The Chips Joint Undertaking is pleased to announce the inclusion of the United Kingdom as a participating state in the Chips JU program. This development represents a watershed moment in the United Kingdom's technological and research collaboration with the European Union following Brexit, highlighting the country's commitment to contributing to Europe's leadership in the development and innovation of semiconductor technologies, which are critical for global digital and green transitions.
The Chips JU program is at the forefront of Europe's strategic efforts to maintain its autonomy in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, ensuring its resilience and competitiveness in this critical technology area. After leaving the European Union, the UK was initially excluded from the Chips JU, but its inclusion as a participating state demonstrates a shared commitment to improving collaboration in the fields of research, development, and innovation within the sector.
Jari Kinaret, Chips JU Executive Director, shared “We are very happy to welcome the UK to the Chips Joint Undertaking as a participating state. We are looking forward to working with the UK partners to develop the European industrial ecosystem in microelectronics and its applications, contributing to the continent’s scientific excellence and innovation leadership in semiconductor technologies and related fields.”
The UK’s Technology Minister, Saqib Bhatti, said, “Our membership of the Chips Joint Undertaking will boost Britain’s strengths in semiconductor science and research to secure our position in the global chip supply chain. This underscores our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and cements our important role in shaping the future of semiconductor technologies around the world.”
The move gives the UK semiconductor sector better access to a EUR 1.3 billion pot of funds set aside by Horizon Europe to support semiconductor research until 2027.
Access to one of the Chips Joint Undertaking's funds is being backed by an initial GBP 5 million this year from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, delivered by Innovate UK, with an additional GBP 30 million expected to support UK participation in further research between 2025 and 2027.
By participating in the fund and contributing in the same way as all other participating countries, the UK has increased its chances of winning funding from Horizon Europe's EUR 1.3 billion pot.
