Chip design is a key strategic capability for the digital economy, present in devices such as phones, cars, industrial machinery, data centers, artificial intelligence systems, and medical equipment. Europe aims to strengthen its position in this area, where a significant portion of the sector's knowledge and innovation is concentrated.
The new European platform will function as a one-stop shop to reduce entry barriers. Companies will gain access to specialized design software, intellectual property, technical expertise, training, funding, and manufacturing capacity, facilitating the transformation of good ideas into actual chips.
This initiative addresses competitiveness, as European companies currently account for less than 1% of the global revenue of fabless companies (those specializing in chip design without their own factories). Design generates a large part of the technological value, and strengthening production also requires companies capable of designing and generating demand.
The platform is aimed at young companies and technological projects in sectors such as artificial intelligence, automotive, advanced industry, telecommunications, energy, health, robotics, and high-performance computing, where there is a growing demand for specialized chips.
The launch is part of Europe's strategy to enhance its autonomy in critical technologies, complementing actions in infrastructure, pilot lines, and funding. The goal is for technological knowledge to be transformed into products and for innovation to have the necessary conditions to reach the market.
Semiconductors are fundamental to the digital economy, driving artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, connected vehicles, data centers, and telecommunications networks. The 525 million euro investment aims to facilitate the entry of new companies into this value chain.
