Photonics21 Hosts Online Workshop to Outline 2026 Funding Call Under Chips JU Initiative
Photonics21, the European photonics industry association, is organizing a dedicated online workshop to present and discuss the upcoming 2026 Photonics Call for proposals under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU). This session is designed to inform and prepare potential applicants from industry and research for the new funding opportunities.
The workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the call's strategic objectives, expected scope, and application process. Key details to be covered include the specific technological and innovation challenges the call aims to address within the photonics ecosystem, which is a critical enabler for the broader European semiconductor strategy. Participants will gain insights into the alignment of this call with the strategic goals of the Chips JU and the European photonics roadmap.
This preparatory event underscores the strategic importance of photonics—the science and technology of light—as a foundational discipline for next-generation semiconductors, sensors, and communication systems. The Chips JU, a key pillar of the EU's Chips Act, aims to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and competitiveness in semiconductors. Integrating a dedicated photonics call within its 2026 work program highlights the recognition of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and related technologies as vital for future computing, healthcare, and mobility solutions.
The workshop is a critical touchpoint for stakeholders to understand funding priorities, partnership requirements, and project expectations well in advance of the formal call launch.