Chips Joint Undertaking
Through its annual work programmes and competitive calls for proposals, Chips JU finances collaborative projects across the semiconductor value chain, reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty and industrial resilience.
Understanding its funding logic, governance structure and call priorities is essential for organisations active in advanced microelectronics and semiconductor technologies.
The Chips Joint Undertaking is a European public–private partnership established under the EU framework for Joint Undertakings. It builds on the former Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking (KDT JU) and integrates new objectives aligned with the European Chips Act.
Its mission is to:
As an implementation instrument of the EU Chips Act, Chips JU plays a central role in mobilising public and private investment in semiconductor technologies.
The European Chips Act mobilises more than €43 billion in public and private investment to reinforce Europe’s semiconductor capacity.
In this context, Chips JU:
Understanding the strategic framework of the EU Chips Act is essential to positioning a competitive Chips JU proposal.
Chips JU publishes annual calls for proposals based on its work programme. These calls may include research and innovation actions, innovation actions, pilot line initiatives and advanced manufacturing projects, depending on the strategic priorities defined for each year.
Given the technical scope and financial scale of these calls, early preparation is strongly recommended.
Eligibility depends on:
Most calls require international consortia involving partners from multiple Member States.
Due to the complexity of co-funding mechanisms, eligibility analysis should be conducted at both EU and national levels.
Applying to a Chips JU call involves:
Given the strategic nature of the programme, applications require strong technical positioning and financial robustness.
Identification of suitable call topics
We analyse the work programme and assess the alignment of your technology and objectives with the relevant call scope.
Strategic positioning within EU semiconductor priorities
We support the positioning of your project within the framework of the European Chips Act and its expected impacts.
Consortium structuring
We assist in identifying complementary partners and building balanced, competitive consortia.
Proposal drafting and coordination
We coordinate the preparation of the proposal, ensuring coherence across excellence, impact and implementation.
Financial structuring and co-funding optimisation
We design a compliant financial framework integrating EU and national co-funding conditions.
What funding opportunities exist for SMEs under Chips JU?
SMEs can participate in collaborative research and innovation projects, pilot line initiatives and industrial deployment actions within the semiconductor value chain. Their role is particularly relevant in areas such as design, advanced materials and packaging. Funding conditions vary depending on the action type and applicable national co-financing rules.
Can academic institutions apply for Chips JU funding?
Universities and research organisations are eligible participants in Chips JU projects. Academic partners typically contribute to advanced semiconductor research, materials development and technology integration, often in cooperation with industrial stakeholders.
What is the difference between Chips JU and the former KDT Joint Undertaking (KDT JU)?
Chips JU succeeds the former Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking. While KDT JU covered a broader range of digital technologies, Chips JU is specifically aligned with the European Chips Act and places greater emphasis on semiconductor manufacturing capacity, pilot lines and strategic industrial autonomy.
How does national co-funding work under Chips JU?
Chips JU operates under a co-funding model that combines EU contributions with national funding from participating Member States. Applicants must comply with both EU eligibility requirements and national financing conditions, which may differ depending on the country.
What role do Member States play in the Chips Joint Undertaking?
Member States contribute financially to selected projects, validate national eligibility and participate in governance decisions. Their involvement ensures alignment between European semiconductor strategy and national industrial priorities.
What types of activities are prioritised under Chips JU?
Chips JU focuses on advanced semiconductor manufacturing, pilot lines, design enablement platforms, heterogeneous integration, packaging technologies and supply chain resilience. Projects are expected to demonstrate technological maturity and industrial relevance.
How are Chips JU proposals evaluated?
Proposals are assessed according to standard EU criteria covering excellence, impact and quality of implementation. Particular attention is given to strategic relevance under the European Chips Act and the capacity of the consortium to deliver measurable industrial outcomes.
