Funding of Microelectronics Research by Consortium Partners within the Chips Joint Undertaking

The funding program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) targets German companies, universities, and non-university research institutions. It aims to support research and development projects in the field of microelectronics systems that are part of the European partnership “Chips Joint Undertaking” (GU Chips). Applicants with a permanent establishment or branch in Germany who wish to implement innovative and high-risk projects are eligible for funding.

The program focuses on research and development projects in the field of microelectronics systems and interdisciplinary aspects. Industry-driven collaborative projects, capacity building, and competence centers with a high degree of innovation that would not be feasible without financial support are funded. The results should be demonstrated through suitable applications, for example, as a demonstrator.

Funding is provided in the form of grants, the amount of which depends on the type of applicant institution. Projects are generally funded for up to four years. The grant amount varies between 50 percent for companies and 100 percent for universities, with SMEs potentially receiving an additional bonus.

Specific conditions must be met for participation in the funding program, particularly regarding the project character, collaboration in the consortium, and national anchoring. Applicants must have a permanent establishment in Germany, and projects must include a cooperation agreement between the consortium partners.

The application procedure is generally one- or two-stage, with the national BMBF funding procedure being two-stage. The submission of project outlines is done electronically and in English. If the outline is positively evaluated, applicants are invited to submit a formal funding application, which must also be created electronically via easy-Online.

The funding program is based on the announcement of the "Guideline for the Promotion of Microelectronics Research by Consortium Partners within the Chips Joint Undertaking" from March 7, 2024, supplemented by an amendment announcement from March 26, 2025. These guidelines are published in the Federal Gazette and form the legal basis for the funding.