Xecs Call 6: Opportunities for Collaborative RD/I in Electronic Components and Systems

Xecs Call 6 is inviting international partners to submit Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) proposals in the field of Electronic Components and Systems (ECS). The programme supports collaborative, industry-driven projects involving companies, SMEs, research organizations, and academic institutions from multiple Eureka countries to develop innovative electronic technologies and systems. Funding is provided through participating national funding agencies, with grant amounts and eligibility varying by country.

Xecs Call 6 Overview

Xecs Call 6 is an international funding programme designed to accelerate innovation in Electronic Components and Systems (ECS) through collaborative research and development. The call encourages organizations from different Eureka countries to work together on industry-oriented projects that develop advanced electronic technologies, products, services, and manufacturing processes.

The programme supports proposals aligned with the Electronic Components and Systems Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (ECS-SRIA), enabling international partnerships across the electronics value chain. By bringing together industry, academia, SMEs, and research organizations, Xecs Call 6 aims to strengthen technological competitiveness, foster innovation, and promote the commercialization of cutting-edge electronic solutions.

Purpose

The primary objectives of Xecs Call 6 are to:

• Support international collaboration in research, development, and innovation (RD&I).
• Accelerate innovation in Electronic Components and Systems.
• Promote industry-driven and application-oriented research.
• Encourage the development of innovative products, processes, and services.
• Strengthen cooperation between industry, SMEs, academia, and research organizations.
• Advance next-generation electronic technologies for civilian applications.
• Enhance the global competitiveness of participating countries in the electronics sector.

Categories / Focus Areas

Projects should align with the Electronic Components and Systems-SRIA framework and may address one or more of the following priority areas:

Micro- and Nanoelectronics

Projects may focus on:

• Semiconductor technologies
• Microelectronics
• Nanoelectronics
• Integrated circuits
• Advanced chip technologies

Smart Electronics System Integration

Eligible topics include:

• Chiplets
• Smart electronic systems
• Advanced packaging technologies
• Heterogeneous integration
• System architecture

Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems

Projects may involve:

• Embedded systems
• Intelligent computing
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cyber-physical systems
• Real-time monitoring and automation

Complex System-of-Systems Integration

Solutions may include:

• Large-scale integrated electronic systems
• Industrial automation
• Smart infrastructure
• Multi-system interoperability
• Intelligent digital ecosystems

Industry-Driven Research and Innovation

The programme also supports:

• Innovative products
• Advanced manufacturing processes
• Digital services
• Commercial technology development
• Application-oriented research

Funding Information

Funding is provided by the participating national funding agencies. The funding amount and eligibility requirements vary depending on the applicant’s country.

Examples of available funding include:

• Czech Republic: Up to CZK 12,000,000
• Hungary: Between HUF 20 million and HUF 70 million
• Ireland: Funding varies depending on organization type, with separate funding limits for universities and research organizations.
• Latvia: Up to €100,000 per participant per year
• Lithuania: Up to €300,000 per project
• Netherlands: Up to €4 million per project
• Poland: Between PLN 1 million and PLN 2 million, depending on consortium structure
• South Africa: Up to €300,000 per project

Applicants should contact their respective national funding agencies for country-specific funding rules, grant rates, and eligibility conditions.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Large companies
• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
• Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs)
• Universities
• Academic institutions
• Innovation centers
• Other eligible legal entities according to national funding regulations

Project consortia must satisfy the following requirements:

• Include at least two independent legal entities.
• Partners must come from at least two Eureka countries.
• Participation from three or more countries is strongly recommended.
• Projects must cover key parts of the Electronic Components and Systems value chain.
• Projects must focus on civilian applications.
• The minimum project size must be 35 person-years.
• No single partner or national consortium may account for more than 70% of the total project budget.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing a proposal:

• Form an eligible international consortium.
• Identify a research topic that aligns with the ECS-SRIA framework.
• Confirm national funding eligibility with the appropriate funding agency.
• Develop a collaborative project proposal with clearly defined objectives, work packages, innovation outcomes, and commercialization potential.
• Submit the proposal according to the Xecs Call 6 application guidelines and the requirements of the participating national funding agencies.

How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organization is eligible under your national funding agency’s rules.

Step 2: Build an International Consortium

Partner with eligible organizations from at least two Eureka countries while ensuring balanced participation across the consortium.

Step 3: Develop a Research Proposal

Prepare a proposal that demonstrates:

• Technical innovation
• Industry relevance
• Research excellence
• Commercial potential
• International collaboration

Step 4: Participate in Networking Activities

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by participating in programme events, including:

• Webinar: 23 June 2026
• Xecs Matchmaking Event: 6–7 October 2026, Vienna

These events provide opportunities to:

• Meet potential partners
• Present project ideas
• Build international consortia
• Learn proposal development strategies

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Submit the complete proposal according to the programme guidelines and national funding procedures.

Step 6: Project Evaluation

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Innovation
• Technical excellence
• Industrial relevance
• International collaboration
• Application potential

Step 7: Project Implementation

Successful projects receive national funding and begin collaborative research and development activities.

Why It Matters

Xecs Call 6 plays an important role in advancing the global electronics sector by:

• Encouraging international research collaboration.
• Supporting the development of next-generation electronic technologies.
• Accelerating digital transformation across industries.
• Strengthening semiconductor and electronics innovation.
• Promoting technology commercialization.
• Building stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
• Enhancing the competitiveness of participating countries within the global electronics ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Forming an ineligible or unbalanced consortium.
• Exceeding the 70% budget allocation for a single partner or national consortium.
• Proposing projects outside the ECS-SRIA framework.
• Ignoring national funding eligibility requirements.
• Developing projects without clear industrial applications.
• Submitting incomplete proposals or missing required documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate innovation and commercialization potential.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the chances of success:

• Build a multidisciplinary international consortium.
• Include strong industrial participation alongside academic expertise.
• Align the proposal with ECS-SRIA priorities.
• Demonstrate technological innovation and market relevance.
• Clearly define expected project outcomes and commercial impact.
• Develop a realistic work plan and budget.
• Consult national funding agencies early to confirm eligibility and funding conditions.
• Participate in the webinar and matchmaking event to identify suitable partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for Xecs Call 6?

Companies, SMEs, universities, research organizations, and other eligible legal entities from participating Eureka countries may apply as part of an international consortium.

2. What research areas are supported?

The programme supports projects in micro- and nanoelectronics, smart electronics integration, chiplets, embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, complex system integration, and other topics covered by the ECS-SRIA framework.

3. How many countries must participate in a project?

Projects must include at least two independent legal entities from two Eureka countries, although participation from three or more countries is recommended.

4. How is funding provided?

Funding is provided by participating national funding agencies, with grant amounts and eligibility rules varying by country.

5. What is the minimum project size?

Projects must have a minimum size of 35 person-years.

6. Can projects focus on defense applications?

No. All projects funded under Xecs Call 6 must serve civilian purposes.

7. Are there opportunities to find project partners before applying?

Yes. Applicants can participate in the 23 June 2026 webinar and the 6–7 October 2026 matchmaking event in Vienna to network with potential partners, develop project ideas, and strengthen consortium formation.

Conclusion

Xecs Call 6 offers an excellent opportunity for international collaboration in Electronic Components and Systems by supporting innovative, industry-driven research and development projects. Through partnerships between companies, SMEs, research organizations, and universities, the programme accelerates the development of advanced electronic technologies with strong commercial and societal impact.

By fostering cross-border collaboration, promoting cutting-edge research, and supporting the commercialization of innovative solutions, Xecs Call 6 contributes to strengthening the global electronics ecosystem while enhancing technological competitiveness across participating Eureka countries.