Strengthening the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive EU regions (CSA)

The EU funding opportunity known as HORIZON-CL4 aims to strengthen collaboration among semiconductor-intensive regions within the EU. It is categorized as a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under the Horizon Europe program and has a total budget of €1 million allocated for a single project. This funding is specifically designated for regional governments, public authorities, industrial clusters, research organizations, and other entities involved in the semiconductor supply chain. The focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of regional semiconductor ecosystems and facilitating the implementation of EU semiconductor policies. The application process is a single-stage submission, opening on January 15, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026. One project is expected to be funded, aiming to identify key actors, map regional capabilities, and develop cooperative strategies to address common challenges in the semiconductor sector. The funding supports activities such as networking, strategy development, and best practice dissemination rather than experimental research or innovation. There's no requirement for co-funding, although applicants may need to cover a small percentage of project costs, generally around 20%. Eligible applicants must be based in EU member states or associated countries, while entities from China are explicitly ineligible. The project's primary aim is to foster stronger cooperation between regions in the semiconductor supply chain to enhance Europe’s digital and technological autonomy. Expected outcomes include the establishment of a sustainable online platform for information exchange and the creation of strategies that can accelerate semiconductor production infrastructure. Overall, this funding opportunity seeks to enhance Europe’s strategic position in key enabling technologies, notably semiconductors, by promoting regional cooperation and addressing barriers to investment and production.

This EU funding opportunity aims to strengthen the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive regions and regional industrial semiconductor clusters working with regional governments. The funding falls under the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program, specifically the DIGITAL (HORIZON-CL4-2026-04) call. It is a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-CSA) with a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG] model grant agreement. The deadline model is single-stage, with a planned opening date of January 15, 2026, and a deadline of April 15, 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time. The objective is to support semiconductor-intensive regions and clusters, acknowledging the vital role regions play in implementing EU semiconductor policies. This includes facilitating industrial activities through permits, infrastructure, and funding, creating regional ecosystems around fabs, and structuring value chain clusters. The notion of semiconductors includes integrated circuits (chips) with electronic and photonic functionalities. The expected outcomes include: Stronger cooperation between regions (governments and linked industrial clusters) active in the semiconductor supply chain. Contributions to the smart specialization of regions in the semiconductor area. Maps of regional semiconductor ecosystems across the value chain, their connections, and identification of common needs. A joint strategy to link and strengthen regional semiconductor ecosystems, potentially increasing the effectiveness of Competence Centres from the Chips for Europe initiative. A sustainable online platform for exchanging information on capabilities and best practices, guiding investors, and supporting new entrants. The scope of the action involves: Identifying key local actors in the semiconductor supply chain and their common needs. Developing a joint strategy to strengthen cooperation among semiconductor-intensive regions. Exploring cooperation with Chips Competence Centres established under the Chips Joint Undertaking (JU). Gathering evidence on obstacles to semiconductor production investments related to framework conditions like permitting. Collecting best practices for overcoming obstacles and preparing guidelines for regional and national authorities to accelerate semiconductor production infrastructure construction in Europe. Supporting networking and joint work among stakeholders, such as the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA). Beneficiaries intending to transfer ownership or grant exclusive licenses must notify the granting authority (DG-CNECT and HaDEA) before the transfer, and the authority may object within four years after the action's end. This funding opportunity falls under the destination of achieving open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging enabling technologies (2026-27). It recognizes the importance of leadership in technologies like AI, Quantum, Photonics, and Semiconductors for Europe's economic security and competitiveness. The EU aims to consolidate its research ecosystem through initiatives like the RAISE network, developing AI models, and deploying AI agents and robotics. A long-term quantum strategy will enhance European excellence in quantum computing, sensing, and communication. Investments in photonics and semiconductor technologies will support the digital and green transitions. Legal entities established in China are ineligible for Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) under this destination, as detailed in General Annex B of the General Annexes. General conditions for admissibility include: Proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Other eligible conditions subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks, as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, scoring, and thresholds as described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. Legal and financial setup of the grants, with the granting authority able to object to ownership transfer or exclusive licensing of results within four years, as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA) information: Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the standard application form (HE CSA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including the standard evaluation form (HE CSA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide and Model Grant Agreements (MGA), specifically the HE MGA. Additional documents include: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement The budget overview for the year 2026 includes several topics: HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-02 - HORIZON-RIA: €20,500,000, contributions ranging from €7,000,000 to €10,250,000, with an indicative number of 2 grants. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03 - HORIZON-CSA: €4,000,000, with a contribution of around €4,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-06 - HORIZON-IA: €46,500,000, contributions ranging from €11,500,000 to €23,500,000, with an indicative number of 3 grants. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01 - HORIZON-RIA: €17,000,000, with a contribution of around €17,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08 - HORIZON-RIA: €18,000,000, with a contribution of around €18,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09 - HORIZON-IA: €6,000,000, with a contribution of around €6,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11 - HORIZON-CSA: €2,000,000, with a contribution of around €500,000 and an indicative number of 3 grants. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-12 - HORIZON-CSA: €1,000,000, with a contribution of around €1,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-14 - HORIZON-CSA: €3,000,000, with a contribution of around €3,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4 - HORIZON-CSA: €1,000,000, with a contribution of around €1,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-17 - HORIZON-CSA: €1,000,000, with a contribution of around €1,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18 - HORIZON-RIA: €10,000,000, with a contribution of around €10,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-19 - HORIZON-RIA: €45,000,000, with a contribution of around €15,000,000 and an indicative number of 3 grants. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01 - HORIZON-IA: €30,000,000, contributions ranging from €4,000,000 to €5,000,000, with an indicative number of 7 grants. HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-02 - HORIZON-RIA: €16,800,000, contributions ranging from €2,800,000 to €8,400,000, with an indicative number of 3 grants. Partner search announcements can be viewed and edited, and LEARs, Account Administrators, and self-registrants can publish partner requests. The submission system is planned to open on the date stated in the topic header. Applicants are encouraged to read all provisions carefully before preparing their application. The Online Manual provides guidance on procedures from proposal submission to grant management. The Horizon Europe Programme Guide contains detailed guidance on the structure, budget, and political priorities of Horizon Europe. The Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions. The Research Enquiry Service can answer questions about European research and EU Research Framework Programmes. National Contact Points (NCPs) offer guidance and assistance, and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) provides advice to businesses, especially SMEs. The IT Helpdesk can assist with technical aspects of proposal submission. The European IPR Helpdesk assists with intellectual property issues, and CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks advise on standardization in project proposals. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment outlines the roles, responsibilities, and entitlements of researchers. Partner Search tools can help find partner organizations for proposals. In summary, this funding opportunity aims to bolster the European semiconductor industry by fostering collaboration among regions, governments, and industrial clusters. It seeks to create robust regional ecosystems, promote smart specialization, and establish a sustainable online platform for knowledge sharing and investment guidance. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure European leadership in key digital technologies and to achieve strategic autonomy in the digital and emerging technology sectors. The opportunity is structured as a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), meaning it focuses on networking, strategy development, and best practice sharing rather than direct research or innovation activities.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly defined in the provided text. However, based on the context, eligible applicants would likely include regional governments, regional industrial semiconductor clusters, and stakeholders involved in the semiconductor supply chain. The mention of legal entities suggests that a variety of organizations, including research institutions, SMEs, and large enterprises, could be part of a consortium. Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG], as indicated by the "Type of MGA" information. The call includes HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA). Consortium Requirement: The text implies a consortium is preferred, as the action aims to support networking and joint work of involved stakeholders. The call aims to support semiconductor-intensive regions and regional industrial semiconductor clusters working with regional governments. Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The primary geographic eligibility is for EU regions and associated countries participating in the Horizon Europe program. While non-EU/non-Associated Countries may have specific provisions for funding, legal entities established in China are explicitly ineligible for Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs). Target Sector: The primary target sector is the semiconductor industry, including integrated circuits (chips) with electronic and photonic functionalities. It also encompasses related sectors such as photonics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced materials, all of which are considered key enabling technologies for the digital and green transitions. Mentioned Countries: China is explicitly mentioned as a country whose legal entities are not eligible to participate in Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs). The focus is primarily on EU regions and associated countries. Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the specific action type. Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) suggest projects in the research and development phases, while Innovation Actions (IAs) imply projects closer to demonstration or commercialization. Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs) focus on networking, strategy development, and best practice collection, indicating a more mature project stage. Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary significantly depending on the specific topic and type of action (CSA, RIA, IA). HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-02 - HORIZON-RIA: €7,000,000 to €10,250,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03 - HORIZON-CSA: around €4,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-06 - HORIZON-IA: €11,500,000 to €23,500,000 (3 grants) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01 - HORIZON-RIA: around €17,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08 - HORIZON-RIA: around €18,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09 - HORIZON-IA: around €6,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11 - HORIZON-CSA: around €500,000 (3 grants) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-12 - HORIZON-CSA: around €1,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-14 - HORIZON-CSA: around €3,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4 - HORIZON-CSA: around €1,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-17 - HORIZON-CSA: around €1,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18 - HORIZON-RIA: around €10,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-19 - HORIZON-RIA: around €15,000,000 (3 grants) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01 - HORIZON-IA: €4,000,000 to €5,000,000 (7 grants) HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-02 - HORIZON-RIA: €2,800,000 to €8,400,000 (3 grants) 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 support their projects. Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage. Success Rates: Success rates are not explicitly mentioned. Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. Summary: This Horizon Europe call aims to bolster the semiconductor industry in the EU by fostering collaboration among semiconductor-intensive regions, industrial clusters, and regional governments. The call seeks to enhance the competitiveness and strategic autonomy of the EU in digital and emerging technologies, particularly in semiconductors, photonics, AI, and quantum computing. It provides funding through various action types (CSAs, RIAs, and IAs) to support activities ranging from research and innovation to coordination, networking, and the development of joint strategies. The call targets a wide range of stakeholders, including regional governments, industrial clusters, research institutions, and enterprises, with a focus on strengthening regional ecosystems and addressing obstacles to semiconductor production investments. Legal entities from China are ineligible for certain action types. The funding amounts vary depending on the specific action and topic, with a single-stage application process and a planned opening date of January 15, 2026, and a deadline of April 15, 2026.