Call for Chip Design Skills Development Programme

The programme focuses on chip design skills development, semiconductor education, student engagement in chip design and fabrication, collaboration among schools, universities, Competence Centres, industry and other stakeholders, support for students’ tape-outs, wide dissemination of activities across EU Member States, and strengthening the European semiconductor skills ecosystem through complementarities with existing initiatives such as EUROPRACTICE and the Design Platform.

The programme seeks to organise and implement a comprehensive Chip Design Skills Programme that encourages new generations to pursue careers in the semiconductor sector. It aims to make chip design and fabrication accessible learning experiences for students in higher education institutions and secondary schools, particularly those preparing to choose their future career paths.

Activities should be developed as part of a broader European semiconductor skills ecosystem while promoting close collaboration among students, schools, universities, Competence Centres, industry, and other relevant stakeholders to support skills development and innovation in chip design.

Beneficiaries are expected to ensure that programme activities are widely accessible across all 27 EU Member States. At least 60% of the project budget must be allocated to supporting students’ tape-outs, and projects will have a duration of four years.

The programme has a total funding allocation of €15,000,000, with grant amounts ranging from €1,000,000 to €15,000,000.

Eligible applicants must form a consortium consisting of beneficiaries from at least three different EU Member States or EEA countries. Legal entities established in EU Member States and EEA countries are eligible to participate, subject to the specified security and participation conditions.

For more information, visit European Commission.