EU Launches $73M Quantum Chip Funding to Support Technological Sovereignty and Semiconductor Innovation

Insider Brief:

• The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has announced a €65 million (approximately $73 million) funding call to promote the development of quantum chip technology, as part of a larger €200 million (approximately $224 million) initiative over the next three years.

• The European Chips Act, formally adopted in September 2023, is intended to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and semiconductor ecosystem by reducing reliance on external markets and increasing production, research, and talent in the sector.

• The Act focuses on five strategic objectives: boosting semiconductor research leadership, enhancing manufacturing and packaging capacity, increasing production by 2030, addressing industry skill shortages, and ensuring a resilient semiconductor supply chain.

• The initiative is expected to drive significant advancements in fields such as AI, secure communications, defense, and healthcare, with the closing date for project proposals set for January 21, 2025.

PRESS RELEASE — In an effort move to support Europe’s technological infrastructure, the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has announced a €65 million (approximately $73 million) funding call to encourage the development of quantum chip technology. This effort, which will see additional investments from participating states, is part of a broader €200 million (approximately $224 million) initiative over the next three years to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies. The funding will support the research, development, and manufacturing of quantum chips—an essential component, as noted in the release, for addressing complex computational challenges, from logistics and supply chain optimization to advancements in artificial intelligence and molecular simulations.

Strengthening Europe’s Semiconductor Ecosystem: The Chips Act’s Role

The Chips Joint Undertaking is aligned with the broader objectives of the European Chips Act, which was formally adopted on September 21, 2023. As indicated in the official policy, as global supply chains faced severe disruptions in recent years, the European Chips Act was formed to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty by reducing reliance on external markets and building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.

The European Chips Act includes five strategic objectives:

• Strengthening research and technological leadership in semiconductors.

• Building and reinforcing Europe’s capacity to innovate in the design, manufacturing, and packaging of advanced chips.

• Developing a robust framework to increase semiconductor production by 2030.

• Addressing the skills shortage in the semiconductor industry by attracting and training new talent.

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the global semiconductor supply chain to reduce risks and bolster resilience.

According to the policy, this legislative framework is set to double Europe’s global market share in semiconductors by 2030, focusing on five core pillars: developing research leadership, enhancing manufacturing capacity, addressing the semiconductor skills gap, and ensuring a secure, resilient supply chain. With semiconductors being the backbone of modern industries—from automotive to defense—the Chips Act is central to supporting these goals.

Laying the Foundation for Quantum Innovation in Europe

The €65 million investment under the Chips JU is an essential investment in order to encourage Europe’s journey toward establishing itself in the field of quantum technology. By supporting quantum chip innovation, the initiative may have profound effects on industries ranging from AI to secure communications. The strategic value of these technologies, particularly in fields such as defense and healthcare, further emphasizes the EU’s focus on maintaining geopolitical stability and industrial competitiveness.

The closing date for project proposals under this call is set for January 21, 2025.