Description
EU sovereignty and supply security in the area of advanced chips production and innovation is essential to foster a thriving and competitive EU semiconductor ecosystem, with reduced reliance on foreign supply chains. This is particularly important to cater for the increased demand for AI and cloud infrastructure. In addition, advanced chips are indispensable for strategic industry sectors such as defence, health, space, robotics, healthcare, secure communications, drones, and autonomous vehicles. They are also critical inputs for emerging and high-value areas such as photonics and quantum chips.
This CCT Pilot aims to establish an EU semiconductor plant that combines leading-edge node chip manufacturing with chiplet integration and 2.5D/3D packaging. It will build on solid research foundations, which have been validated in the Chips for Europe Initiative under the Chips Act. The manufacturing facility will adhere to European values, including guarantees for confidentiality, integrity and traceability of chips, in particular for sensitive and strategic applications and infrastructure.
Reinforced action should be taken to create a sustained demand for advanced semiconductors through the development of the EU advanced technology ecosystem. European companies could help achieve this demand by offering growth incentives for fabless chips and AI-driven system design. In terms of financing needs, public and private investments are estimated between EUR 20 and 40 billion depending on the option chosen. EUR 3 to 4 billion in public and private investments could be mobilised to foster the growth of fabless chip design companies across the EU through funding under the next EU budget, Member States, and relevant industries and private investors.
As a first step, an informal call for expressions of interest may be launched. After analysis of submitted expressions, a call for proposals may follow.