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Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL4-2027-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-03
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to advance integrated photonic devices and circuits with enhanced functionality, extended system performance and ultra-low power consumption, strengthening Europe’s technological leadership in photonics.
The topic supports the development of advanced photonic components and their validation in representative system configurations across multiple sectors, including digital, automotive, industrial, health and security. It aims to reinforce the competitiveness of EU photonics actors and contribute to open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging enabling technologies.
Scope of activities
Research and innovation activities must enhance the functionality, efficiency and integration of photonic devices and circuits, focusing on extended system performance. Proposals must address at least two of the following aspects:
• Enhanced performance through improved spectral purity, wavelength coverage, output power and noise characteristics.
• Increased modulation or detection speeds beyond existing photonic integrated circuit (PIC) material platforms, improved signal-processing capabilities, and integration of novel materials such as thin-film LiNbO3, BTO, graphene, silicon carbide, phase change materials and TMDCs.
• Miniaturised, high-complexity photonic circuits (e.g. multilayer photonics, chiplets, multiple integrated functional elements), scalable interconnects and electronics-photonics integration (co-packaged, heterogeneous or monolithic).
• Reduction of power consumption, including improved electrical-to-optical conversion, reduced optical losses, operation at higher temperatures to reduce cooling needs, and low-power circuit actuation and control.
Proposals must demonstrate system-level impact and validate advancements in representative configurations relevant to one or more application domains such as communication, computing, sensing, medical diagnostics, data processing or AI systems.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland and Norway, associated countries, OECD countries and MERCOSUR countries. (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- universities and research centres specialising in photonics and materials science
- semiconductor and photonic device manufacturers
- SMEs developing photonic integrated circuits
- system integrators
- industrial end-users from digital, automotive, industrial, health or security sectors
- partners with expertise in electronics-photonics integration and system validation
Eligible costs
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Model Grant Agreement. Activities may include:
- Research and development of advanced photonic devices and circuits
- Integration of novel materials and architectures
- Prototype fabrication and testing
- System-level validation in representative application domains
- Performance benchmarking and optimisation
- Dissemination and exploitation activities
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Funding rate:
Up to 100% of total eligible costs
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 3,000,000 - 5,000,000
Number of funded projects:
Up to 6 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to start at TRL 3 and achieve TRL 6 by the end of the project
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
18 March 2027