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Press Release: Chips JU concludes the selection of four new pilot lines to be implemented in Europe

                                        
 
Brussels, April 11, 2024
 
Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) announces the successful evaluation of the submitted innovative semiconductor pilot line proposals and has started negotiations with four consortia, aiming at signing the relevant agreements later this year. The step promises to catalyse innovation in the region and reinforce Europe's technological leadership on the global stage.
 
The Public Authorities Board of the Chips Joint Undertaking has selected the Hosting Consortia that – provided that negotiations will be successful – will implement each of the four pilot lines, and will receive grants for the set-up, integration and process development, and for operational activities. The pilot lines will be funded jointly by the EU, from the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programme, the Member States and private contributions.
 
Kari Leino, Chair of the Chips JU Public Authorities Board, emphasises: "The selection of these pilot lines marks a pivotal moment for Europe's semiconductor industry, showcasing the collective commitment of European states to drive technological innovation.”
 
These calls relate to the operational objectives of the "Chips for Europe Initiative," the first pillar of the European Chips Act. This Initiative aims to enhance technological capacity building and foster innovation in cutting-edge chip technology on a substantial scale. The Chips JU plays a pivotal role in facilitating a significant part of this investment, ensuring its success and impact across the region.
 
Welcoming the awarding of the new pilot lines, Jari Kinaret, the Executive Director of the Chips Joint Undertaking, remarked: "This decision represents a significant milestone for Europe's semiconductor industry, and we look forward to the realisation of these pilot lines. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to drive progress and excellence in Europe.”
 
The pilot lines will accelerate process development, test and experimentation, and validation of design concepts. Their implementation is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to a wide range of users, including academia, industry and research institutions.
 
Following this announcement, the next steps include negotiations with the consortia to finalise the Hosting Agreements, Joint Procurement Agreements and the related Grant Agreements, marking the beginning of a new era for the European semiconductor ecosystem.
 
About Chips Joint Undertaking:
Chips Joint Undertaking supports research, development, innovation, and capacity building in the European semiconductor ecosystem. Launched by the European Union Council Regulation No 2021/1085 and amended in September 2023 via Council Regulation 2023/1782, it contributes to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of the semiconductor technological and industrial base, engaging a significant EU, national/regional and private industry funding of nearly €11 billion. The Chips JU is funded by the European Union, Chips JU Participating States and the Private Members.
 
Editor’s contact:  Luciano.Gaudio@chips-ju.europa.eu