Call for Software-Defined Vehicle Coordination Initiative

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The European Commission is inviting applications to develop and coordinate a European Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Platform that accelerates autonomous driving research, innovation, and collaboration across Europe. The grant provides €1 million to €2 million to support open-source autonomous driving technologies, AI-enabled validation, trusted data sharing, and cross-border cooperation under the Horizon Europe Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) programme.

What is the European Software-Defined Vehicle Platform Grant?

The European Software-Defined Vehicle Platform Grant is a funding opportunity designed to strengthen Europe’s leadership in autonomous driving technologies through coordinated research, innovation, and collaboration.

The initiative supports the development of a shared European platform that brings together researchers, technology developers, automotive companies, semiconductor manufacturers, universities, and innovation organisations. The programme promotes open collaboration while advancing software-defined vehicle technologies, artificial intelligence, trusted data ecosystems, and next-generation mobility solutions.

Why This Grant Matters

Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on advanced software, artificial intelligence, high-performance semiconductors, secure communication systems, and rigorous safety validation.

This funding programme helps Europe:

• Accelerate autonomous driving innovation
• Strengthen the software-defined vehicle ecosystem
• Improve AI safety and reliability
• Promote open-source collaboration
• Support trusted data sharing
• Expand cross-border testing environments
• Enhance semiconductor and computing technologies
• Build stronger partnerships between research and industry

The programme contributes to Europe’s long-term vision of safe, intelligent, and connected transportation systems.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to:

• Coordinate European autonomous driving research activities
• Support ECAVA Working Groups
• Develop a European software-defined vehicle platform
• Promote open-source autonomous driving software
• Strengthen collaboration between research and industry
• Advance AI-powered autonomous driving technologies
• Develop trusted validation and verification frameworks
• Improve governance and cooperation across European mobility initiatives

Key Focus Areas

ECAVA Working Groups Coordination

The programme supports the coordination of ECAVA Working Groups to establish and strengthen a dedicated Autonomous Driving focus area.

Activities include:

• Governance support
• Research coordination
• Strategic planning
• Knowledge sharing
• Collaboration between stakeholders

European Research and Innovation Stack

Projects will contribute to developing a common European research and innovation stack for autonomous driving.

This includes:

• Shared software architectures
• Common development tools
• Technical standards
• Interoperable platforms

Trusted Data Sharing

The programme promotes trusted data ecosystems that enable secure collaboration among research institutions, technology developers, and automotive partners.

Activities may include:

• Trusted data pooling
• Secure data governance
• Shared datasets
• Data interoperability

Artificial Intelligence Development

Projects may develop AI technologies for autonomous driving, including:

• Machine learning models
• Vehicle perception systems
• Decision-making algorithms
• AI optimisation
• Intelligent driving systems

The objective is to create reliable, explainable, and trustworthy AI solutions.

Open-Source Autonomous Driving Platforms

The initiative encourages the creation of:

• Open-source autonomous driving software
• Shared development frameworks
• Reference software stacks
• Collaborative software ecosystems

Open-source development enables faster innovation and broader collaboration across Europe.

Collaboration with European Testbeds

Projects should facilitate cooperation with:

• AD Ambition Cities
• Large-Scale Cross-Border Testbeds

These environments support real-world testing, validation, and deployment of autonomous driving technologies.

Software-Defined Vehicle Ecosystem

The programme strengthens collaboration among:

• Automotive manufacturers
• Software developers
• Semiconductor companies
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Innovation organisations

The goal is to build a competitive European software-defined vehicle ecosystem.

Lifecycle Validation and Trust Frameworks

Projects should develop frameworks covering:

• Verification
• Validation
• Homologation
• Trust assessment
• Lifecycle monitoring

These frameworks improve confidence in autonomous driving technologies throughout their operational lifecycle.

Annual European Conference

The funded project will organise an annual European conference dedicated to:

• Autonomous driving research
• Software-defined vehicles
• Artificial intelligence
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• European mobility policy

The conference will strengthen networking and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.

Technologies Supported

The programme builds upon previous European research involving:

• Computing platforms
• Semiconductor components
• Chiplets
• Centralised control architectures
• Software-defined vehicle technologies
• ECAVA initiatives
• Semiconductors Alliance developments

Advanced Research Areas

Projects may also support innovation in:

Digital Twins

Digital twins enable virtual simulation and testing of autonomous driving systems before real-world deployment.

AI-Enabled Validation

The programme supports AI-assisted methods for validating autonomous vehicle performance, safety, and reliability.

Continuous In-Operation Monitoring

Projects may develop technologies that continuously monitor autonomous vehicles during operation to improve safety and performance.

Functional Safety

The initiative encourages alignment between:

• Functional safety standards
• AI-enabled non-deterministic system behaviour

This helps establish trusted certification methods for intelligent vehicle technologies.

Funding Available

The programme provides:

• Total funding available: €2,000,000
• Minimum grant: €1,000,000
• Maximum grant: €2,000,000

Funding may support research, coordination, governance, software development, collaboration activities, conferences, validation tools, and platform development.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility conditions are defined in:

• Annex 1 of the Multiannual Work Programme 2023–2027: Horizon Europe Conditions Applicable to the Chips JU

Participation is open only to organisations that satisfy the official Chips JU eligibility requirements.

Applicants should carefully review all eligibility conditions before preparing a proposal.

Security and Participation Requirements

Participation is also subject to security restrictions described in:

• Annex 4 of the Multiannual Work Programme 2023–2027

These requirements protect:

• European communication networks
• Critical technologies
• Strategic assets
• Digital infrastructure
• European security interests

Applicants must ensure full compliance with all applicable security provisions.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Call Documents

Carefully review:

• Chips JU eligibility rules
• Horizon Europe participation conditions
• Annex 1 eligibility requirements
• Annex 4 security provisions

Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium

Develop a consortium that may include:

• Universities
• Research organisations
• Automotive manufacturers
• Software companies
• Semiconductor companies
• Technology providers
• Innovation organisations

Collaborative proposals are strongly encouraged.

Step 3: Prepare the Project Proposal

Your proposal should clearly explain:

• Project objectives
• Research methodology
• Governance structure
• Innovation strategy
• Expected European impact
• Collaboration plan
• Long-term sustainability

Step 4: Develop the Budget

Prepare a detailed budget covering:

• Personnel
• Research activities
• Platform development
• Technical infrastructure
• Conferences
• Project management
• Validation activities

The requested funding must fall between €1 million and €2 million.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete all required application documents and submit the proposal before the official deadline following the European Commission submission guidelines.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Demonstrating strong European collaboration
• Including multidisciplinary expertise
• Explaining technical innovation clearly
• Addressing AI safety and trust
• Developing realistic implementation plans
• Supporting open-source software development
• Showing alignment with European mobility priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following mistakes:

• Weak governance structures
• Limited collaboration among partners
• Unclear validation strategies
• Poor budget justification
• Ignoring security requirements
• Incomplete consortium expertise
• Weak alignment with Chips JU priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The programme supports the development and coordination of a European Software-Defined Vehicle Platform to advance autonomous driving research, artificial intelligence, open-source software, and European collaboration.

How much funding is available?

The total programme budget is €2 million, with individual projects eligible to receive between €1 million and €2 million.

What activities are supported?

The programme funds research coordination, software-defined vehicle development, AI technologies, trusted data sharing, validation frameworks, open-source software, conferences, and collaboration activities.

Which technologies are covered?

The grant supports software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving systems, semiconductors, chiplets, AI, digital twins, computing platforms, trusted data ecosystems, and lifecycle validation technologies.

Who can apply?

Eligibility is determined according to Annex 1 of the Horizon Europe Chips JU Multiannual Work Programme 2023–2027, subject to additional security restrictions under Annex 4.

Why is open-source software important?

Open-source platforms encourage collaboration, improve interoperability, accelerate innovation, and support shared development across Europe’s autonomous driving ecosystem.

What role does AI play in this programme?

Artificial intelligence supports perception, decision-making, validation, continuous monitoring, safety assessment, and trustworthy autonomous driving technologies.

Conclusion

The European Commission Software-Defined Vehicle Platform Grant 2026 represents a major investment in Europe’s future autonomous mobility ecosystem. By supporting collaborative research, trusted AI, open-source software, advanced validation methods, and cross-border partnerships, the programme strengthens Europe’s capacity to develop safe, intelligent, and innovative autonomous driving technologies.

With funding of €1 million to €2 million, this opportunity enables research organisations, industry leaders, and technology innovators to contribute to the next generation of software-defined vehicles while advancing Europe’s strategic leadership in autonomous transportation and digital innovation.

For more information, visit European Commission.