March 24, 2025. The Chips Competence Centers (CCCs) planned in the EU Chips Act are intended to take Europe’s semiconductor expertise to the next level. Strong structures and smart networking are essential to ensure that the 27 centers in 25 European countries do not just exist side by side, but work together to advance the European industry – and this is precisely where aCCCess comes in.
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The four-year EU project, launched in March 2025, is building the European Network of Chips Competence Centres (ENCCC) and maximizing synergies between CCCs, Chips Pilot Lines (PLs) and the virtual Design Platform (DP). Under the leadership of experienced cluster organizations and technology partners, a central platform is being created that accelerates innovation, facilitates access to technology and funding for companies and strengthens Europe’s semiconductor competence on a global scale.
The CCCs, CPLs and the DP are key initiatives of the EU Chips Act, driven by the Chips JU. These initiatives provide companies – especially SMEs and start-ups – with essential resources, training and access to state-of-the-art semiconductor infrastructure. While CCCs foster innovation and specialized expertise, CPLs bridge the gap between research and production, and the DP provides a cloud-based environment with advanced design tools to support chip development in Europe.
aCCCess aims to build and strengthen the European Network of Chips Competence Centres (ENCCC). To this end, the ENCCC is organized into five focus groups: Operations and Best Practices, Public Relations and Events, Technology Offerings and Technology Transfer, Training and Skills Development, and Funding. These groups develop harmonized processes in these key areas, ensuring seamless collaboration across Europe.
aCCCess supports the development of CCCs, PLs and DP through online and face-to-face events, including an annual community event to promote cross-border collaboration.
To facilitate access to the CCCs’ services, training and technology offerings, aCCCess will create a shared online marketplace that showcases the CCCs’ service catalogs and provides AI-enabled servicing and matchmaking opportunities. In addition, investment opportunities will be promoted through a venture capital network and the Chips Finance Lab. An annual pitching event for startups will specifically focus on these funding opportunities.
In addition, aCCCess will establish its own think tank and host monthly webinars with industry experts to discuss trends, promote public-private partnerships and advance best practices in cluster management and operations. Finally, the Pilot Lines and Design Platform will offer specialized training and webinars to assist CCCs in providing resources and increasing their visibility.
The Chips Competence Centres provide companies – especially SMEs and start-ups – with resources to develop semiconductor solutions. This includes support, training and access to major infrastructure facilities established under the EU Chips Act, such as the Chips Pilot Lines and the Design Platform. Each center will reflect regional and national strengths and specialize in one or more key technology areas.
Pilot lines are designed to support companies in the areas of process development, testing, experimentation and small-scale production. This approach is intended to sustainably close the gap between laboratory research and industrial production. The pilot lines will focus on key technologies such as sub-2 nm GAA process technology, FD-SOI technology at 10 nm and below, and heterogeneous integration.
The Design Platform will be a cloud-based virtual environment accessible across the European Union. It will offer a wide range of design tools and resources, from IP libraries to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, as well as support services. The platform will be open, non-discriminatory and transparent to ensure widespread use.
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