Digital Europe Programme – Low-power Edge AI Chips

Opened

Programme Category

EU Competitive Programmes

Programme Name

Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU)

Programme Description

The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) is a pioneering initiative committed to catalysing research, development, and manufacturing capabilities across Europe. In this section, we delve into the key facets of Chips JU and its mission to shape the semiconductor future of the European Union.

The Chips Joint Undertaking (JU) supports research, development, innovation, and future manufacturing capacities in the European semiconductor ecosystem.

Programme Details

Identifier Code

DIGITAL-JU-CHIPS-2025-IA-LEAI

Call

Digital Europe Programme – Low-power Edge AI Chips

Summary

The ultimate goal of the project should be to drive the development of next-generation edge AI chips that combine high performance with ultra-low power consumption. These chips will enable real-time, on-chip AI capabilities for applications in fields like mobile communication networks (e.g. 6G), autonomous systems, industrial automation, and healthcare, all while aligning with Europe’s sustainability and digitalisation goals.

Detailed Call Description

Successful proposals are expected to deliver the following outcomes:

  • Develop AI chip prototypes reaching TRL 6-7, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as non-volatile memories, neuromorphic computing, 3D heterogeneous integration, and photonic connectivity. These prototypes should be tested under real-world conditions and show potential for industrial scaling.
  • Leverage the advanced capabilities of state-of-the-art infrastructures with fabrication and testing capabilities available within the Union, especially at leading Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs). This includes utilising the Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) for Edge AI hardware (PREVAIL project), a platform designed to accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI solutions, as well as Pilot Lines, including the ones of the Chips for Europe Initiative.
  • The prototypes should demonstrate robust AI capabilities, including real-time inference, on-device learning, and adaptive decision-making. This enables edge AI systems to process data locally, make decisions, and adapt to changing environments without relying on cloud infrastructure, reducing latency and power consumption.
  • The prototypes must achieve ultra-low power consumption to ensure energy-efficient AI operations in power-constrained edge environments, particularly for battery-powered devices. The emphasis should be on balancing computing power with energy efficiency.
  • By advancing AI chips that are energy-efficient and highly secure, the developed technologies should contribute to Europe’s digital transformation and help meet sustainability goals.

Call Total Budget

€20.00 million

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

Expected EU contribution per project: between €4.00 and €5.00 million.

Reimbursement rates as percentages of the eligible cost according to DIGITAL

  • For profit organisation but not an SME: Maximum EU Contribution as 25% of eligible costs
  • SME (for profit SME): Maximum EU Contribution as 35% of eligible costs according to DIGITAL
  • University/Other (not for profit): Maximum EU Contribution as 35% of eligible costs according to DIGITAL

Thematic Categories

  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Information Technology
  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation
  • Telecommunications

Eligibility for Participation

  • Businesses
  • Educational Institutions
  • Large Enterprises
  • Legal Entities
  • NGOs
  • Non Profit Organisations
  • Other Beneficiaries
  • Private Bodies
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Eligibility For Participation Notes

Admissibility conditions are described in Annex 2 “General DIGITAL EUROPE PROGRAMME conditions” of the WP General Annexes 2023-2027.

There are specific eligibility criteria relevant to each Participating State listed in the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) Work Programme 2023-2027.

For detailed information about the eligibility conditions for each call, please visit the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) Work Programme 2023-2027.

For the partners of a Participating State that coordinates grants, specific rules may apply regarding the eligibility to national funding.

For more details, please refer to the Governing Board Decision on the evaluation and selection procedures related to the calls launched by the Chips JU (GB 2024.71).

Call Opening Date

08/07/2025

Call Closing Date

17/09/2025

EU Contact Point