Economy Ministry to launch debate on interest areas in 400-million-euro AI and semiconductos project
The Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) will launch a practical debate on the national call to identify Romanian projects that could be included in major European initiatives in artificial intelligence and advanc. . .
The Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) will launch a practical debate on the national call to identify Romanian projects that could be included in major European initiatives in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor technologies. In cooperation with the Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), MEDAT manages the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in microelectronics and communication technologies (IPCEI ME/CT), a strategic investment of European significance that is considered vital to Romania's technological future and is financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). "Beyond the official statements: What do we want to hear from the engineers behind IPCEI ME/CT C9/I4? We already know the companies and universities involved in the 400 million euro project. Now comes the most interesting part: the applied research that will continue until 2028. We are not talking simply about 'microchips' but about high-performance technology developed in laboratories and factories in Romania. We want to open a practical debate, so we ask: Which specific area of this major programme interests you the most?," the ministry said in a post on its Facebook page. The ministry is asking the companies and universities involved in the project, in the field of chip architecture and design, how low-power processors are being designed for future autonomous vehicles. On hardware cybersecurity, it is seeking answers on how chips can be secured at the manufacturing stage against cyber attacks. It is also asking how universities and partner laboratories will be transformed through technology transfer supported by these funds. MEDAT has also launched a separate debate on supply chains, asking whether Romania has the potential to become a regional hub capable of strengthening Europe's autonomy and resilience in semiconductor supply. On 25 March 2026, Economy Minister Irineu Darau signed the order launching the national call to identify Romanian projects eligible to join major European initiatives in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor technologies. MEDAT is the implementing agency under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for Investment 4, Cross-Border and Multinational Projects - Low-Power Processors and Semiconductor Chips, under Component 9, Support for the Private Sector, Research, Development and Innovation. The investment forms part of Pillar III, Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, including economic cohesion, employment, productivity, competitiveness, research, development and innovation, as well as a functioning internal market with strong small and medium-sized enterprises. Implementation of IPCEI ME/CT C9/I4 within MEDAT is carried out by the Directorate for Industrial Policies and Industry Financing under implementation agreements signed with MIPE in September 2023. Delivery is ensured by joint teams of specialists from MIPE and MEDAT. "Romania's technological performance continues to advance on the solid foundation created through the IPCEI ME/CT C9/I4 investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. With more than 375 million euro already allocated to major microelectronics projects, our country has demonstrated its capacity to innovate to the highest European standards. Against this backdrop, MEDAT is now coordinating the expansion of Romania's participation into new technological frontiers through the IPCEI AST (Advanced Semiconductor Technologies) project," the economy minister said at the time.