EU Opens €180M for New Semiconductor Pilot Line

The European Union's Chips Joint Undertaking is set to announce a €180 million funding opportunity for a fifth semiconductor pilot line focused on advanced photonic integrated circuits. This initiative aims to enhance the testing of innovative chip designs, facilitating the transition from laboratory development to commercial production, thereby bolstering Europe’s semiconductor self-sufficiency. The call for proposals will remain open until September 17. This announcement follows the recent kick-off meeting for the FAMES project, the first EU co-funded pilot line, which took place on June 24 at the French research institute CEA-Leti. FAMES is designed to pave the way for subsequent pilot lines, which will be established at prominent research institutions including imec in Leuven, Fraunhofer in Dresden, and Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) in Catania. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the EU to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, which has become increasingly critical in the wake of global supply chain disruptions. By investing in pilot lines, the EU aims to foster innovation and ensure that new technologies can be efficiently developed and brought to market. Stakeholders and organizations interested in participating in this funding opportunity are encouraged to prepare their proposals ahead of the September deadline, as the EU continues to prioritize advancements in semiconductor technology to secure its position in the global market.