Name: Funding Opportunity for SMEs: Access Europe’s Semiconductor Pilot Lines
Start: 2026-02-25T08:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-07-29T17:00:00+02:00
Location: Utlysning

Funding Opportunity for SMEs: Access Europe’s Semiconductor Pilot Lines

Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working with semiconductor technologies now have a significant opportunity to accelerate their innovation. Through the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), Vinnova is offering funding for SMEs to access newly established European pilot lines for testing, development, and prototyping of advanced semiconductor solutions.

What Is the Opportunity?
Chips JU has established five world‑class pilot lines across Europe, all designed to support cutting-edge development in semiconductor processes, components, and systems. Swedish SMEs can apply for up to SEK 3.5 million per project to use these infrastructures for activities such as:

Developing new semiconductor process technologies
Designing or testing new components and materials
Producing proofs‑of‑concept
Building early prototypes

The annual budget for the call is SEK 7 million for both 2026 and 2027.

Available Pilot Lines
Applicants may seek funding to access any of the following Chips JU pilot lines:

NanoIC – Advanced integrated circuit technologies
FAMES – Materials and systems for next-generation electronics
APECS – Advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration
WBG – Wide bandgap semiconductor technologies
PIXEurope – Photonic integrated circuits1

Who Can Apply?
The call targets Swedish SMEs working in areas such as:

Semiconductor design
Production process development
Component or system development
Research and innovation within semiconductor technology

To apply, companies must already have approved access from the relevant pilot line, including documentation and timeline.

What Costs Are Funded?
Vinnova funds only innovation advisory and innovation-supporting services provided directly by the pilot line, including:

Laboratory access
Testing and experimentation
Technical support services

Not eligible for funding:

Salaries
Equipment or materials
Travel
Overheads
Services from actors other than the pilot line

Key Dates

25 February 2026 – Call opens
26 March 2026 – Projects may start
7 September 2026 – Latest possible project start date
29 July 2027 at 14:00 – Final deadline for applications

What to Include in Your Application
Applications must be submitted in Swedish or English and include:

Approved pilot line access documentation
Project description (max 10 pages, following Vinnova’s template)
CV of the project leader
Budget following Vinnova’s rules
All required attachments as listed in the call1

Assessment Process
Vinnova evaluates:

The completeness and eligibility of the application
The organisation’s financial and operational stability
Prior approval from the pilot line

Why This Matters
This call represents a major opportunity for Swedish SMEs to gain access to advanced European semiconductor infrastructures—resources typically out of reach for smaller companies. It supports innovation, competitiveness, and Europe’s long-term strategic resilience in semiconductor supply and development.

All details at the Vinnova website: Chips JU: Test och validering av ny halvledarteknik | Vinnova