclusion

The European Commission Skills Hubs of Excellence Programme represents a major investment in Europe’s semiconductor future by providing €10 million to strengthen higher education and industry collaboration. Through grants of up to €10 million, the programme supports innovative projects that develop industry-ready talent, modernise semiconductor education, expand practical training, and build a resilient, highly skilled workforce capable of supporting Europe’s technological leadership in microelectronics.