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Chips JU calls within semiconductor technologies in 2026

The  Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) – the European partnership established to strengthen the semiconductor value chain from research to manufacturing have published a number of calls dedicated to support research, innovation, and capacity-building activities in semiconductor technologies under the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programmes. Projects selected for funding by Chips JU may benefit from national co-financing provided jointly by Chips JU and Malta Enterprise. These initiatives aim to bring research closer to industry, foster advanced manufacturing and integration, and support start-ups and SMEs in taking their ideas to the next level.

Planned Calls with Deadlines in 2026

Electronic Components and Systems Research and Innovation (ECS R&I) Calls

  • ECS IA – Resilience Actions
    • Reinforcing Europe’s Strength in Power Electronics – HORIZON JU CHIPS 2026 FT1 IA (€20 million)
      Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 17 September 2026
    • Reinforcing Europe’s Strength in Photonics – HORIZON JU CHIPS 2026 FT2 IA (€20 million)
      Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 17 September 2026
    • Reinforcing Europe’s Strength in Health – HORIZON JU CHIPS 2026 FT3 IA (€20 million)
      Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 17 September 2026
    • AI-Assisted Methods and Tools for Software-Defined Vehicle Engineering Automation – HORIZON‑JU‑CHIPS‑2026‑1‑FT4‑IA  (€20 million)
      Deadline: 3 March 2026

Chips for Europe Calls

Quantum Chips and Enabling Technologies

  • Quantum Chips Design – HORIZON JU CHIPS 2026 QUANTUM 1 RIA (€30 million)
    Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 7 September 2026
  • Quantum Chips: Enabling Technologies – HORIZON JU CHIPS 2026 QUANTUM 2 RIA (€20 million)
    Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 7 September 2026

Skills Development

  • Skills Hubs of Excellence – DIGITAL JU CHIPS 2026 SKILLS HoE SG (€20 million)
    Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 7 September 2026
  • Pilot Federation – DIGITAL JU CHIPS 2026 SKILLS PF SG (€10 million)
    Launch: 7 July 2026 | Deadline: 7 September 2026
  • Stimulation of Chip Design – DIGITAL CHIPS 2026 CSA SKILLS SCD (€15 million)

National Co-Financing – Malta

Applicants based in Malta (or those with a strong intention to establish activities in Malta) who intend to apply for Chips JU projects are strongly encouraged to contact the Malta Enterprise (ME) in advance. 

Applicants seeking national funding from ME must submit a separate national funding request and application alongside their project proposal to the Chips JU, and prior to the signing of the consortium agreement. All applications for national funding must be submitted directly to ME.

ME does not impose specific consortium configuration requirements. However, proposals submitted by large enterprises must include at least one SME or an academic or research organisation established in Malta. All applications will still undergo a thorough screening process, and projects must demonstrate a clear contribution to the economic development of Malta and conduct R&D activities within Malta to be considered for national co-funding. Even if an applicant within a consortium is approved by the Chips JU, the national eligibility criteria must still be met to qualify for co-funding support.

Applicants must:

National funding is subject to State aid rules.

Additional Information

For the announcements that have not yet been published by Chips JU: they are described in the work programs under Chips JU documents. Appendix 7 – ECS 2026 and Appendix 8 – C4EI 2026 – the versions there may be updated before the Chips JU announcement is published.

Website: https://www.chips-ju.europa.eu/Participate/

Contact: EU Affairs Unit c/o Malta Enterprise on email: [email protected]

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