Funding of innovative projects within the framework of the Important Project of Common European Interest for novel semiconductor technologies (IPCEI AST)

The funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) supports highly innovative research, development, and industrialization projects within the framework of the IPCEI AST for novel semiconductor technologies. The goal is to strengthen the European microelectronics ecosystem through projects in areas such as AI chips and accelerators, chiplets and heterointegration, photonic integrated circuits, as well as disruptive sensors for automation. Further funding priorities include power electronics with energy-efficient solutions, secure communication, and key technologies of the microelectronics value chain, such as advanced packaging, metrology, and manufacturing equipment. Funding is provided in the form of grants and is exclusively aimed at companies based in Germany. A project outline must be submitted electronically via the outline tool, with the submission deadline on January 15, 2026.

Companies that achieve first industrial deployment (FID) and aim to surpass the global state of the art benefit from a partnership-based support by VDI/VDE Innovation + Technology GmbH. As an experienced project management agency, it provides consulting on conception, controlling, and reporting, ensuring a smooth application process. Submission of a project outline is a prerequisite for applying in Stage 1 of the selection procedure. Interested companies are encouraged to compile their documents early and consider the specific requirements of the funding announcement. Registration is exclusively digital via the provided submission tool by the deadline.