Supporting chip development is important both at the European level and in Estonia. The Chip Center is the first step for many companies to develop their own chips. However, you can find additional and larger financial support to meet your chip development needs from the following funds. The Chip Center, Metrosert, and EIS are happy to help you with applications.
The EIS applied research program supports the development of innovative products and enables the grant recipient to increase their company’s revenue by developing new or significantly modified technologies, processes, products, or services. Activities related to chip development are also co-fundable through this program.
The EIC Accelerator supports innovations with high market potential from startups and SMEs. For chip development, it offers up to 2.5 million euros in grant funding and up to 15 million euros in equity investment to finance prototyping, testing, production scaling, and market entry. The program also provides business consulting, investor mediation, and access to EU innovation networks to accelerate commercialization.
Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) offers extensive support to companies developing semiconductor technologies in Europe. The fund provides grants for research and development activities, including chip prototyping, pilot production, and production scaling. Companies – especially startups and SMEs – can apply for support individually or as part of a consortium; funding from the fund can cover up to 35% of eligible costs.