Deadline Date: July 24, 2026
The European Commission is seeking grant applications to support higher education initiatives that develop semiconductor skills, address talent shortages, and strengthen industry-focused learning across Europe.
The programme focuses on higher education skills development, semiconductor talent development, university and industry partnerships, industry-aligned educational programmes, Bachelor, Master and PhD level courses, practical hands-on training, access to modern processing equipment, student mobility, cross-border and inter-regional collaboration, attraction of international students, career orientation, and public awareness of careers in microelectronics.
The programme supports projects that establish Skills Hubs of Excellence to increase education capacity and address shortages of skilled professionals in specialised areas. Projects should create partnerships between universities and industry to align academic programmes with current and future industry needs.
Educational programmes should include industry-developed course content and practical experiences. Courses may form part of student curricula or be organised through flexible formats by industry and universities to cover the latest technologies and skills requirements.
Projects should support educational infrastructure that provides students with access to modern processing equipment and enables hands-on training in laboratory and business environments. Internship programmes should also support student mobility and access to hub facilities.
The programme encourages collaboration across European regions, supports mobility of students, and promotes cooperation through networks such as Chips Competence Centres. It also aims to attract students from outside the European Union while ensuring education and training align with industry requirements.
Projects should establish career guidance platforms and awareness campaigns across European countries to highlight opportunities in microelectronics and their contribution to Europe’s technological development.
The total available funding under this programme is €10,000,000, with grant amounts ranging from €1,000,000 to €10,000,000.
Eligible applicants must comply with the DIGITAL Europe Programme eligibility conditions and applicable participation requirements. Legal entities established in eligible EU Member States and EEA countries may participate subject to the specified security conditions.
For more information, visit European Commission.
