Xecs | electronic components and systems Call 5 call for proposals

Description

Xecs, the EUREKA Cluster Programme focused on Electronic Components and Systems (ECS), has launched their 5th annual call for collaborative research and development project proposals.

Sector of focus

Micro/nano-electronics and photonics with applications in the following areas:

• Agrifood
• Natural resources
• Digital society
• Energy
• Health and well-being
• Mobility

Application deadlines

• Project Outline –January 22, 2026, 17:00 CET
• Full Project Proposal –April 16, 2026, 17:00 CET

How to apply

To apply, applicants must register through the Xecs Project Zone.

Related tools and resources

• Why is Xecs for you: Xecs website
• Access the ECS Collaboration Tool for project development and consortium building

Project funding

Eligible project participants in collaborative projects selected through this call for proposals may receive funding from their respective national funding body. Funds will be provided in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, rules and procedures established by the relevant national funding body, country, jurisdiction and/or program.

Each project participant should contact their national funding agency early in the process and follow their advice regarding national funding applications in parallel to the proposal submission.

Non-eligible project participants (e.g., large corporations, research institutes, etc., and participants from other countries) are welcome to participate on a self-funded basis, or as sub-contractors to funded participants, according to each country's funding regulations.

Canadian funding eligibility

Canadian SMEs

• The Canadian applicant must meet all the following criteria:
  • be an incorporated, profit-oriented SME in Canada (defined as having 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees)
  • have been in operation for a minimum of 12 months prior to the project proposal deadline specified above
  • have a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent employees located in Canada (on your company payroll and issued a T4), excluding contract employees
  • pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada
  • have a differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets
  • have the financial capacity (working capital, sales revenue, investment, etc.) and the operational capacity (personnel, expertise, resources, etc.) to undertake an international multi-year R&D collaboration while maintaining regular operations, and to subsequently commercialize the results
  • be committed to significant growth through international market expansion
• Preference may be given to SME applicants who meet the criteria below. If one or more criteria are unmet, a strong rationale must be provided in the Expression of Interest (EOI) form for possible consideration:
  • have a minimum of 15 full‑time equivalent employees located in Canada (on your company payroll and issued a T4), excluding contract employees
  • have commercialized one or more products internationally
  • have more than $500,000 CAD in annual sales revenue

Note: Canadian SME applicants must be eligible for funding as NRC IRAP clients before they can be considered for funding through this call for proposals. For more information on NRC IRAP eligibility and becoming an NRC IRAP client, please contact NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727.

Note: Canadian SME applicants may apply to more than one NRC IRAP funded call for proposals simultaneously. However, NRC IRAP is unlikely to fund more than one project per applicant. Canadian SME applicants who are applying to more than one opportunity or who have ongoing NRC IRAP projects should discuss their plan with their NRC IRAP representative before submitting an application.

Other Canadian organizations

Other types of Canadian organizations may participate in Xecs projects, but need to secure funding from alternative sources or self-fund their project participation.