Space Critical EEE Components for EU non-dependence – RISC-V Microprocessor on 7nm

This EU grant opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe program, specifically under the call SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02). The focus is on developing RISC-V microprocessors at the 7nm technology node to enhance EU strategic autonomy and reduce dependency on non-European sources for critical space Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical components. The funding will support the maturation of these components, targeting a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5.

Eligible applicants include legal entities based in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland, while entities from non-eligible countries can participate if they do not negatively impact the EU's strategic interests. The funding type is a grant, specifically through Horizon Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), with a total budget of EUR 5,000,000 expected to support one or two projects.

The application process is a single-stage open call, with submissions due by September 25, 2025. Proposals must detail technology processes and supply chain strategies to demonstrate that the supply chains will avoid export restrictions, particularly from non-EU countries. Applicants should also provide a comprehensive technical roadmap and a business plan for commercialization.

Key project objectives include ensuring unrestricted access to critical space components for EU space missions, establishing resilient supply chains, and increasing competitiveness by developing technologies that meet or exceed international standards. The project aims to reinforce EU's strategic autonomy in the space sector while fostering collaboration between various industries to enhance technological capabilities.

The deliverables expected from successful applicants include detailed analyses of the supply chain, relevant standards for qualification, and plans to address export control regulations. Proposals must also involve measures to maintain compliance and ensure that products can be made available to any EU entity within specified market conditions.

This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to reducing reliance on external suppliers and bolstering its domestic capabilities in the space technology arena.

This EU funding opportunity focuses on "Space Critical EEE Components for EU non-dependence RISC-V Microprocessor on 7nm" under the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program, specifically call SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02). It aims to reinforce EU strategic autonomy by reducing dependencies on non-EU sources for critical space Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components and related technologies. The call is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a single-stage deadline model. The opening date for submissions is May 22, 2025, and the deadline is September 25, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this opportunity include:

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.

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.

Opening new opportunities for manufacturers by reducing dependency on non-EU export restricted technologies.

The scope of the funding opportunity is centered around maturing critical space EEE components to lower EU dependency from outside the EU, establishing a long-term sustainable supply chain for supporting EU strategic autonomy in the space sector. The selection of supply chains should reflect this objective, preferably built fully based in EU. When this can only be achieved partially, services procured from outside EU shall nevertheless ensure that the overall supply chain will remain trustable and not affected by non-EU export control, subject to the approval of the granting authority.

The specific EEE component and related technology relevant for this call is:

RISC-V microprocessors on 7nm technology node [Target final TRL 5]

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 or higher than 5, shall include a list of proposed applicable standards (e.g. EN, ECSS, ESCC, MIL, JEDEC,…) that are considered relevant for implementing a formal space evaluation and/or qualification. Additionally, projects that aim at a formal space qualification shall deliver the full data pack planned to be submitted to the qualification authority. This deliverable shall me marked sensitive and it shall be shared with the granting authority (i.e. DG-DEFIS and HaDEA). Products that will successfully complete the space evaluation/qualification, either within the EU-COM activity or as a consecutive follow up, shall inform DG-DEFIS and engrave on the package the EU flag.

The proposal must include specific tasks as part of the work plan and related dedicated confidential deliverables to be provided within 6 months from the start of the project to the relevant Commission DG and Executive Agency (i.e. DG-DEFIS and HaDEA), 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 affiliated entities, associated partners or subcontractors are established in countries which are not eligible countries or target countries set out in the call conditions.

Consortiums shall ensure that for a period up to 4 years after the end of the action, supply and availability of the products and/or processes developed and/or qualified within the project (consortium as whole or individual beneficiaries) shall be given to any entity in EU, at fair and reasonable market prices, conditions and with no legal restrictions and limitations stemming for example from International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or equivalent instruments applicable in non-EU jurisdictions.

Beneficiaries that intend to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive licence must formally notify the granting authority (i.e. DG-DEFIS and HaDEA) before the intended transfer or licensing takes place and the granting authority may up to four years after the end of the action object to a transfer of ownership or the exclusive licensing of results.

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

The page limit of the application is 80 pages.

Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States and the following associated countries: Norway and Iceland. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or entity may not participate unless they can demonstrate that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security.

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.

The Technical Guidance Document is provided to clarify technological expectations.

A compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control is to be filled by all project participants as part of the application.

The total budget for the HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 topic is 5,000,000 EUR, and the indicative number of grants to be awarded is 1, with contributions ranging from 4,500,000 to 5,000,000 EUR.

This funding opportunity is designed to bolster the EU's space industry by fostering the development and production of critical EEE components within the EU or through trusted supply chains. It specifically targets RISC-V microprocessors on a 7nm technology node, aiming to elevate their TRL to 5. The EU seeks to reduce its reliance on non-EU components, which are often subject to export controls and supply chain vulnerabilities. By funding projects that establish robust, EU-centric supply chains, the EU aims to enhance its strategic autonomy in space, ensure unrestricted access to essential technologies, and boost the competitiveness of its space industry on a global scale. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the technology, supply chain, and potential export restrictions, and propose a plan for commercialization and compliance with relevant standards.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are legal entities established in Member States and associated countries: Norway and Iceland. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or entity may participate if they demonstrate their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security, as assessed by their eligible country of establishment.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily grant-based, utilizing HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) with HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG] model grant agreements, as well as HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA).

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as it mentions consortiums ensuring supply and availability of products and processes.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland.

Target Sector: The target sector is the space industry, specifically focusing on critical space Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components and related technologies. The program aims to enhance EU strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on non-EU sources for these components.

Mentioned Countries: European Union Member States, Norway, Iceland.

Project Stage: The project stage targets technology developments with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) equal to or higher than 5.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-CSA: around EUR 1,000,000
HORIZON-RIA: EUR 500,000 to EUR 17,500,000
HORIZON-IA: EUR 5,000,000 to EUR 11,000,000

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 in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) program, aims to bolster the EU's strategic independence in the space sector by fostering the development and maturation of critical Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components. The call specifically targets RISC-V microprocessors on 7nm technology, with a target Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. The EU seeks to reduce its reliance on non-EU sources for these essential components, ensuring unrestricted access for its space missions and enhancing the competitiveness of its space industry.

Eligible applicants are legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. The funding mechanism primarily involves grants through HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA), with varying budget allocations depending on the specific topic. The application process is a single-stage open call, with a deadline of September 25, 2025.

Projects funded under this call are expected to contribute to several key outcomes, including: reinforcing EU strategic autonomy, providing unrestricted access to critical space EEE components, developing resilient supply chains, enhancing competitiveness, and opening new opportunities for manufacturers.

Applicants are required to include a dedicated section in their proposals detailing the technology, supply chain, and measures to avoid export restrictions from non-EU countries. They must also provide a detailed industrial technical roadmap and business plan for commercialization, along with a comprehensive literature review of the relevant technology.

The call emphasizes the importance of building fully EU-based supply chains or, when necessary, ensuring that non-EU services are procured from trustable and reliable sources not affected by export controls. Furthermore, the call highlights the need for collaboration between European non-space and space industries to enhance technological spin-in and complementarity with other activities at the European level.