BMWE selects 38 German projects for EU semiconductor program

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has selected 38 German projects for the planned semiconductor program IPCEI AST, according to a press release from March 19, 2026. Together with the Netherlands and France, Germany is taking on a coordinating role and will launch Europe-wide matchmaking as early as March. This is an important step for the industry toward shared European value chains and greater technological independence. The selection ranges from AI chips to power electronics, with the federal government providing over 3 billion euros from its special fund for infrastructure and climate protection. Approximately one-third of the selected projects involve start-ups and SMEs. The Europe-wide matchmaking will begin on March 25 and 26, 2026