Business Finland is launching a call for expressions of interest, based on which Finland will consider participating in the upcoming IPCEI AST process. The objective of IPCEI AST is to identify research and development–based projects focusing on the First Industrial Deployment (FID) phase, as well as infrastructure projects intended to become part of the European semiconductor value chain. The preparation of IPCEI AST has been led by Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
The purpose of this call for expressions of interest is to provide Business Finland with sufficient information to enable a well founded decision on possible participation in IPCEI AST. No funding is associated with this call.
If, based on the information received, Finland decides to participate in the IPCEI AST process, applicants will be required to submit a formal application with the required annexes in order for the application to be processed.
Note: At present, no decision has been made on Finland’s participation in IPCEI AST. This call for expressions of interest does not mean that Finland will definitely participate in the upcoming IPCEI AST.
IPCEI AST Focus Areas
IPCEI AST focuses on disruptive technologies defined in the attached document IPCEI on Advanced Semiconductor Technologies – Central Narrative. The focus areas include AI chips and accelerators; photonic integrated circuits; chiplets and heterogeneous integration / advanced packaging; as well as highly innovative contributions to areas where Europe already holds a leading position – particularly disruptive sensors; power electronics and new solutions improving energy efficiency; and secure communication.
Content of the Expression of Interest
The aim is to identify research and development–based projects focusing on the First Industrial Deployment (FID) phase, as well as infrastructure projects intended to become part of the European semiconductor value chain.
R&D projects must be highly innovative in nature or create significant added value for R&D activities, taking into account the current state of the art in the relevant field.
Projects involving industrial deployment must enable the development of a new product or service with high research and innovation content and/or the implementation of a fundamentally innovative production process. Continuous improvement of existing production lines without an innovative dimension, or the development of newer versions of existing products, will not be considered an Important Project of Common European Interest.
Required Content of the Expression of Interest
The material submitted with the expression of interest must include the following components:
1. Preliminary Project Plan and Schedule
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- Describe the project objectives, key activities, and the estimated implementation schedule.
2. Description of European and National Cooperation and Partnerships
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- Present the planned forms of collaboration and partners, as well as their roles in the project.
3. Financing Model and Market Failure
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- Prepare a financing plan and justify the market failure that necessitates public funding.
4. Company Commitment
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- Confirm the commitment to submit the documents required for the second phase.
Notes
- The IPCEI AST Application Template may be used.
- The plan submitted in the expression of interest does not need to be as detailed as the final project proposal, but it must be sufficiently informative to allow assessment of the project’s impacts.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest?
Before submitting an expression of interest, the project content and implementation must be discussed with Business Finland's contact persons.
The call is two stage. In the first stage, companies’ interest in participating in the process is surveyed. Applicants submitting an expression of interest must commit to the entire application process. This includes participation in networking events and the possible submission of a second stage application.
Applications shall be sent via secure email to Business Finland's record office:
Message subject: Idea phase/ Registration notification
Topic: Expression of Interest IPCEI-AST BFRK/9/35/2025
Annexes
IPCEI on Advanced Semiconductor Technologies – Central Narrative (pdf)
IPCEI Application Template (docx)