European Union launches chip design platform to boost local semiconductor industry

The European Commission launched a chip design platform in Brussels to support the regional semiconductor industry under the Chips Act.

The initiative uses a budget of 525 million euros, which combines 285 million euros from the European Union and 240 million euros from participating member states of the "Semi-conducteurs" joint undertaking. The platform provides startups, small and medium enterprises, and researchers with shared access to expensive design software, intellectual property blocks, and manufacturing capabilities.

Early-stage companies can receive up to 100,000 euros for feasibility prototypes, while more advanced firms can access up to 16 million euros to bring a chip to market. The project runs until the end of 2028 and involves a consortium led by the Belgian imec institute with the CEA representing France. European designers currently account for less than 1 percent of global revenue in the chip segment.

While the Commission previously aimed for a 20 percent market share by 2030, the European Court of Auditors judged that a 11.7 percent share was more likely. In response, officials proposed Chips Act 2.0 on 3 June to improve these prospects.