Pilot Federation

DIGITAL-JU funds the establishment of a Europe-wide Vocational Education and Training (VET) federation focused on semiconductor technician roles to develop industry-aligned micro-credentials, reskilling programmes and cross-border recognition mechanisms. The call is a DIGITAL JU Simple Grant with an indicative single award budget of €10 million (portal metadata shows min €1,000,000 and max €10,000,000) and is co-funded with National Funding Authorities. Proposals must be submitted as a consortium via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 24 September 2026 and comply with Chips JU participation rules including Ownership Control Declarations where required. For call documents and support consult the Chips JU call page and contact Calls@chips-ju.europa.eu.

What it funds

Summary

Support to establish a European federation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers focused on semiconductor technician roles. Projects should create industry-aligned micro-credentials, reskilling programmes (with emphasis on workers transitioning from other sectors) and mechanisms for cross-border recognition and mobility.

Who can apply:Consortia led by VET providers and training organisations, typically including industry partners, public bodies or other education/recruitment stakeholders at European or multi‑Member State level. Proposals must form a European-level federation of VET providers.

1. 1Type of action: DIGITAL JU Simple Grant (Single-stage, full proposal).
2. 2Expected EU contribution per project: around €10 000 000 (call budget indicative; grants in the call range min €1 000 000 to max €10 000 000).
3. 3Deadline: 24 September 2026 (call opens 7 July 2026).

Apply via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal topic page:Topic page. For application rules and templates see the Chips JU call documents and Guide for Applicants Chips JU call page ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Guide for Applicants, application templates and annexes are available on the Chips JU call page and the Funding & Tenders Portal (see topic page links).

Opportunity summary and objectives

Call identifier:DIGITAL-JU. Call type: DIGITAL JU Simple Grants (Simple Grant). Deadline (single-stage full proposal): 24 September 2026. Planned opening/submission availability: 7 July 2026. This call supports establishing a European-level federation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers focused on semiconductor industry roles. Expected outcomes include: Europe's first long-term VET provider network for semiconductors; a larger and more diverse pool of qualified technicians; and increased intra- and extra-EU mobility of students and workers to fill skills gaps in semiconductor facilities.

Expected EU contribution:Indicative EU contribution per project: approximately €10,000,000. Budget table shows expectedGrants: 1; minContribution: €1,000,000; maxContribution: €10,000,000; planned call budget for 2026: €10,000,000 ¹.

Where to apply and support:Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal electronic submission service (full proposal entry). Chips JU call information and call documents are hosted on the Chips JU call page. Support contact for the call: Calls@chips-ju.europa.eu. Portal IT helpdesk and Funding & Tenders Portal online manual apply for technical submission questions.

Detailed eligibility and administrative conditions

Type of action:DIGITAL JU Simple Grants under the Digital programme implementation for the Chips for Europe Initiative. Submission procedure: single-stage (one-stage Full Proposal). Mode: Co-funded with National Funding Authorities (NFA) — the call page explicitly states co-funding with the NFA. Participation restrictions: special ownership and control declarations required for eligibility assessment in line with Annex 4 of the Chips JU Multiannual Work Programme; participants must complete Ownership Control Declarations (OCD) for consortium members and upload merged OCDs or submit individually in case of sensitive data.

1. 1Eligible applicant types: VET providers and training organisations, universities and research institutes when partnering to design curricula, public bodies and agencies involved in vocational training, SMEs active in training delivery or industry skills development, large enterprises and industry partners (semiconductor companies) acting as associated partners or beneficiaries, non-profit organisations, NGOs focused on skills and training, consortia of the above. The call targets a federation model so consortia of multiple organisations are envisaged rather than single beneficiaries.
2. 2Funding type: Grant (budget-based action grant via DEP/DIGITAL model grant agreement). The grant is budget-based and follows EU grant rules (DEP MGA / DIGITAL Action Grant Budget-Based).
3. 3Consortium requirement: Consortium is required or strongly expected. The scope requires establishing a European-level federation of VET providers; proposals should present a consortium representing multiple VET providers across Member States and possibly associated countries, including industry partners for alignment and validation. The call documents and guide for applicants specify consortium arrangements, consortium agreement expectations and Ownership Control Declaration requirements.
4. 4Beneficiary geographic scope: Primarily EU Member States and Horizon-associated countries (eligible under Chips JU and Digital programme rules). The call text emphasizes intra- and extra-EU mobility, but participation is subject to the Chips JU and Digital programme eligibility and participation rules and to the restrictions in Annex 4 (protection of European digital infrastructures and supply chains); non-EU participation will be subject to the programme rules and any call-specific restrictions.
5. 5Target sector and topics: Vocational education and training, semiconductor industry skills and workforce development, micro-credentials and reskilling programmes, cross-border qualification recognition, mobility schemes for technicians and industrial workers, curricula and training aligned with semiconductor facilities and fab operations, lifelong learning and transitions from other industrial sectors.
6. 6Project stage and activities supported: Implementation and demonstration of VET federation setup, development and piloting of industry-aligned micro-credentials and reskilling curricula, network governance and quality assurance, cross-border recognition mechanisms, mobility arrangements, capacity building of VET providers, implementation of training delivery and certification systems.
7. 7Funding amount range and scale: The call documents show an estimated single grant (expectedGrants: 1) and indicate a maximum contribution of €10,000,000 per selected project, with a minimum contribution field listed as €1,000,000 in the portal metadata. The Chips JU call page repeats expected EU contribution per project of ~€10 million.
8. 8Application type and submission method: Open competitive call with a one-stage full proposal submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must select the DIGITAL-JU topic entry in the portal and proceed with creating the submission in the portal application submission tool.
9. 9Nature of support: Financial support in the form of grant funding (budget-based action grant). The action may also include non-financial elements delivered through consortium activities (training delivery, curriculum development, mobility schemes) but the funding modality is monetary grant.
10. 10Application stages and selection: Single-stage evaluation. The call is a one-stage single-stage submission with evaluation against the published evaluation criteria; applicants prepare and submit full proposals. The evaluation form and guide for applicants are provided as call documents. The call expects one successful project likely selected from competitive submissions.
11. 11Success rates: Not published as a percentage; portal metadata indicates expectedGrants: 1 which implies a single award. Success probability will therefore be low and competitive depending on the number and quality of proposals. No historical success rate is provided in the call page.
12. 12Co-funding requirement: Yes. The call mode is co-funded with National Funding Authorities (NFA). The call page explicitly indicates co-funding with the NFA; applicants should consult the Guide for Applicants and national budget tables for national contributions and co-funding rules. The DEP MGA rules apply for co-financing and financial reporting.
13. 13Templates and mandatory documents: Application form template Part B (TPL_Application_Form_(Part B)_DEP_PF.rtf); Guide for Applicants (Guide_for_applicants_DEP_PF.pdf); Evaluation form (Evaluation_form_DEP_PF.pdf); Ownership Control Declaration template (ownership-control-declaration_en.docx); National Budgets Table template (Tpl_Annex_National_Budgets_Table (Chips JU).xlsx); Appendix 8 of Work Programme - Chips for Europe Initiative (GB_2026.139_Annex_Appendix8_CEIv7.pdf); Annotated Model Grant Agreement and DEP MGA documents. Applicants must use the Part B layout limits and follow the instructions in the Guide. The submission session opens in the portal and applicants must confirm the type of action and model grant agreement when creating drafts.

Participation and legal/administrative checks:Proposals will be subject to legal entity validation, LEAR appointment and financial capacity checks as per the Portal rules. Calls are subject to Chips JU specific rules including Annex 5 specific rules and the DEP MGA. Pillar-assessed participants and international participants have additional provisions outlined in the DEP MGA. Ownership Control Declaration(s) must be provided to allow assessment under participation restrictions for protection of digital infrastructure and supply chains.

Application templates and structure:Mandatory and recommended documents: Application form Part A and Part B (use the provided DEP PF templates); Appendix 8 of the Work Programme for detailed topic conditions; Guide for Applicants for evaluation and submission rules; Evaluation form template to understand scoring; Ownership Control Declaration template for consortium members; National Budgets Table for national co-funding mapping; DEP MGA and annotated model grant agreement for contractual provisions. Part B contains the project description, impact, implementation, consortium, budget justification, and Part B page and layout limits apply as specified in the Guide and Appendix 8.

1. 1Application structure (high-level) based on Part B template: 1) Excellence and relevance to topic (objectives, activities, work plan, innovation in VET federation model), 2) Impact (expected outcomes: VET network, mobility, skills pool, cross-border recognition), 3) Implementation and management (consortium composition, governance of the federation, timeline, milestones), 4) Resources and budget (detailed budget per beneficiary, justification, co-funding sources including NFA contributions), 5) Ethics, legal and ownership control declarations, 6) Annexes (Letters of support from industry, national authorities, detailed curricula or micro-credential outlines).
2. 2Budget justification and financial templates (Annex 2/Annex 2a): provide detailed estimated eligible costs per beneficiary and budget category, explain staff effort (person-days, daily rates), subcontracting and procurement plans, travel and mobility costs, equipment or training delivery costs, and show national co-funding entries in the National Budgets Table.

Evaluation, selection and award

Evaluation process:single-stage evaluation using the published evaluation form and criteria in the call documents. Evaluation will follow Chips JU and Digital programme rules and the annotated MGA. Proposals will be assessed for excellence, impact and quality/efficiency of implementation; compliance with participation restrictions (OCD) and co-funding arrangements will be verified. The Guide for Applicants and the Evaluation Form describe threshold scores and weighting and should be consulted for detailed scoring methodology.

Selection and award:expected to fund a single pilot federation project. The award decision will be formalised through the DEP model grant agreement prepared by the granting authority. Selected beneficiary(ies) must sign the grant agreement and adhere to the DEP MGA terms including reporting, record-keeping and audits.

Key technical and programme priorities to address in proposals:Proposals should focus on establishing a durable European federation of VET providers for the semiconductor sector; design and deliver industry-aligned micro-credentials and reskilling programmes targeting transitions from other industrial sectors; demonstrate cross-border recognition mechanisms and mobility schemes for students and workers; define governance, quality assurance, accreditation/certification processes, and industry validation and placement mechanisms; include sustainability, scaling and replication plans across EU Member States and associated countries.

1. 1Technology and content areas to cover: semiconductor manufacturing basics, cleanroom procedures and safety, fab equipment operation fundamentals, process control basics, quality assurance and metrology, maintenance for semiconductor equipment, automation and Industry 4.0 interfaces relevant to fabs, testing and packaging workflows, environmental health and safety compliance for fabs.
2. 2Education and training deliverables expected: standardized micro-credentials and modular curricula, assessment and certification frameworks, mobility and credit recognition agreements, teacher/trainer capacity building, partnerships with industry for internships and placements, digital/in-person blended training delivery and evaluation metrics.

Applicants must ensure alignment with Chips JU strategic objectives and the specific objective SO6 indicated in the topic metadata. Proposals will be evaluated on European added value, feasibility, consortium capability, sustainability and impact on addressing the semiconductor skills gap.

Risk areas and mandatory compliance points

1. 1Participation restrictions and Ownership Control Declaration: applicants must complete OCD forms for each consortium member for eligibility checks linked to protection of European digital infrastructures and supply chains. Failure to provide required declarations may affect eligibility.
2. 2Co-funding and national contributions: the call is co-funded with NFAs. Proposals must clearly document national co-funding commitments and complete the National Budgets Table template where required.
3. 3Legal and financial checks: ensure LEAR registration, legal entity validation and financial capacity checks as required by the Portal. Pillar assessment or other special status must be declared where applicable.
4. 4Reporting and audit obligations: projects funded under the DEP MGA must comply with reporting cycles, record-keeping for at least five years after project end, and may be subject to audits, OLAF and ECA reviews. Costs must meet DEP eligibility rules (personnel, subcontracting, purchases, indirect costs 7% flat rate unless specified otherwise).
5. 5Security, ethics and IP: Annex 5 specific rules and possible sensitive or classified information handling; ensure ethical compliance and IPR arrangements consistent with DEP MGA provisions.

Applicants should consult the Guide for Applicants and Appendix 8 of the Work Programme for full details on call conditions, eligibility, budget rules and evaluation criteria. Use the Evaluation Form template to structure responses to evaluators' expectations.

How to prepare a competitive submission

1. 1Assemble a strong pan-European consortium of VET providers with demonstrable capacity to deliver training and certification; include industry partners and national authorities to secure placements, validation and co-funding.
2. 2Provide clear governance and sustainability plans for the federation, including legal form, consortium agreement, quality assurance, accreditation pathway and long-term financing beyond the grant period.
3. 3Design concrete micro-credentials and reskilling pathways with learning outcomes, assessment criteria, delivery modalities, trainer qualifications and plans for recognition across borders.
4. 4Quantify impact metrics: number of technicians to be trained and certified, mobility placements intra- and extra-EU, employability outcomes, projected reduction in skills gaps at targeted fabs, replication potential.
5. 5Complete and attach all mandatory administrative templates: Part B, National Budgets Table, Ownership Control Declarations for all consortium members, letters of support, and any required national co-funding confirmations.

The submission must be carried out through the Portal; applicants should prepare and validate all supporting documents in advance and allow time for legal entity validation and LEAR tasks. The Portal Online Manual, IT Helpdesk and the Chips JU call page provide procedural guidance.

Notable links and documents:Primary topic page and submission entry are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the Chips JU call page. Key call documents include: Guide for Applicants, Application Form Part B template, Evaluation Form, Ownership Control Declaration template, National Budgets Table, Appendix 8 of the Work Programme and the DEP MGA/Annotated Model Grant Agreement. Consult these documents for full contractual and technical details.

Contact and Q&A:For call-specific questions contact Calls@chips-ju.europa.eu. Use the Portal Topic Q&A section for public clarifications; monitor the Chips JU call page for updates and funding decision announcements.

Concluding summary

This call finances the establishment of a European pilot federation of VET providers for the semiconductor sector to develop standardized micro-credentials, reskilling pathways, and cross-border recognition of qualifications to address technician shortages in fabs and semiconductor facilities. It is a highly strategic, co-funded, competitive one-stage grant under the DIGITAL/JU Chips initiative with an expected single award of approximately €10 million. Applicants should form a robust pan-European consortium including VET providers, industry partners and national stakeholders, comply with Chips JU participation and ownership control rules, prepare comprehensive technical and financial plans using the provided templates, document co-funding from NFAs where required, and submit a full proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 24 September 2026.

Summary classification answers (detailed):Eligible Applicant Types: VET providers, training organisations, universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises and industry partners, public bodies, non-profits and NGOs forming a consortium focused on vocational training and skills development; consortia are expected. Funding Type: Budget-based grant (DIGITAL JU Simple Grant / DEP MGA). Consortium Requirement: Consortium of multiple applicants required (federation model). Beneficiary Scope: EU Member States and Horizon-associated countries subject to Chips JU participation rules and call-specific restrictions; the topic emphasises intra- and extra-EU mobility but formal eligibility follows programme rules and Annex 4 restrictions. Target Sector: Semiconductor industry skills, VET, education and training. Mentioned Countries: No specific Member States are listed on the topic page; region specified: EU and intra-/extra-EU mobility emphasis. Project Stage: Implementation, demonstration and capacity building of training and certification systems. Funding Amount: Indicative €10 million maximum per project; portal metadata shows minContribution €1,000,000 and maxContribution €10,000,000 and expectedGrants: 1. Application Type: Open competitive one-stage full proposal submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Nature of Support: Monetary grant funding. Application Stages: Single-stage (1). Success Rates: Not published; expectedGrants: 1 implies very limited number of awards and therefore low success probability. Co-funding Requirement: Yes — co-funded with National Funding Authorities; applicants must provide national budgets and document co-funding. Templates: Application Form Part B template, Guide for Applicants, Evaluation Form, Ownership Control Declaration, National Budgets Table, Appendix 8 of Work Programme, DEP MGA and annotated MGA are provided and must be used for drafting the proposal.

Footnotes

1. 1Topic entry and budget metadata on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal: DIGITAL-JU. See topic details and submission entry on the Portal Topic page and Chips JU call page Chips JU call page.

Key Opportunity Details

Who Should Apply and Eligibility

This call supports the establishment of Europe's first long-term Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider network focused on semiconductor industry roles, aiming to create a larger pool of qualified technicians and enhance cross-border mobility of workers to fill skills gaps in semiconductor facilities [[1]].

Call Identifier:DIGITAL-JU ¹

Total Budget:€10 million for a single expected grant [[1]].

Grant Range:Minimum contribution: €1,000,000; Maximum contribution: €10,000,000 ².

Deadline:September 24, 2026, at 00:00:00 UTC ³.

Programme:Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) under the Chips for Europe Initiative ⁴.

The project scope includes developing industry-aligned micro-credentials and reskilling programmes, with a strong emphasis on workers transitioning from other industrial sectors and ensuring cross-border recognition of qualifications ⁵.

1. 1VET providers and educational institutions specializing in semiconductor technologies
2. 2Consortiums capable of establishing a European-level federation of VET providers
3. 3Entities focused on reskilling workers from other industrial sectors for semiconductor roles
4. 4Organizations committed to cross-border recognition of qualifications and student mobility

Applicants must form a consortium to establish a European-level federation, as the expected outcome is a long-term network rather than a single-entity project ⁶.

For support related to this call, contact the Chips JU helpdesk at Calls@chips-ju.europa.eu ⁷.

Detailed application guidelines, including Part B of the Application Form and the Guide for Applicants, are available on the Chips JU website's Call page ⁸.

Footnotes

1. 1Call identifier confirmed from EU Funding & Tenders Portal topic details.
2. 2Budget overview data from the Funding & Tenders Portal showing min/max contribution limits.
3. 3Deadline date confirmed from the Actions section of the portal data.
4. 4Programme context derived from the Digital Europe Programme and Chips JU initiative documentation.
5. 5Scope and expected outcome details from the official call description.
6. 6Consortium requirement inferred from the 'federation' nature of the expected outcome.
7. 7Support contact information from the portal's Support Info section.
8. 8Reference to call documents section including Application Form Part B and Guide for Applicants.