The Portuguese Competence Centre in Semiconductors launches new Start-up Award

The Portuguese Competence Centre in Semiconductors (POEMS) is launching the first edition of the POEMS Start-up Award. With applications closing on 30 April, the initiative was designed to celebrate and connect a high-potential Portuguese startup with the national and European semiconductor ecosystem.

About POEMS

POEMS serves as a central hub for SMEs, startups, and industry players to connect with European networks and build capabilities. Developed under the Chips Joint Undertaking and coordinated by INL, the initiative aims to position Portugal as a strategic force within the European semiconductor landscape. The POEMS consortium brings together 16 expert partners, including leading research institutions and universities.

POEMS Start-up Award: Eligibility

The award targets legally established Portuguese startups at any stage of development, founded after 1 January 2022, whose activities fall within the semiconductor ecosystem including: chip design, advanced packaging, semiconductor materials and devices, and enabling software or hardware tools. Design-based startups that rely on semiconductor-enabled systems or components are also eligible.

To qualify, applicants must present an innovative business idea, product, or service with strong growth potential.

POEMS Start-up Award: Benefits

The selected winner will receive a €2,500 voucher, redeemable for services offered through the POEMS portfolio, along with an invitation to join the POEMS start-up community.

Importantly, the POEMS Start-up Award is aligned with the EPoSS Annual Event 2026, meaning a single application makes participants eligible for two awards simultaneously.

POEMS Start-up Award: Application Process

The full application process is available at the EPoSS Annual Forum 2026 website for public consultation.

To apply, interested startups should follow the EPoSS Start-up Awards Guidelines and copy poems@poemscentre.eu on their submission email. Please note the window for application submission closes on 30 April.

We encourage all eligible innovators to apply and join us in building a more autonomous, semiconductor-strong Europe.