The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has announced the successful evaluation of innovative semiconductor pilot line proposals it received. Negotiations have begun with four consortia with the aim of signing relevant agreements later this year. This step is expected to accelerate innovation in the region and strengthen Europe's technological leadership on the global stage.
The Public Authorities Board of the Chips Joint Undertaking has chosen Hosting Consortia to implement the four pilot lines, provided successful negotiations. These consortia will receive grants for set-up, integration, process development, and operational activities. Funding for the pilot lines will come from the EU, including the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programme, as well as contributions from Member States and private sources.
Kari Leino, Chair of the Chips JU Public Authorities Board, highlights that the selection of these pilot lines represents a key moment for Europe's semiconductor industry, demonstrating the shared commitment of European nations to drive technological innovation.
These initiatives align with the objectives of the "Chips for Europe Initiative," the primary focus of the European Chips Act. This initiative aims to bolster technological capacity and foster innovation in advanced chip technology at a significant scale. The Chips JU plays a crucial role in facilitating a substantial portion of this investment, ensuring its success and impact throughout the region.
In response to the awarding of the new pilot lines, Jari Kinaret, the Executive Director of the Chips Joint Undertaking, stated that this decision signifies a major achievement for Europe's semiconductor sector, and they await the realization of these pilot lines. Through collaboration and innovation, they strive to advance progress and excellence in Europe.
The pilot lines will expedite process development, testing, experimentation, and design concept validation. Their implementation is projected to bridge the gap from the laboratory to fabrication facilities and will be accessible to a broad range of users, including academia, industry, and research institutions.
Subsequent steps involve finalizing Hosting Agreements, Joint Procurement Agreements, and related Grant Agreements through negotiations with the consortia. This marks the dawn of a new era for the European semiconductor ecosystem.
