The Government of Spain has launched the second call for project funding to boost the microelectronics and semiconductor value chain (ICV/ME), an initiative part of the PERTE Chip within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR). With an initial allocation of €33.4 million, expandable to €73.4 million, this program aims to strengthen Spain’s position in a strategic sector vital for Europe’s industrial and technological sovereignty.
A Key Sector in Full Transformation
The semiconductor crisis during the pandemic and the increasing reliance on Asian countries have highlighted the need for own capacity for chip design and manufacturing. Within the EU’s strategy to achieve digital and technological autonomy, Spain has designated this sector as a cornerstone of its Spain 2030 Industrial Policy.
The PERTE Chip will mobilize more than €12 billion in public-private investments by 2027, aiming to position Spain at the forefront of Europe in chip design, manufacturing, and packaging.
In this context, the new call represents a decisive step to attract R&D projects and to bolster the national industry amid international competition and the constant need for innovation.
Eligible Projects
The call is open to private and public commercial entities based in Spain, regardless of size. Projects with a minimum eligible budget of €500,000 can belong to various parts of the semiconductor value chain, including:
- Chip design and development and intellectual property (IP) cores.
- Semiconductor manufacturing across different technologies.
- Production of essential materials for microelectronics.
- Automation and testing equipment for hardware validation.
- Chip packaging and testing, a critical stage for industrialization.
Eligible expenses include specialized personnel costs (with a maximum hourly rate of €65), acquisition of equipment and tools, consumable materials, consulting services and external collaborations, as well as overhead costs related to project implementation.
Timeline and Implementation
Applications are open from September 1 to September 30, 2025, and must be submitted exclusively online via the Ministry of Industry and Tourism’s portal.
Approved projects must carry out expenses from the publication date of the call until June 30, 2026, ensuring an immediate impact on industry and the creation of highly skilled employment.
Background: First Call and Results
The first call under this section, launched in January 2025 with €110 million, financed projects in chip design for artificial intelligence, automotive, and telecommunications, as well as advanced packaging and testing of new materials initiatives.
Simultaneously, the European Important Projects of Common Interest (IPCEI) segment allocated €90 million and closed its application period in November 2024, with several Spanish projects integrated into leading European consortia.
With this new phase, the Government reaffirms Spain’s commitment to a sector that not only fosters innovation but is also crucial for ensuring industrial competitiveness and reducing critical dependencies.
A Sovereignty Challenge in Technology
The European Commission set a goal for Europe to reach 20% of global semiconductor production by 2030. Through the PERTE Chip, Spain aims to be a central player in this strategy, attracting both multinational corporations and supporting the growth of local startups in chip design and testing.
Furthermore, collaboration with technological centers and universities is seen as essential to train a new generation of engineers and specialists in microelectronics, a field where a shortage of qualified talent remains one of the main bottlenecks.
Key Data Table: Second Call (ICV/ME 2025)
| Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | PERTE Chip – Component 12: Spain 2030 Industrial Policy |
| Initial Funding | €33.4 million |
| Maximum Funding (Expanded) | €73.4 million |
| Mode | Non-competitive grants (first-come, first-served basis) |
| Beneficiaries | Private and public companies based in Spain |
| Minimum Project Budget | €500,000 |
| Investment Areas | Design, manufacturing, materials, automation, packaging |
| Project Execution Deadline | Until June 30, 2026 |
| Application Period | September 1–30, 2025 |
Conclusion
The second PERTE Chip call presents a unique opportunity for Spanish companies to strengthen their position in the global semiconductor value chain. Through these funds, Spain advances in establishing its strategic autonomy and deeper integration within the European industrial strategy.
via: Recovery Plan