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

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen and support fabless semiconductor start-ups, SMEs, and small mid-caps in Europe. It aims to address their unique challenges and promote innovation, collaboration, and growth within the semiconductor sector. The focus is on establishing a sustainable organization or network to represent these companies, facilitating advocacy, and increasing their visibility in European policy-making. Key areas include creating a central information platform, organizing events, and supporting the acceleration of advanced technologies such as AI, low-power computing, autonomous driving, and integrated photonics. This opportunity is open to organizations located in EU member states, associated countries, and certain other eligible countries in Europe.

• Set up or support a sustainable organization or network representing the interests of European fabless startups, SMEs, and mid‑caps. 

• Build a structured framework for dialogue between fabless SMEs and EU stakeholders—including policymakers and industrial actors—to address sector-specific challenges.

• Provide a platform delivering accessible information on funding calls, regulatory updates, and emerging semiconductor technologies.

• Secure active representation of fabless SMEs in key industry forums and events to elevate their influence in the European semiconductor ecosystem.

• Deliver targeted support services facilitating acceleration and scale-up — especially in domains like AI chips, low-power computing, integrated photonics, and autonomous driving.

• Projects should align with the focus on supporting fabless semiconductor start-ups, SMEs, and small mid-caps in Europe.

Examples:

• A project that creates a European network for fabless semiconductor SMEs to share resources and knowledge.
• An initiative that organizes events and workshops to connect start-ups with larger industry players and policymakers.
• A platform that provides up-to-date information and advocacy tools for semiconductor start-ups across Europe.

• 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

• Budget for this Call: 1.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• At least three independent entities from three different eligible countries, including one from an EU Member State.

• All participants must be based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries.

• Financial and operational capacity required as per Horizon Europe rules.

• Action type is Coordination and Support Action (CSA).

• Must support fabless startups and SMEs in the semiconductor sector.

• Standard Horizon Europe legal, ethical, and administrative rules apply.