Chips JU advances quantum and semiconductor innovation with an investment over €659mn

The Public Authorities Board of the Chips Joint Undertaking has retained 17 proposals for funding, supporting innovation in quantum technologies, electronic components and systems (ECS), and electronic design automation (EDA).

Nine proposals are linked to the Chips for Europe Initiative, the first pillar of the European Chips Act, while eight were selected under the ECS R&I calls. The expected public investment in these projects amounts to €659 million, reinforcing Europe’s position in the semiconductor ecosystem. 

Accelerating quantum innovation
An EU and national investment from Members States of over €314 million will support six proposals advancing Europe’s quantum technologies. The projects cover superconducting, photonic, semiconducting, diamond-based, neutral atom, and high-quality trapped-ion technologies, all essential for developing scalable and reliable quantum chips for applications in sensing, communication and computing. 

Building on previous strategic agreements, the selected consortia will develop quantum pilots that strengthen Europe’s technological capabilities, support the transition from laboratory research to manufacturing, and reinforce the continent’s global competitiveness in quantum innovation.

ECS Research and Innovation (R&I)
The Chips JU received 46 proposals under its ECS R&I calls. Eight proposals have been retained for funding, representing an investment of more than €307 million, coming from the EU and participating States. These projects will advance Europe’s electronic components and systems across the full value chain, supporting sectors, including, mobility, energy, health, agrifood, digital industry, and digital society.

Launched in March 2025, the calls covered both strategic global priorities and focus topics, in line with the ECS Strategic Research and Innovation agenda (SRIA) 2025. Project proposals range from early-stage research to near market innovation. The selected proposals are distributed across the following calls: 

* Global Innovation Action: 18 proposals received, three retained for funding, and three placed on the reserve list.
* Innovation Action T1 (RISC-V Automotive Hardware Platform): One proposal received, retained for funding.
* Innovation Action T2 (AI-assisted Methods and Tools for Engineering Automation): One proposal received, it wasn’t retained due to lack of national funding.
* Global Research and Innovation Action: 26 proposals received, four retained for funding, and three on the reserve list.

EDA tools development
Three proposals have been retained for funding under the Chips JU Open-source EDA tools development call, with a public investment (EU and Participating States) of over €37 million. 

The selected proposals will advance the development of EDA tools to support chip design in digital system-on chip (SoC) design, analog and mixed signal design, and productivity, interoperability and verification.  Furthermore, the projects are expected to well document and disseminate results, and closely collaborate with the Design Platform to integrate the tools. 

Shaping Europe’s future
"These selected proposals mark a significant step in strengthening Europe’s technological capacity across the semiconductor  ecosystem", said Jari Kinaret, Executive Director of the Chips JU. 

"The investment in quantum technologies and design represents another milestone in the implementation of the European Chips Act. With these projects soon moving into implementation, it will be essential to turn innovation into concrete results to drive Europe’s sovereignty and global competitiveness.”

Francis Deprez, Chair of the Chips JU PAB, noted: "The diversity and quality of the selected proposals demonstrate Europe’s capability to be at the forefront of quantum technologies and advanced electronic components. These projects also showcase the importance of collaboration to create  a resilient and sustainable European semiconductor ecosystem."

With these funding decisions, the Chips JU continues to implement its strategic vision: supporting innovation, reinforcing Europe’s manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring the continent remains at the forefront of semiconductor technologies. The selected consortia will move forward with their Grant Agreement preparation, in order to start the implementation of the projects.