ChipStart EU opens for applications

Build Your Semiconductor Startup with World-Class Support – For Free!

ChipStart EU is a fully funded 12-month incubation program for early-stage semiconductor startups across the European Economic Area (EEA) – Finland included! It is delivered by Silicon Catalyst EU Ltd, in collaboration with Malta Enterprise and the EU Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU).

This initiative builds on the proven success of ChipStart UK, where 9 out of 11 companies in the first cohort secured VC investment, and 2 of them are now closing Series A rounds exceeding $100 million USD in total. The broader Silicon Catalyst ecosystem has supported over 150 semiconductor startups globally since 2015.

What Makes This Opportunity So Special?

Unlike traditional programs, ChipStart EU is free of charge and requires no equity from selected startups. It aims to reduce risk for investors while providing startups with access to world-class support.

Selected companies will gain:

• Free access to design automation tools (EDA) from Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens

• Access to design IP and advanced foundry prototyping, including TSMC, GlobalFoundries, and photonics-capable foundries

• Experienced mentor from the 400+ member Silicon Catalyst Executive Advisor network

• A comprehensive, modular training program including IP strategy, VC readiness, negotiation techniques, and scaling support

• Introductions to VCs, angels, corporate investors, and strategic partners

How the Program Works?

• Duration: 12 months (October 2025 – October 2026)

• Training: 3 virtual sessions/month + quarterly in-person workshops

• First public showcase: Global Semiconductor Conference Malta (Nov 10–11, 2025)

• You stay where you are; training and mentorship are delivered virtually

• Each team is matched with a mentor who supports weekly progress

• Participants receive extensive feedback during two-stage selection

  
  

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a startup with a business registered in the EEA, or have a clear plan to register one during the program

• Have raised less than $1.5 million USD in equity-based VC or angel funding

• Be less than 7 years old as a business (flexibility is offered for university spinouts or restructuring cases)

• Work on semiconductor innovation, including but not limited to:

  • Chip design (fabless or not)

  • IP, EDA tools

  • Advanced packaging, MEMS, photonics, neuromorphic computing

  • Semiconductor materials (e.g. GaN, graphene, compound semiconductors)

How You’ll Be Selected – And What You’ll Learn Either Way

The application process includes:

1. Online Application

   Includes standard investor-style questions + pitch deck upload. Deadline: August 10, 2025

2. First Screening Round

   Panel of 12–20 European semiconductor experts assess your startup based on VC-style criteria:

   • Market need & differentiation

   • Business model & financial realism

   • Team capability & readiness for mentorship

   • Technology roadmap & customer validation

3. Second Screening Round

   Virtual pitch to Silicon Valley startup experts with feedback and Q&A. Modeled after Sand Hill Road VC reviews.

4. Final Selection

   Top 10 companies are selected based on average scores. All applicants receive anonymized expert feedback.

What Makes This Program Unique?

Deep Ecosystem Support

Selected startups get access to the entire Silicon Catalyst ecosystem, developed over 10+ years. This includes:

• 70+ in-kind partners (EDA tools, IP, foundries, packaging, testing)

• Strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor corporations

• VC introductions via Silicon Catalyst Ventures, its angel network, and European investor outreach

Training Program Highlights

• Structured modules covering all business and technical readiness areas, including

  • IP strategy development

  • VC negotiation training

  • Go-to-market planning

  • Building a defensible business in deep tech

• Delivered virtually with quarterly face-to-face workshops in Malta

• Each workshop applies virtual learning to your specific startup case

Why Should Finnish Startups Apply?

FiCCC strongly supports this initiative as it aligns with our mission: to empower Finnish semiconductor innovators and connect them with European-scale opportunities. ChipStart EU provides structured, high-impact support that’s especially valuable for fabless startups, spinouts, and early-stage deep tech ventures from across Europe.

Ready to Apply? Here’s What to Do

Deadline: August 10, 2025 Apply online: www.siliconcatalyst.eu

FiCCC provides support to Finnish ChipStart EU applicants - reach out to Sirpa Salmi at Kvanttinova in all your support needs.