For European semiconductor startups and SMEs, the platform offers access to expensive design tools, intellectual property (IP) and manufacturing resources that can be difficult to secure. It also aims to strengthen Europe’s chip design ecosystem, which currently accounts for less than 1% of global revenues in the segment.
The European Chip Design Platform combines €440 million in public grants with €85 million for cloud infrastructure, support services and open-source chip design tools.
The overall investment includes €285 million from the EU budget and €240 million from participating states in the Chips Joint Undertaking.
Early-stage startups can apply for grants of up to €100,000 to support proof-of-concept prototyping, while more advanced companies can access grants of up to €16 million to help cover the substantial costs of developing chips toward commercialization.
The platform will also provide access to electronic design automation (EDA) tools, IP blocks, design support services and semiconductor manufacturing capacity, helping startups move from initial concepts to working silicon.
The cloud-based EuroCDP is operated by a consortium led by Belgian research organization imec, with support from the Chips Joint Undertaking and solutions from leading EDA and IP providers.
Startups and SMEs can also receive assistance through the European network of Chip Competence Centres, which will help companies navigate the application and access process.
In parallel, 20 startups are participating in EuroCDP venture development programs, receiving technical and commercial training to help bring their semiconductor innovations to market.
“The European Design Platform gives our chips start-ups and SMEs the support they need to overcome the barriers to turn their innovative ideas into silicon. It shows how Europe is ready to act on its technological sovereignty goals, not only through policy and promises, but also by investing in our future.” — Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
The initiative addresses a major challenge for Europe’s semiconductor ambitions: ensuring that new European manufacturing capacity is supported by sufficient demand from domestic chip designers.
By lowering entry barriers for smaller companies, the EU hopes to develop a stronger pipeline of European-designed chips and reduce reliance on non-European technology suppliers.
The platform also supports the broader objectives of the EU Chips Act and the proposed Chips Act 2.0, announced in June 2026, which aims to stimulate demand and strengthen European capabilities in both advanced and mainstream semiconductor technologies.
Startups can apply for funding through the EuroCDP grant application portal.