[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

October 2, 2025 (single-stage)

~€1,000,000 total; typically one grant awarded

Supports the development of a sustainable support network and platform for European fabless semiconductor startups and SMEs to foster innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to strengthen and integrate support for European fabless semiconductor startups, SMEs, and mid-caps by establishing a sustainable organization or network that represents their interests. The grant supports the creation of a central platform for information on funding, policy, and technology, and encourages advocacy, visibility, and engagement of fabless SMEs in EU policy-making. Activities may include organizing events and workshops, fostering dialogue with stakeholders, building partnerships, and promoting cross-sector knowledge-sharing. The overarching goal is to bridge gaps in information, resources, and infrastructure, empowering fabless companies to drive innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness within Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: June 10, 2025 - Submission deadline: October 2, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget: Approximately €1,000,000 for this topic - Expected number of grants: 1 - Typical grant size: Around €1,000,000 --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by consortia coordinated and driven by relevant European startup and SME stakeholders in the fabless semiconductor field. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) for full details). - Non-EU/non-associated countries may participate under certain conditions (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Applicants must have the financial and operational capacity to carry out the proposed action. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Use the [Standard application form (HE CSA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf). - Follow the guidance provided in the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). - Evaluation criteria, admissibility, and award procedures are outlined in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The action should align with relevant EU initiatives, such as the Chips for Europe Initiative and the Chips Joint Undertaking. - Proposals should deliver a sustainable, active network or association, a comprehensive support platform, and strong advocacy functions. - Coordination with other EU semiconductor support actions and competence centres is encouraged. - The topic falls under “Achieving open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging enabling technologies.” --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Topic Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call overview and documents](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?callIdentifier=HORIZON-CL4-2025-03) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder general contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [Funding & Tenders Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Strengthening the fabless Start-up and SME ecosystem in Europe (CSA)

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