Companies must comply with the EU definition of an SME. With regard to the year of incorporation, companies established less than 10 years ago will be given priority access.

Grant funding is envisaged under a separate cascading funding project that is currently under Grant Agreement preparation. Detailed information on the available grants, including conditions and timelines, will be shared as soon as possible.

For the EuroCDP Venture Development Programme there is no equity asked.

No particular limitations regarding the technology being used, provided that the proposed project is clearly focused on the field of IC design.

The EuroCDP Venture Development Programme does not impose constraints on a startup’s supply chain, nor does it require startups to have an established partnership with fabs, pilot lines, or institutes. The programme supports startups based on their specific needs and development stage. Support is provided on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the startup’s objectives and requirements.

One of EuroCDP’s key goals is to build the strongest possible network across the entire semiconductor value chain. This includes engaging Tier‑1 EU companies, technology providers, and ecosystem partners, while also facilitating direct interactions between startups and end users in order to accelerate their go‑to‑market.

The programme is not designed to handle EU‑classified information (e.g. EU SECRET). It is therefore the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that no such information is disclosed in the proposal. Companies may nonetheless assess the possibility of submitting an application with EU‑classified information removed, provided that this does not affect the overall quality and viability of the proposal.

The EuroCDP Venture Development Programme does not impose constraints on a startup’s supply chain, nor does it require startups to have an established partnership with fabs, pilot lines, or institutes. The programme supports startups based on their specific needs and development stage. Support is provided on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the startup’s objectives and requirements.

There is no restricted list.

Shared project information is not handled under a separate NDA. Confidentiality is ensured through the standard rules of the programme, which impose strict confidentiality obligations on evaluators, experts and involved staff. If needed for the proper execution of specific activities within the programme, dedicated NDAs may be put in place to enable the sharing of more detailed information with selected mentors or experts involved in the acceleration.

The startup programme prepares companies to be more effective along their growth journey, including helping them understand how to structure and submit successful applications. Grants under the EuroCDP programme will require the submission of an application that will be evaluated by external experts.

This is the first cohort of EuroCDP Venture Development Programme.

Yes. The programme includes in‑person activities: two sessions of four days each for the Incubate track, and three sessions of four days each for the Accelerate track. Locations will be rotating.

Eligibility thresholds differ across the evaluation criteria and are also differentiated between Incubate and Accelerate companies, in order to take into account their different levels of maturity.

Discussions with supporting VCs are ongoing.

The 27 EU States plus Iceland, Israel, Norway, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Switzerland are eligible.

No, the opportunity to apply to be included in the pool of potential experts remains open.

We recognize that a strict limit on the year of foundation could exclude companies with strong and high‑potential projects for which our programme would be particularly valuable. For this reason, priority will be given to startups with less than 10 years of incorporation; however, subject to availability (10+10 companies), additional high‑quality and deserving projects of oldest companies can be welcomed. Therefore, we suggest also older companies apply.

To apply, the startup must be legally incorporated and registered in one of the eligible countries.

The programme targets startups operating under a fabless business model and focused on chip development. IP companies are eligible, just provided they also have or plan to have activities directly related to chip design and aligned with the programme’s objectives.

To apply, the startup must be legally incorporated and registered in one of the eligible countries.

No.

They will be assigned a dedicated Key Account Manager who will support them throughout their journey, including the selection of multiple mentors, each specialized in the specific areas they need support in.

Yes.

Dual use technologies can be eligible provided the project primarily targets civil applications.

Yes, it does.

No, however, attendance at the 2/3 onsite activity sessions is required, and participants must be able to ensure adequate time availability to work on the planned activities during the Homework months.

In case we have doubts about the application, we may request additional information; however, no interview will be conducted.

There is no funding requirement to apply. Previous funding is used solely as a criterion to assign startups to the most appropriate track: Incubate for startups that have raised less than €1 million and accelerate for those that have raised more than €1 million.

Yes, there are no technological discriminations: the programme is open to all technology nodes, including advanced ones.

The Startup Programme is independent of any grants or public funding the startup may have already received.

Yes, otherwise it has to wait until next year’s application opening.

Our objective is to place each startup in the track that best fits its specific needs and stage of development. Therefore, situations such as an ongoing funding round will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, in close coordination with the startup. In particular, evidence of an upcoming investment will be required (for instance, draft or signed term sheets, investor emails or letters of intent, or similar documentation) in order to assess the likelihood of the investment. As a first step, startups are just required to indicate in the application the expected funding amount and the planned timeline for finalizing the investment.