Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) to strengthen international collaboration in the development of advanced semiconductor technologies, heterogeneous integration, and advanced packaging solutions. The call supports joint research and innovation projects involving European and Digital Partnership countries to accelerate next-generation semiconductor technologies with improved performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
The programme offers a total funding budget of €5 million, with individual grants ranging from €1 million to €5 million for eligible legal entities from EU Member States, EEA Countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The European Commission has launched this funding opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in semiconductor research and innovation through the HORIZON Europe framework under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU).
The call encourages collaborative projects that develop innovative semiconductor technologies, advanced packaging methods, and heterogeneous integration solutions. By bringing together expertise from Europe and Digital Partnership countries, the initiative aims to enhance technological competitiveness, strengthen semiconductor supply chains, and support the development of energy-efficient, high-performance electronic systems.
Objectives of the Call
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen international cooperation in semiconductor research and innovation.
- Advance next-generation semiconductor technologies.
- Support heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging solutions.
- Promote energy-efficient semiconductor systems.
- Improve semiconductor performance and miniaturization.
- Encourage sustainable and cost-effective chip manufacturing.
- Foster collaboration between European and Digital Partnership countries.
Key Focus Areas
Neuromorphic Computing Systems
Projects may focus on developing innovative semiconductor technologies for:
- Neuromorphic computing
- Ultra-low energy consumption systems
- Embedded intelligence
- Mobile computing applications
- High-speed connectivity
- Smart electronic systems
Alternative Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologies
The programme supports research into:
- Frontend semiconductor manufacturing
- Backend semiconductor manufacturing
- Alternative fabrication processes
- Heterogeneous integration technologies
- Advanced semiconductor production methods
Advanced Packaging Solutions
Applicants may develop solutions for integrating:
- Communication technologies
- Sensing systems
- Actuating components
- Power management systems
- Active electronic components
- Passive electronic components
- Multiple semiconductor materials
Heterogeneous Integration
Projects may explore:
- Multi-chip integration
- Mixed-material semiconductor systems
- Photonic and electronic integration
- High-performance integrated circuits
- System-level semiconductor integration
Photonic Chip Technologies
The call encourages innovations involving:
- Photonic integrated circuits
- Optical communication technologies
- Photonic chip manufacturing
- Integrated photonic systems
Expected Project Outcomes
Funded projects should contribute to:
- Improved semiconductor performance
- Reduced energy consumption
- Smaller and more efficient devices
- Lower manufacturing costs
- Reduced environmental impact
- Stronger international research collaboration
- Commercially relevant semiconductor innovations
Funding Information
Total Available Funding
- €5,000,000
Grant Amount
Projects may request funding between:
- Minimum: €1,000,000
- Maximum: €5,000,000
Funding will be awarded competitively based on project quality, innovation, and programme objectives.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include legal entities established in:
- European Union (EU) Member States
- European Economic Area (EEA) Countries
- HORIZON Europe Associated Countries
- OECD countries
- Mercosur countries
Applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements under the HORIZON Europe framework applicable to the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU).
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by organizations from non-eligible countries must provide approved guarantees demonstrating that their participation will not negatively affect:
- European Union strategic interests
- Security of Member States
- Strategic assets
- Technological autonomy
- Supply chain resilience
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure that your organization:
- Is legally established in an eligible country.
- Meets all HORIZON Europe and Chips JU eligibility conditions.
Step 2: Build an International Consortium
Develop partnerships with eligible organizations that bring complementary expertise in:
- Semiconductor technologies
- Advanced packaging
- Photonics
- Heterogeneous integration
- Semiconductor manufacturing
Step 3: Prepare a Project Proposal
Your proposal should clearly explain:
- Project objectives
- Technical innovation
- Research methodology
- Collaboration strategy
- Expected outcomes
- Market relevance
- Long-term impact
Step 4: Develop a Budget
Prepare a detailed budget including:
- Requested funding
- Cost breakdown
- Work packages
- Resource allocation
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed proposal through the official HORIZON Europe Chips Joint Undertaking application process before the published deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate strong international collaboration.
- Present innovative semiconductor technologies.
- Include measurable technical outcomes.
- Highlight commercial and industrial relevance.
- Address sustainability and environmental benefits.
- Show scalability and future market potential.
- Include complementary expertise across consortium partners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Weak international partnerships.
- Unclear commercialization strategies.
- Missing measurable performance indicators.
- Limited technical innovation.
- Ignoring eligibility or security requirements.
- Submitting incomplete documentation.
Why This Funding Matters
Advanced semiconductor technologies are essential for Europe’s digital transformation, industrial competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.
This funding initiative supports:
- International research collaboration.
- Innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Development of next-generation electronics.
- Energy-efficient computing technologies.
- Advanced photonics and integrated systems.
- Stronger semiconductor supply chains.
- Sustainable technology development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this European Commission funding call?
It is a HORIZON Europe Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) funding opportunity supporting international cooperation in advanced semiconductor technologies, heterogeneous integration, and advanced packaging.
Who can apply?
Legal entities established in EU Member States, EEA Countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
The programme provides €5 million in total funding, with grants ranging from €1 million to €5 million per project.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects involving neuromorphic computing, semiconductor manufacturing technologies, heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging, photonic chips, and integrated semiconductor systems.
What are the expected outcomes?
Projects should deliver improved semiconductor performance, energy efficiency, miniaturization, cost-effective manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and stronger international collaboration.
Are international collaborations encouraged?
Yes. The call specifically aims to strengthen cooperation between European and Digital Partnership countries’ research and innovation communities.
Are there additional security requirements?
Yes. Organizations controlled from non-eligible countries must provide approved guarantees demonstrating that their participation does not compromise the strategic interests or security of the European Union.
Conclusion
The European Commission Advanced Semiconductor Technologies Call 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for research organizations, universities, companies, and innovation partners to collaborate internationally on next-generation semiconductor technologies.
With €5 million in available funding, the programme supports projects that advance neuromorphic computing, heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging, photonic chip technologies, and sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, helping strengthen Europe’s leadership in semiconductor innovation and global research collaboration.
For more information, visit European Commission.