The European semiconductor ecosystem is facing a growing talent challenge. According to the latest European Skills Strategy update, the sector could face a shortage of around 65,000 skilled professionals by 2030, affecting the entire value chain, from research and chip design to manufacturing and advanced applications. To address this strategic challenge, the Chips Joint Undertaking will launch three dedicated Skills-related Calls in July 2026 to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor workforce through education, training, re-skilling and talent attraction initiatives.

To help the community better understand these upcoming opportunities, the Chips Joint Undertaking, in cooperation with AENEAS, will organise the Info Session on the Chips 2026 Calls on Skills on 18 June 2026 from 14:00 to 17:00 CEST.

This online information session will provide participants with an in-depth overview of the three upcoming Calls, their objectives, expected impact and practical participation aspects. 

What to expect

• Highlights from the European Commission and Public Authorities; 

• Detailed presentation of the Calls by the Chips JU Office; 

• Project idea presentations from the community; 

• Dedicated Q&A session for each Call topic. 

More about the Calls

• Skills Hubs of Excellence (HoE)

Topic: DIGITAL-JU-CHIPS-2026-SKILLS-HoE-SG
Type of Action: Simple Grant
Indicative EU Budget: €20 million (Co-funded with National Funding Authorities)
Expected EU Contribution per Project: around €4 million
Funding Mode: 
Call Launch: 7 July 2026
Deadline: 24 September 2026 – 17:00 Brussels time

This topic aims to establish long-term Skills Hubs of Excellence to support semiconductor education, training, and workforce development across Europe. Projects are expected to contribute to sustainable skills ecosystems, strengthen cooperation between academia and industry, and support talent attraction, up-skilling and re-skilling initiatives.

• Pilot Federation

Topic: DIGITAL-JU-CHIPS-2026-SKILLS-PF-SG
Type of Action: Simple Grant
Indicative EU Budget: €10 million (Co-funded with National Funding Authorities)
Call Launch: 7 July 2026
Deadline: 24 September 2026 – 17:00 Brussels time

This call will support federated pilot initiatives aiming to enhance hands-on semiconductor training capacities and practical learning opportunities across Europe, helping bridge the gap between education and industrial needs.

• Stimulation of Chip Design

Topic: DIGITAL-JU-CHIPS-2026-SKILLS-SCD-CSA
Type of Action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
Indicative EU Budget: €15 million (EU funding only)
Call Launch: 7 July 2026
Deadline: 24 September 2026 – 17:00 Brussels time

This topic focuses on strengthening chip design competencies in Europe by supporting coordination activities, talent development, awareness raising and ecosystem-building initiatives linked to semiconductor design capabilities and emerging technologies.

All proposals submitted under these topics are expected to foresee activities developed over a minimum period of five years, contributing to the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the European semiconductor ecosystem.