The UK has joined the Chips Joint Undertaking, an EU semiconductor research initiative launched in late 2023 to address semiconductor shortages and strengthen Europe‘s digital autonomy. The UK government‘s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has committed an initial GBP 5 million to the project, with another GBP 30 million to be provided between 2025 and 2027. “This development marks a pivotal moment in the UK‘s technological and research collaboration with the European Union following Brexit and underscores the country’s dedication to contributing to Europe‘s leadership in the development and innovation of semiconductor technologies, which are essential for the digital and green transitions on a global scale,” stated the press release.
The Chips JU programme stands at the forefront of Europe‘s strategic efforts to secure its autonomy in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, thereby ensuring its resilience and competitiveness in this key technology area. After its departure from the European Union, the UK had initially been outside the scope of the Chips JU. The inclusion of the UK as a Participating State illustrates a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration in the fields of research, development, and innovation within the sector.
“We are very happy to welcome the UK to the Chips Joint Undertaking as a participating state,” Jari Kinaret, Chips JU Executive Director, remarked “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.”
UK role
As a Participating State, the UK will have a role in setting research priorities and funding decisions as the fund evolves in the years ahead, the UK government explained in a statement. This includes the opportunity for the UK to be a part of a new funding opportunity with the Republic of Korea to research ways to combine semiconductor chips to improve performance through advanced packaging – which the UK-Republic of Korea Semiconductor Framework, signed in November last year.
By joining the fund and contributing in the same way as all other countries who take part, the UK sector has enhanced access to bid for funding support from the €1.3 billion pot, funded by Horizon Europe,
“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,” UK Technology Minister, Saqib Bhatti said. “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.”
