DIGITAL

Leadership in frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Photonics and Semiconductors is essential to Europe’s economic security and global competitiveness. Building on the ambition of becoming the “AI Continent” and in line with the concrete actions devised in the Apply AI Strategy^[1], the EU will consolidate its world-class research ecosystem through initiatives like the RAISE network of AI science labs, the development of safe and efficient frontier AI models, and the deployment of next-generation AI agents and robotics in strategic sectors. In parallel, a long-term quantum strategy will reinforce Europe’s excellence across quantum computing, sensing and communication, supported by new infrastructures and standardisation to secure technological sovereignty. Photonics and semiconductor technologies will remain critical enablers for the digital and green transitions, with investments in advanced integrated photonic devices and resilient semiconductor ecosystems ensuring Europe’s capacity to innovate, scale and compete globally. Foresight and support to emerging materials and technologies will further strengthen Europe’s position at the cutting edge to make sure Europe’s does not miss the emergence of new disruptive technologies, aligning with the Draghi report and the Competitiveness Compass to secure a cohesive, sovereign and future-proof European industrial base.

Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. For additional information please see “Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in China” found in General Annex B of the General Annexes.

[1] COM(2025)723 Apply AI Strategy

Expected Outcome:

Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Continued coordination and strategic support to the broader European photonics ecosystem, fostering a transparent, inclusive governance model and bottom-up roadmap development.
• Strengthened engagement across the photonics ecosystem, including industry, academia, national platforms and end-user sectors.
• Improved alignment of regional, national and European R&I agendas, enhancing coherence and impact across funding instruments.
• Effective monitoring and steering of Partnership-funded projects towards the achievement of Key Performance Indicators.
• Increased visibility of photonics as a critical enabling technology for EU priorities such as the digital and green transitions, industrial competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
• Enhanced collaboration with other European Partnerships and strategic initiatives to maximise synergies and streamline efforts.
• Improved access to private and blended finance for photonics innovation, growth and scale-up.

Scope:

Proposals should include:

• Development and regular updating of the European Photonics Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and associated roadmaps
• Coordination and monitoring of Partnership-funded R&I and CSA projects, including tracking of Key Performance Indicators and recommending corrective actions where needed
• Outreach, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, including alignment with national, regional, and European photonics strategies and input into broader EU policy initiatives
• Provision of a unified communication platform for the European photonics community and strengthened public communication on the impact of photonics
• Facilitation of collaboration with other European Partnerships, strategic initiatives, and financial institutions to identify synergies and improve access to innovation financing.

Beneficiaries that intend to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive licence must formally notify the granting authority (i.e. DG-CNECT and HaDEA) before the intended transfer or licensing takes place and the granting authority may up to four years after the end of the action object to a transfer of ownership or the exclusive licensing of results.