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

Overview

Supports semiconductor-intensive EU regions and industrial clusters in strengthening cooperation, mapping ecosystems, and developing joint strategies to enhance Europe’s semiconductor supply chain. Targets regional governments, clusters, and stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include regional governments, industrial semiconductor clusters, research institutions, and consortia involving public and private entities from semiconductor-intensive regions. Participation from non-EU/non-associated countries is subject to specific funding provisions.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 23,500,000 EUR
• Funding type: Grant
• Co-funding: Not explicitly stated, but standard Horizon Europe rules apply (typically 100% for coordination and support actions).

What Is Funded

• Identification of key local actors in the semiconductor supply chain and their common needs.
• Development of a joint strategy to strengthen regional cooperation in semiconductors.
• Cooperation with Chips Competence Centres under the Chips Joint Undertaking (JU).
• Evidence gathering on obstacles to semiconductor production investments (e.g., permitting, infrastructure).
• Collection and dissemination of best practices for accelerating semiconductor infrastructure construction.
• Establishment of a sustainable online platform for exchanging capabilities, best practices, and investor guidance.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6 (technology validated in lab to prototype demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14
• Deadline: 2026-04-14

Application Process (High-Level)

• Process: Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Evaluation: Based on award criteria outlined in Horizon Europe General Annexes (Annex D), with an indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement provided in Annex F.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply, including periodic technical and financial reports.
• Dissemination: Results must be shared with regional and national public authorities, and best practices must be publicly accessible.
• Ownership/Licensing: Beneficiaries must notify the granting authority before transferring ownership or granting exclusive licenses of results, with the authority retaining the right to object up to four years post-action.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must comply with Horizon Europe’s general admissibility conditions, including page limits and layout requirements.
• Restrictions apply for the protection of European communication networks.
• The action should align with the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA) and support the implementation of EU semiconductor policies.