Space Critical EEE Components for EU non-dependence – Advanced Packages and Memories

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development of critical space Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components, helping the EU reduce its reliance on non-EU suppliers. The program aims to build a strong and sustainable supply chain within the EU or with trusted partners, ensuring these technologies are always accessible for EU space missions. There is a special focus on advanced technologies, such as high-performance packages and MRAM memories, that have reached advanced stages of development. Only organizations from EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland can take part. Projects should help boost the EU's competitiveness and strategic autonomy in the space sector.

• Eligibility Conditions: Projects must be led by legal entities based in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
• Admissibility Conditions: Proposals must not exceed 80 pages and must follow the required format.
• Supply Chain Requirements: The entire supply chain and final product must be free from export restrictions like ITAR or similar non-EU controls. If non-EU suppliers are involved, they must be trustworthy and not affected by export controls, subject to approval.
• Focus Areas: Each project must focus on one specific technology area and describe how it complements other national or EU initiatives.
• Expected Outcomes: Projects should reduce non-EU dependency, ensure unrestricted access to critical EEE components, and support a robust EU-based supply chain.
• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals must meet all required evaluation thresholds and scoring criteria.

Example Projects:

• Developing a new EU-based manufacturing process for MRAM memory chips to replace non-EU imports.
• Creating a supply chain for advanced packaging technologies in the EU, ensuring no components are subject to non-EU export controls.
• Establishing a roadmap for producing high-reliability electronic connectors entirely within the EU, with a detailed analysis of the supply chain.

Personnel costs
Subcontracting
Travel and subsistence
Equipment (depreciation or rental)
Consumables and materials
Dissemination and communication
Access to research infrastructure
IPR and certification
Audit costs
Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
Internally invoiced services

• Total budget of the grant: 6,000,000€
• Number of grants available: 2
• Co-financing rate: 70%
• Maximum value per company: 3,000,000€
• Minimum value per company: 2,500,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in an EU Member State, Norway, or Iceland.
• Entities from other countries are not eligible to apply.
• If an entity is controlled by a non-eligible country, it must provide guarantees approved by its country of establishment, ensuring no negative impact on EU strategic interests.
• High-risk suppliers of mobile network equipment, or entities owned or controlled by such suppliers, cannot participate or provide guarantees.
• The supply chain and final product must be free from legal export restrictions such as ITAR or equivalent non-EU regulations.