Microelectronic – Front-End Module (FEM)

The HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01-STREAM-B-05 grant under the EU's Horizon Europe program focuses on advancing microelectronic Front-End Modules (FEMs) for next-generation wireless communication systems, specifically targeting 6G technologies. This initiative aims to support research and innovation actions (RIA) with a total budget of €12 million and a submission deadline of September 18, 2025. The goal is to foster European technological leadership in telecom and microelectronics sectors.

Eligible applicants include startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research institutes, and public-private partnerships from EU member states, EEA countries, and associated nations. The proposal encourages collaboration among these entities, emphasizing the need for a strong consortium composed of academic and industry leaders, particularly in the fields of radio communication and microelectronics.

The project is intended for the development and validation of FEMs, which should ideally span the FR3 frequency range of 7 to 15 GHz but may extend up to 24 GHz. The design of these modules must aim to meet the ITU IMT 2030 specifications, focusing on enhancing data rates, user data rates, and spectral efficiency while targeting a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to existing 5G systems. Key technologies to be integrated include RF CMOS, GaN, and InP, along with advanced processing technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Funding will be provided as non-repayable grants, with individual grants potentially reaching up to €8 million, emphasizing the importance of strong project deliverables and a clear pathway towards commercialization and pilot line implementation. The application process is a single-stage submission, requiring comprehensive proposals limited to 70 pages and compliance with specific guidelines, including strategies for gender equality.

Entities must demonstrate compliance with participation requirements, focusing on avoiding conflicts with the EU's strategic interests. There is an expectation of co-funding, with private sector partners needing to contribute to project budgets. As competition for funding is high, the success rates are estimated to be between 10% to 39%.

Overall, this funding opportunity aims to bridge innovation in microelectronics with practical applications in telecommunications, paving the way for new market potentials and advancements in 6G infrastructure.

The EU's Horizon Europe program, under call HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01, includes a topic focused on Microelectronic Front-End Modules (FEM), specifically designated as HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01-STREAM-B-05. This initiative aims to foster research and innovation actions (RIA) within the Single Basic Act (SBA) Joint Undertaking (JU) framework. The call opened on May 22, 2025, and has a submission deadline of September 18, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. The total budget allocated to this topic is 12,000,000 EUR, with an indicative plan to award one grant.

The expected outcome of this research is a comprehensive Front End module design with several key features. The design should cover the FR3 frequency range (7 to 15 GHz), as defined by the relevant Agenda Item of WRC 27, with a possible extension up to 24 GHz. It should also support promising use cases, including both cellular (FR1-like) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) (FR2-like) scenarios. The design needs to make progress towards ITU IMT 2030 specifications, focusing on maximum data rate, user data rate, and spectral efficiency, while targeting a 50% reduction in mobile transmission system energy consumption. The design should be based on feasible technologies, architectures, and implementations that can lead to European product development and mass markets.

The module should enable the integration of various technologies, including computing (CMOS, FDSOI), RF (RF CMOS, RF SOI, FD-SOI, GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-Si, InP, InP on Si, SiGeBiCMOS, SiGebipolar), and power generation technologies (GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-Si, BCD, LDMOS). It should leverage European strengths in these areas and be compatible with downstream Transfer to Chip JU Pilot lines. The design must address packaging considerations, cover frequency sharing and co-existence with incumbent services (notably satellites in the FR3 range), and enable the integration of secure sensing technologies and Integrated Communication and Sensing (ISAC) use-cases.

The scope of this topic focuses on several key areas. The FEM design should primarily cover the FR3 frequency range, with consideration for FR1 and FR2 only if there are integration breakthroughs. Research focusing solely on FR1 or above 24 GHz is generally outside the scope. The call also seeks the characterization and operational requirements of use cases that would benefit from FR3 operations, comparing them with FR1 and FR2 implementations. The design of a complete FEM should include a Digital Front End, a Radio Front End with antenna elements, and the ability to handle at least 200 MHz channels. It should enable high throughput/capacity fronthaul with performance capabilities close to those defined by the ITU 2030 Framework, while enabling 50% energy savings compared to a 5G system.

Smart integration of heterogeneous technologies and modules with low loss characteristics at RF, digital, and power levels is crucial, along with related packaging. The design should leverage Chip JU developments, particularly for ultra-high transmit power/system Core technologies, and enable System-on-Chip (SoC) implementation. Optical technologies may be included if they are compatible with an efficient FEM design and can be transferred to Chip JU Pilot lines. The design should support Integrated Communication and Sensing applications, including secure ICAS-specific functions at the digital or RF level, and support a high level of node integration for transfer to Pilot Lines. A plan for development up to such transfer is expected.

The call also seeks evaluation of using Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Tx/Rx to achieve 6G performance, low cost, and low energy consumption solutions, with consideration for analog neural networks processing technology. Minimizing interferences and supporting efficient interference control with incumbent users of the FR3 spectrum range, notably satellites, is essential, and related projects are expected to cooperate closely. Implementation on SoC is desired, with specific architectures based on RISC V being optional.

General Annex A of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025 applies to the SNS call 2025, with a page limit of 70 for RIAs submitted under Stream B and C. Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with restrictions on participation under Article 22(5) of the Horizon Europe Regulation, limiting participation in Streams B and C to legal entities from Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, and Mercosur countries. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only if they can demonstrate that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic interests. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are not eligible. Legal entities established in Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are also ineligible.

At least half of the project budget must be implemented by SNS JU members (other than the Union) and their constituent or affiliated entities. Applicants must complete a mandatory table of compliance at the proposal stage. Gender equality plans are required for public bodies, research organizations, and higher education establishments. General Annex C of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025 applies to the SNS call 2025.

Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. The award criteria table includes sub-criteria assessing contributions to SME objectives and IKOP objectives. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement follows General Annex F, with amendments related to the procedure to rank proposals. Legal and financial aspects are governed by General Annex G of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025. Participants will be required to cooperate in the SNS Programme and make AI/ML training datasets available through a common repository.

A call-specific application form will be used and available in the Submission System. Guidance documents include the HE Programme Guide and Model Grant Agreements.

This funding opportunity aims to advance the design and development of microelectronic front-end modules (FEMs) for 6G mobile communication systems. It seeks to bring together European industrial leaders, academics, and research organizations to create innovative FEM designs that meet stringent performance and energy efficiency targets. The focus is on the FR3 frequency range, with consideration for other frequency bands under specific conditions. The projects should leverage European technological strengths and contribute to the competitiveness and strategic autonomy of the European Union in the telecommunications sector. The call emphasizes the integration of heterogeneous technologies, the minimization of interference, and the use of AI/ML for performance optimization. Ultimately, the goal is to develop FEM designs that can be transferred to pilot lines for mass production, supporting the next generation of wireless communication technologies.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include legal entities established in Member States, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries. The opportunity also mentions the importance of a solid combination of European industrial leaders in the radio communication and microelectronic domains, with adequate support from relevant academics and RTOs (Research and Technology Organizations). The Enterprise Europe Network is mentioned for advice to businesses with special focus on SMEs.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) under the Horizon Europe program. The type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA) is a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity emphasizes the need for a strong combination of European industrial leaders, academics, and RTOs, suggesting that a consortium is highly preferred, if not explicitly required.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility for applicants is primarily focused on legal entities established in Member States, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries. However, there are restrictions for entities directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, and entities established in Russia, Belarus, or in non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are generally ineligible.

Target Sector: The program targets the microelectronics and telecommunications sectors, specifically focusing on the design and development of Front End Modules (FEMs) for wireless communication systems, including 5G and potentially 6G technologies. It also touches on areas like AI/ML, secure sensing technologies, and Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) applications.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity explicitly mentions Member States, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries as eligible. It also mentions Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine (specifically non-government-controlled territories) as generally ineligible.

Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project is research and innovation actions (RIA), implying projects in the research, development, and potentially demonstration phases, with a clear path towards implementation and transfer to pilot lines.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary by topic, ranging from EUR 8,000,000 to EUR 21,000,000. The indicative number of grants also varies, with some topics targeting a single grant and others aiming for up to 5 grants.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant to support their research and innovation activities.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants per topic provides some insight into the potential competition level.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement from the applicant. However, it does specify that at least half of the budget should be implemented by the SNS JU member (other than the Union) and their constituent or affiliated entities, which could be interpreted as a form of required involvement or contribution.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01-STREAM-B-05, focuses on advancing microelectronic Front End Module (FEM) design for future wireless communication systems, particularly targeting the FR3 frequency range and exploring potential extensions to FR1 and FR2. The call aims to foster European technological leadership in radio communication and microelectronics by supporting research and innovation actions that lead to comprehensive FEM designs. These designs should enable progress towards ITU IMT 2030 specifications, reduce energy consumption, integrate heterogeneous technologies, address packaging challenges, and support secure sensing and ICAS use-cases. The call encourages collaboration between European industrial leaders, academics, and RTOs, and it prioritizes projects with a clear plan for downstream transfer to Chip JU Pilot lines. Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries, with certain restrictions applied to entities controlled by non-eligible countries or established in Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine. The funding is provided through HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) grants, with a single-stage application process and a 70-page limit for full proposals. The call also emphasizes the importance of gender equality plans and the consideration of gender dimensions in research and innovation content.