Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm

Overview

Development of radiation-hardened field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) on 7nm technology to reduce EU dependency on non-EU suppliers for critical space electronic components. Targets consortia capable of establishing secure, ITAR-free supply chains for high-performance space applications.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland. Participation is restricted to entities not directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries, unless guarantees are provided to safeguard EU strategic interests. High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are excluded.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 15,000,000 EUR. Co-funding requirements and funding rates are not specified.

What Is Funded

Development and maturation of radiation-hardened FPGAs on 7nm technology, including:

• Establishment of a long-term, trustable supply chain (preferably EU-based or free from non-EU export restrictions).
• Technology development processes to avoid export restrictions (e.g., ITAR, EAR).
• Formal space evaluation and/or qualification, including applicable standards (e.g., ECSS, ESCC, MIL).
• Industrial technical roadmap and business plan for commercialization, including time-to-market and mission insertion.
• Supply chain analysis, state-of-the-art review, and identification of non-EU export controls.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Target Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9. Projects aiming for formal space qualification must include a full data pack for submission to the qualification authority.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-03-09
• Deadline: 2026-09-02T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a compulsory questionnaire on ownership and control, assembled by the coordinator and uploaded as a single file. Page limit: 80 pages.

Post-Award Obligations

• Supply and availability of developed hardware, manufacturing, and assembly processes must be guaranteed to EU entities (plus Norway and Iceland) for up to four years post-project at fair market prices, without legal restrictions.
• Transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results requires prior notification to the granting authority, which may object within four years post-project.
• Display of the EU emblem on successfully qualified hardware packages.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate freedom from ITAR or equivalent non-EU export restrictions.
• Subcontractors must be established in eligible countries unless otherwise agreed with the granting authority.
• Gender dimension integration is not required.
• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.