DIGITAL-JU-SIMPLE DIGITAL JU Simple Grants
DIGITAL-JU-SIMPLE DIGITAL JU Simple Grants
Funding Amount
€1.0M - €5.0M
Deadline
17/09/2025
Eligible Organization Types
Non-profit, Private Business, Research Institution, Public Institution
Trusted by
What is the DIGITAL-JU-SIMPLE DIGITAL JU Simple Grants Call?
Grant Description
This call funds the development of next-generation edge artificial intelligence chip prototypes integrating advanced technologies (non-volatile memories, neuromorphic computing, three-dimensional heterogeneous integration, photonic connectivity). Funded projects must reach technology readiness levels six to seven, demonstrate real-world testing and potential industrial scaling, leverage Union fabrication and testing infrastructures, and achieve ultra-low power consumption with robust on-device i...
Required Results for Successful Funding
Expected Outcomes
Successful proposals should deliver:
• AI chip prototypes at TRL 6–7 integrating cutting-edge technologies (non-volatile memories, neuromorphic computing, 3D integration, photonic connectivity)
• Validation of prototypes under real-world and industrial pilot conditions with clear paths to up-scaling
• Effective use of EU fabrication/testing infrastructures (TEF, Chips for Europe Pilot Lines) to accelerate development
• Demonstrated on-chip AI capabilities: low-latency inference, on-device learning and adaptive decision-making
• Measured ultra-low power consumption suitable for battery-powered edge deployments, balancing performance and energy use
• Enhanced security and resilience features for edge AI applications
• Contribution to Europe’s digital transformation and sustainability objectives through energy-efficient, secure AI hardware
• A credible roadmap towards industrial production of next-generation edge AI chips for key sectors (6G, autonomous systems, industrial automation, healthcare)
• AI chip prototypes at TRL 6–7 integrating cutting-edge technologies (non-volatile memories, neuromorphic computing, 3D integration, photonic connectivity)
• Validation of prototypes under real-world and industrial pilot conditions with clear paths to up-scaling
• Effective use of EU fabrication/testing infrastructures (TEF, Chips for Europe Pilot Lines) to accelerate development
• Demonstrated on-chip AI capabilities: low-latency inference, on-device learning and adaptive decision-making
• Measured ultra-low power consumption suitable for battery-powered edge deployments, balancing performance and energy use
• Enhanced security and resilience features for edge AI applications
• Contribution to Europe’s digital transformation and sustainability objectives through energy-efficient, secure AI hardware
• A credible roadmap towards industrial production of next-generation edge AI chips for key sectors (6G, autonomous systems, industrial automation, healthcare)
Funded areas
Scope Requirements
Proposals must:
• Develop AI chip prototypes at TRL 6–7, demonstrating readiness for industrial deployment
• Integrate at least two of the following enabling technologies: non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, 3D heterogeneous integration, photonic connectivity
• Leverage EU-based fabrication, pilot line and testing infrastructures (notably the TEF for Edge AI and Chips for Europe Pilot Lines)
• Demonstrate robust on-chip AI capabilities: real-time inference, on-device learning and adaptive decision-making without reliance on cloud back-ends
• Achieve ultra-low power consumption targets (demonstrated by measurable metrics) suitable for battery-powered edge devices
• Balance computational throughput with energy efficiency to meet application requirements
• Address security and sustainability aspects in design and operation
• Align with EU digital transformation and climate/sustainability objectives
• Target application areas including (but not limited to) 6G networks, autonomous systems, industrial automation and healthcare
• Respect the call budget envelope (EUR 1–5 million per project) and single-stage submission model
• Develop AI chip prototypes at TRL 6–7, demonstrating readiness for industrial deployment
• Integrate at least two of the following enabling technologies: non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, 3D heterogeneous integration, photonic connectivity
• Leverage EU-based fabrication, pilot line and testing infrastructures (notably the TEF for Edge AI and Chips for Europe Pilot Lines)
• Demonstrate robust on-chip AI capabilities: real-time inference, on-device learning and adaptive decision-making without reliance on cloud back-ends
• Achieve ultra-low power consumption targets (demonstrated by measurable metrics) suitable for battery-powered edge devices
• Balance computational throughput with energy efficiency to meet application requirements
• Address security and sustainability aspects in design and operation
• Align with EU digital transformation and climate/sustainability objectives
• Target application areas including (but not limited to) 6G networks, autonomous systems, industrial automation and healthcare
• Respect the call budget envelope (EUR 1–5 million per project) and single-stage submission model
Additional Conditions for Applicants
Special Conditions
Admissibility and eligibility rules:
• Proposals must comply with page-limit and layout requirements as described in Part B of the Application Form and Appendix 6 v4 of the Chips JU Work Programme
• Only applicants from eligible EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries may participate
• Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity criteria and are subject to exclusion provisions
Evaluation and award:
• Single-stage submission with evaluation based on excellence, impact and quality/efficiency of implementation; scoring thresholds apply
• Indicative evaluation timeline and grant agreement preparation set out in the Call document
Legal and financial setup:
• Grants awarded under DIGITAL-AG model with the Annotated Model Grant Agreement (AGA) for budget-based actions
• Compliance with DEP Regulation 2021/964, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, LEAR rules, Financial Capacity Assessment procedures
• Applicants must use the Funding & Tenders Portal for submission; choice of grant type is final upon confirmation
Additional documents:
• Guide for Applicants, Evaluation form, Application form templates (Part B, National funding table, Ownership declaration), Model Grant Agreements, DEP MGA, EU Grants AGA, Portal Online Manual, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Statement
Administrative deadlines:
• Call opens 08 July 2025; single-stage deadline 17 September 2025, 17:00 Brussels time; budget EUR 20 million total
• Proposals must comply with page-limit and layout requirements as described in Part B of the Application Form and Appendix 6 v4 of the Chips JU Work Programme
• Only applicants from eligible EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries may participate
• Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity criteria and are subject to exclusion provisions
Evaluation and award:
• Single-stage submission with evaluation based on excellence, impact and quality/efficiency of implementation; scoring thresholds apply
• Indicative evaluation timeline and grant agreement preparation set out in the Call document
Legal and financial setup:
• Grants awarded under DIGITAL-AG model with the Annotated Model Grant Agreement (AGA) for budget-based actions
• Compliance with DEP Regulation 2021/964, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, LEAR rules, Financial Capacity Assessment procedures
• Applicants must use the Funding & Tenders Portal for submission; choice of grant type is final upon confirmation
Additional documents:
• Guide for Applicants, Evaluation form, Application form templates (Part B, National funding table, Ownership declaration), Model Grant Agreements, DEP MGA, EU Grants AGA, Portal Online Manual, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Statement
Administrative deadlines:
• Call opens 08 July 2025; single-stage deadline 17 September 2025, 17:00 Brussels time; budget EUR 20 million total
Important dates
Open from: 08/07/2025
Deadline:17/09/2025
Application period has ended
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Our Numbers
Results that speak for themselves
70+
proposals prepared
€36.7M
total funding secured for clients
65%
win rate in highly competitive calls