Partner Dialogue on Microelectronics: “Start-ups & SMEs in the Chip Design Ecosystem and Their Contribution to Technological Sovereignty and Innovation Capacity”

As part of the Chipdesign Germany Forum 2026, held on 6 and 7 May in Dresden, the partner dialogue “Start-ups & SMEs in the chip design ecosystem and their contribution to technological sovereignty and innovation capacity” took place as part of the roadmapping process for the further development of the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD). Representatives from academia, research and industry discussed, in particular, the challenges and potential of the German chip design ecosystem, whilst also considering the European context. The discussion focused primarily on the following questions: What contribution can start-ups and SMEs make to Germany’s technological sovereignty and capacity for innovation? What are the biggest challenges at present? Why is it so difficult to scale up chip design companies in Europe? What role do the of the HTAD play?

Microelectronics needs more systematic implementation capacity

A key finding of the dialogue was the assessment that Germany and Europe possess an excellent research landscape, a high level of technical expertise and strong industrial capabilities in microelectronics. At the same time, however, there is often a lack of consistent implementation of technological developments into marketable products and successful business models. Access to capital and a lack of demand from European industry were also identified as challenges. Potential solutions were seen in improved access to capital, an increase in industrial demand, faster IP transfer, less bureaucracy, a stronger start-up mindset, professional support for scaling up, and an international market focus. Overall, there was agreement that start-ups and SMEs can make an important contribution to technological sovereignty, but that they require a better-connected ecosystem comprising research, industry, capital, talent and policy.

The High-Tech Agenda as a strategic enabler

The HTAD was seen as an important strategic framework and a key enabler for the further development of Germany as a microelectronics hub. In particular, the aim of strengthening chip design in Germany, accelerating technology transfer and establishing a holistic chip design ecosystem, as well as bringing together research, skilled workers and manufacturing, were highlighted positively. There was a call for greater emphasis on photonics and a focus on transferring technology into concrete industrial products and markets.

As part of the concerted action ‘Microelectronics – High-Tech Agenda Roadmapping’ (in Germam), experts from the field of microelectronics are called upon to continue to participate actively in the process. Those interested can register for various technology fields on the website (in German) or, alternatively, contact the responsible project management organisation, VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, directly at fokus-me(at)vdivde-it.de.