KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies

KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies is sponsored by NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and TKI-HTSM (Holland High Tech). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies | NWO 10-02-2026: several documents have been added to the downloads This call for proposals aims to fund fundamental and applied research in two areas: semiconductors and quantum technologies.

In the field of semiconductors, the focus is on heterogeneous development solutions, with challenges in the following areas: chiplets, advanced packaging, and the metrology required for this. In the field of quantum, the focus is on expanding knowledge in the field of manufacturing and scaling up quantum systems. This Call for Proposals also encourages crossovers between semiconductor and quantum technologies.

Researchers may submit an application if they have a tenured position (and therefore a paid position for an indefinite period*) or a tenure track agreement at one of the following research organisations: universities and universities of applied sciences; university medical centres; institutes affiliated to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) or NWO; Netherlands Cancer Institute; the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen; Naturalis Biodiversity Center; Advanced Research Centre for NanoLithography (ARCNL); * Researchers employed by a university of applied sciences may also apply as the main applicant with a fixed-term, paid contract.

** Researchers from TO2 institutes can only apply as co-applicants. For an application in this Call for Proposals, a minimum of €600,000 and a maximum of €3,200,000 can be requested in NWO funding. NWO will fund a maximum of 80% of the total project size; the remainder of the project budget is provided through mandatory 20% co-funding (in-cash, in-kind or a mix thereof).

NWO will never fund less than 50% of the total project size. During the preparation phase, applicants must choose their preferred theme: "semiconductor technologies" or "quantum." Of the total budget, €5.

925. 000 is reserved for proposals related to semiconductors and €5. 925.

000 for quantum-related proposals. 2 March 2026 – Matchmaking (optional), 7 May 2026 14:00:00 CEST - Deadline request for foreign organisations, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 CEST - Deadline proposals.

The applications submitted within this Call for Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria: Problem definition and analysis (20%) Expected impact and route to impact (20%) Quality of the consortium (30%) Quality of the research (30%) The application procedure consists of the following steps: submission of the proposal; admissibility of the proposal; initial advice from the assessment committee; assessment committee meeting; An external, independent assessment committee will be assigned for this Call for proposals, consisting of representatives from science and practice with knowledge of the field.

Responsible research data management is an essential component of good research practice. Prepare a data management plan after the grant is awarded and before the project starts. Applications must be submitted through the Isaac application and reporting system.

If you do not have an Isaac account yet, then please create one at least one workday in advance. More information about writing a proposal and which forms you need to use can be found in Isaac. Please download and use the forms in Isaac.

Below you will find examples of the required forms. Applicants must submit their proposal in English and using the application form. NWO will assess your application against all the conditions set out in this Call for proposals, including the conditions listed below.

Your application will only be admitted to the assessment procedure if it meets these conditions. Make sure to check the requirements before submitting. Mandatory consortium-building activities There are no mandatory consurtium-building activities but applicants are encouraged by NWO to join the matchmaking event.

For this call, in addition to completing the application and budget form, we also ask you to include a signed declaration co-funding. If applicable, an embedding guarantee may also be requested.

Downloads for your applications KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies | call for proposals KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies | application form KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies | budget form KIC - Heterogeneous development solutions for semiconductors & scaling of quantum technologies | declaration co-funding The funding process explained NWO has a fixed procedure for handling all applications.

Learn more about how the application procedure is set up – from the moment you apply until a decision is reached. Online manual grant application system ISAAC ISAAC offers applicants for research funding the possibility to track their application in the assessment process. Do you already have an account in Isaac?

Have you completed the application form? Has the statement been signed by the main applicant? Have you completed the budget form?