Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) to support innovative photonics manufacturing solutions that strengthen Europe’s semiconductor and photonics ecosystem. The call focuses on scalable manufacturing, advanced photonic integration, packaging technologies, and real-world applications in strategic sectors such as AI, telecommunications, healthcare, sensing, mobility, and defence.
The call offers €20 million in total funding, with individual grants ranging from €1 million to €10 million for eligible legal entities from EU Member States, EEA Countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries.
Overview of the European Commission Photonics Call
The European Commission has launched this funding opportunity to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced photonics manufacturing technologies across Europe.
The call supports projects that improve manufacturing efficiency, enhance process integration, optimize production yields, and demonstrate practical applications of next-generation photonic circuits and systems. The initiative forms part of the HORIZON Europe framework under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and aims to strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness and strategic autonomy in semiconductor and photonics technologies.
Objectives of the Call
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen Europe’s photonics manufacturing capabilities.
- Improve scalable production of advanced photonic devices.
- Support heterogeneous photonic and electronic integration.
- Develop automated packaging and testing technologies.
- Enhance manufacturability and production efficiency.
- Demonstrate high-performance photonic systems in strategic industries.
- Increase Europe’s competitiveness in semiconductor and photonics innovation.
Key Focus Areas
Scaling Wafer-Level Photonic Manufacturing
Projects may focus on scaling wafer-level manufacturing processes for key photonic materials, including:
- Silicon Nitride (SiN)
- Indium Phosphide (InP)
- Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
The objective is to improve manufacturing scalability, production efficiency, and commercial readiness.
Advanced Packaging and Testing
The programme supports development of:
- Automated packaging technologies
- Scalable testing solutions
- Co-packaged optics
- Advanced photonic-electronic integration
- High-volume manufacturing approaches
Heterogeneous Integration
Projects may include integration of advanced components such as:
- On-chip lasers
- Optical modulators
- Photonic detectors
- Multiple material platforms
- Hybrid photonic systems
Design, Process and Equipment Co-Optimization
Funding supports solutions that improve:
- Manufacturing yield
- Cost efficiency
- Process integration
- Equipment optimization
- Design-for-manufacturing
- Production of complex photonic circuits
System-Level Demonstrations
Applicants are expected to demonstrate photonic technologies through application-focused use cases with measurable performance indicators and commercial relevance.
Strategic Application Areas
Supported projects may target applications in sectors such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Optical sensing
- Telecommunications
- Mobility and transportation
- Healthcare and medical technologies
- Defence and security
- Advanced semiconductor systems
Funding Information
Total Available Funding
- €20,000,000
Grant Amount
Individual projects may request funding between:
- Minimum: €1,000,000
- Maximum: €10,000,000
Funding will be awarded competitively based on project quality and compliance with programme requirements.
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 satisfy all eligibility conditions established under the HORIZON Europe rules applicable to the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU).
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Organizations that are directly or indirectly controlled by entities from non-eligible countries must provide the necessary guarantees demonstrating that their participation will not adversely affect:
- Strategic interests of the European Union
- Security of EU Member States
- Strategic assets
- Technological autonomy
- Supply chain resilience
Expected Project Outcomes
Projects are expected to deliver:
- Improved photonics manufacturing processes
- Higher production yields
- Enhanced process integration
- Advanced packaging and testing capabilities
- Commercially relevant photonic systems
- Demonstrated performance through practical use cases
- Strong market potential for innovative photonic technologies
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that your organization:
- Is legally established in an eligible country.
- Meets the HORIZON Europe and Chips JU eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Prepare a proposal outlining:
- Technical objectives
- Innovation approach
- Manufacturing improvements
- Market relevance
- Expected impact
- Project implementation plan
Step 3: Demonstrate Technical Excellence
Explain how the project will:
- Improve manufacturability
- Increase production efficiency
- Strengthen photonics integration
- Deliver measurable system performance
Step 4: Prepare the Budget
Include:
- Total project cost
- Requested funding amount
- Budget justification
- Resource allocation
- Work packages
Step 5: Submit the Proposal
Submit the completed application according to the official HORIZON Europe Chips Joint Undertaking submission procedures before the published deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Present a clear innovation strategy.
- Demonstrate strong industrial and market relevance.
- Include measurable performance indicators.
- Show scalability of manufacturing processes.
- Explain commercialization potential.
- Build multidisciplinary partnerships where appropriate.
- Align project outcomes with European strategic priorities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing research without practical application.
- Providing unclear manufacturing or commercialization plans.
- Omitting measurable performance metrics.
- Failing to address process scalability.
- Ignoring eligibility or security requirements.
- Submitting incomplete technical or financial documentation.
Why This Funding Matters
Photonics technologies are essential for Europe’s future competitiveness in semiconductors, digital infrastructure, healthcare, communications, and advanced manufacturing.
This funding initiative helps:
- Accelerate photonics innovation.
- Strengthen European semiconductor manufacturing.
- Improve technological sovereignty.
- Support commercialization of advanced photonic systems.
- Increase industrial competitiveness.
- Foster innovation across strategic sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this European Commission funding call?
It is a HORIZON Europe Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) funding opportunity supporting innovative photonics manufacturing technologies and advanced photonic systems.
Who can apply?
Eligible legal entities established in EU Member States, EEA Countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries may apply, subject to programme eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
The call has a total budget of €20 million, with individual grants ranging from €1 million to €10 million.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects involving scalable photonics manufacturing, heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging, testing technologies, photonic circuit development, and system-level demonstrations are eligible.
Which sectors are targeted?
Projects may address applications in AI, sensing, telecommunications, mobility, healthcare, defence, and other strategic industries.
Are organizations from non-EU countries eligible?
Certain organizations from eligible OECD, Mercosur, and Associated Countries may participate. Entities controlled from non-eligible countries must satisfy additional security and strategic safeguards.
What outcomes are expected?
Projects should demonstrate improved manufacturing capabilities, scalable production processes, practical applications, measurable performance, and strong commercial potential.
Conclusion
The European Commission Photonics Manufacturing Call 2026 provides a significant opportunity for organizations developing next-generation photonics technologies to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor and photonics ecosystem.
With €20 million available in competitive funding, the programme supports scalable manufacturing, advanced integration, innovative packaging, and practical deployment of photonic systems across strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, healthcare, mobility, sensing, and defence.
For more information, visit European Commission.