Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating Si...

The grant opportunity HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82 focuses on "Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities." It is part of the Horizon Europe program, specifically under Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA). This initiative aims to strengthen the European Union's strategic autonomy by developing critical space Electronic, Electrical, and Electromechanical (EEE) components with an emphasis on establishing an EU-based supply chain for semi-insulating Silicon Carbide (SiC) substrates used in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for space applications.

Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland, focusing on entities such as large enterprises, SMEs, research institutions, and universities. Applicants are encouraged to form consortia since the complexity and nature of the project lend themselves to collaborative efforts across multiple competencies.

The call specifies a funding allocation of €6,860,000, with expected contributions ranging from €6,000,000 to €7,000,000 for a single project, as it anticipates awarding one grant. Applicants will need to submit detailed project proposals by September 3, 2026, following the opening date of March 10, 2026. The submission process will be single-stage, with a maximum proposal length of 80 pages.

The project's intended outcomes include ensuring unrestricted access to EEE components necessary for critical EU space missions, reducing dependency on external sources, and enhancing competitiveness in the global marketplace. Proposals must demonstrate compliance with EU export regulations and address how they will manage supply chain vulnerabilities.

Additionally, successful applications will need to provide a comprehensive analysis of their supply chain and develop a business plan for commercialization. The initiative is directly linked to the Observatory of Critical Technologies' roadmap and supports various EU space missions, including Galileo and Copernicus.

The project's overarching goal is to foster technological sovereignty in critical space infrastructure and create a reliable, EU-centric supply chain for essential components without external export dependencies, thus ensuring a stable and competitive landscape for EU space missions and technologies.

This is a Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82, titled "Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities". It falls under the SPACE (HORIZON-CL4-2026-03) call and is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA). The Model Grant Agreement type is HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].

The call is forthcoming with a single-stage deadline model. The planned opening date is 10 March 2026, and the deadline for submission is 03 September 2026, 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of the project are:

Reinforcing EU strategic autonomy by reducing non-EU dependencies on critical space EEE components and related technologies across their entire supply chain.
Providing unrestricted access to critical space EEE components and related technologies relevant for EU space missions (Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS2 and EU pilot missions on In-Orbit Space Operations and Quantum Gravimetry).
Developing or regaining capacity to operate independently in space by developing resilient space EEE components and related technologies supply chains, relying on EU supply chains and/or trustable and reliable supply chains not affected by non-EU export restrictions.
Enhancing competitiveness by developing products and capabilities reaching equivalent or superior performance level than those from outside the EU and compete at worldwide level.

The scope of the call is to finance and implement a development project aimed at maturing critical space EEE (Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical) components, with the goal of lowering dependency from outside the EU. This involves establishing a long-term sustainable supply chain to support EU strategic autonomy in the space sector. The selection of supply chains should reflect this objective, preferably being fully based in the EU. If full EU sourcing is not possible due to a lack of current EU capabilities (e.g., advanced semiconductor processes or advanced materials), services procured from outside the EU must ensure the overall supply chain remains trustable and unaffected by non-EU export control. This latter scenario is subject to the granting authority's approval.

The space EEE component and related technologies relevant for this topic represent a direct implementation of the EU Observatory of Critical Technologies (OCT) Technology Roadmap, named GaN for RF and mm-wave Space and Defence Applications: industrial development of an EU-based source of semi-insulating SiC substrates addressing the 100/150mm. Further details will be provided at the latest at the opening of the Call, in a Guidance document published on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Applicants are expected to include a dedicated proposal’s paragraph covering:

The description of the technology and/or technology processes and high-level breakdown of the space EEE component supply chain to be used. Applicants should demonstrate that the supply chain and final product are free of any legal export restrictions or limitations, such as those established in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or equivalent instruments applicable in other non-EU jurisdictions. Applicants shall also report, in a dedicated subsection, if and which part of the supply chain is affected by non-EU export controls such as the Export Administration regulation (EAR) i.e. EAR99.
The description of the suitable technology development process that has been identified and set up within the consortium for avoiding export restrictions of non-EU states and assess vulnerabilities of the supply chain.

Proposals targeting a final Technology Readiness Level (TRL) equal to or higher than 5 should include a list of proposed applicable standards or technical guidance (e.g. EN, ECSS, ESCC, MIL, JEDEC,…) that are considered relevant for implementing a formal space evaluation and/or qualification. Projects aiming at formal space qualification should include as a deliverable the full data pack planned to be submitted to the qualification authority; this deliverable should be marked sensitive. Hardware that successfully completes space evaluation/qualification is expected to promote EU support by displaying the EU emblem on the package.

The proposal is expected to include specific tasks as part of the work plan and related dedicated confidential deliverables to be provided within six months from the start of the project, with the objective of:

Analysing and describing, in detail, the full supply chain, each entity and its role in the supply chain, level of criticality and, if relevant, identify dependencies from outside EU.
Describing the industrial technical roadmap and a business plan for commercialization with accurate understanding of applications needs, space mission insertion, including time to market indication, of the developed product.
Reporting the list of relevant non-EU export control with extra territorial applicability for the specific technology/product under development, independently from the supply chain established for the EU-COM project.
Undertaking a comprehensive literature review of the relevant technology/product reporting the state-of-the-art and highlighting potential gaps between current EU solutions and competition from outside EU.

Beneficiaries must ensure that none of the entities that participate as subcontractors are established in countries which are not eligible as set out in the call conditions, unless otherwise agreed with the granting authority.

The consortium and individual beneficiaries must ensure that, for four years after the project's end, the supply and availability of hardware, manufacturing, and assembly processes are made available to any entity in the EU, Norway, and Iceland at fair market prices, with no legal restrictions like ITAR. Beneficiaries intending to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive license must notify the granting authority, which may object to the transfer or licensing within four years after the project.

The integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not relevant for this topic.

The application page limit is 80 pages.

General conditions for admissibility, eligible countries, financial and operational capacity, exclusion, evaluation, award, and legal/financial setup are described in the annexes of the Horizon Europe Work Programme and the Online Manual.

Application and evaluation forms are available in the Submission System. Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide, and Model Grant Agreements are based on the HE MGA. A compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control is to be filled by all project participants as part of the application.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, and other guidelines and regulations related to Horizon Europe.

The budget for this specific topic, HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82, is EUR 6,860,000, with an expected contribution ranging from EUR 6,000,000 to EUR 7,000,000. It is anticipated that one grant will be awarded for this topic.

There are partner search announcements available for collaboration on this topic. The submission system is planned to open on the date stated on the topic header.

This Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action aims to bolster the EU's strategic independence in the space sector by fostering the development and industrialization of critical EEE components, specifically focusing on Gallium Nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and the foundations for their production, namely semi-insulating Silicon Carbide (SiC) substrates. The goal is to reduce reliance on non-EU sources for these essential components, ensuring that European space missions have access to state-of-the-art technology without being hindered by export restrictions or unreliable supply chains. Projects funded under this call are expected to establish robust, EU-centric supply chains, enhance the competitiveness of the European space industry, and contribute to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement of these critical technologies. The call emphasizes the importance of collaboration between space and non-space industries and requires applicants to address potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain and demonstrate compliance with EU strategic interests and export control regulations.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are legal entities established in Member States, Norway, and Iceland. However, entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or entity may participate if they demonstrate that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security. The call is primarily targeted towards the EU space industry, European non-space and space industries, and businesses with a special focus on SMEs.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) under the Horizon Europe Programme.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required. The consortium as a whole and individual beneficiaries have obligations regarding the supply and availability of hardware, manufacturing, and assembly processes developed within the project.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. Subcontractors must also be established in eligible countries, unless otherwise agreed with the granting authority.

Target Sector: The target sector is the space industry, specifically focusing on the development and maturation of critical space Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components and related technologies. The program targets the development of GaN for RF and mm-wave Space and Defence Applications, and industrial development of an EU-based source of semi-insulating SiC substrates addressing the 100/150mm.

Mentioned Countries: EU Member States, Norway, Iceland.

Project Stage: The project stage targets technology developments with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) equal to or higher than 5. The aim is to mature critical space EEE components and establish a long-term sustainable supply chain.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-11: €10,000,000 to €15,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-31: €3,000,000 to €6,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-32: €5,000,000 to €10,000,000 (4 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-61: €1,500,000 to €2,500,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-81: €12,000,000 to €13,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82: €6,000,000 to €7,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-85: €3,000,000 to €4,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-86: €2,000,000 to €3,000,000 (1 grant)

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

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants to finance their research and innovation activities.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic is provided, allowing for an estimation based on the number of expected applications.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe funding typically involves a certain level of own contribution or co-funding, which can be confirmed in the detailed call documents.

This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE (HORIZON-CL4-2026-03) initiative, aims to bolster the EU's strategic autonomy in the space sector by reducing its dependence on non-EU sources for critical Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components and related technologies. The call specifically targets the development and industrialization of semi-insulating Silicon Carbide (SiC) substrates for Gallium Nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) used in Radio Frequency (RF) and millimeter-wave applications for space and defense. The call encourages collaboration between European space and non-space industries to enhance technological spin-in and ensure complementarity with other EU and national activities. Projects should aim to establish resilient and trustworthy supply chains, preferably based within the EU, and ensure that the resulting hardware, manufacturing, and assembly processes are available to entities within the EU, Norway, and Iceland at fair market prices, free from restrictive export regulations. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their proposed supply chain and final product are free of any legal export restrictions or limitations, such as those established in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or equivalent instruments applicable in other non-EU jurisdictions. The call is open to legal entities based in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland, with certain conditions applying to entities controlled by non-eligible countries. The call provides funding through HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA), with varying budget allocations and expected contributions for each topic. The application process involves a single stage, with a deadline of September 3, 2026. The overall goal is to ensure unrestricted access to state-of-the-art space EEE components, enhance the competitiveness of the EU space industry, and support critical EU space missions such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and IRIS2.