New funds for Swiss digital and electronics projects

JTI ECSEL –Joint Technology Initiative Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership – is a European funding initiative supporting transboundary research and development projects in digitalisation, developing marketable products in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, system integration and intelligent systems. The ECSEL programme is open to all EU member states and to states associated in the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020). Particularly, small and medium-sized enterprises and at research institutions are targeted.

From 2014 to 2020, projects worth a total of EUR 4 billion will be conducted. EUR 1.8 billion of this amount comes from the Horizon 2020 budget, and approximately the same amount is contributed by the participating countries. Businesses and corporations also contribute in the form of in-kind contributions.

Switzerland approves participation in JTI ECSEL
On 9 March the Federal Council approved the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in the initiative. According to the terms of the initiative, the project costs will be met by the EU and by Switzerland; research institutions receive 70 per cent of their costs, SMEs between 50 and 60 per cent, and large corporations between 30 and 35 per cent.

The annual calls for projects, which take place under the auspices of the Horizon 2020 ‘Industrial Leadership’ pillar, are centrally organised and assessed. The 2018 ECSEL call for projects is open to Swiss applicants. Details of the conditions for participation can be found on the SERI website and the ECSEL website.

The State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation has organised a ECSEL Call Information Event on 23th March 2018 at Microcity, Auditoire - Charles-Edouard Guillaume, in Neuchâtel. Attendees will learn more about the JTI ECSEL and why Switzerland participates in it, Benefits for Swiss Industry and Research in ECSEL, Reimbursement of costs for R&D, to participate, eligibility criteria and how to find partners and Support.

(Press release/sk)