Electronic Smart Systems (ESS)

Research and Innovation Actions

It is expected that proposals focus on only one of the two areas underneath (a or b).

a) Technological breakthroughs for future ESS leading to further miniaturisation, new functionalities, improved power consumption, autonomy, adaptation and reliability, and secure operation in real environments:

- Development and integration of micro- and nano- sensor and actuator systems in ESS, including sensors exploiting emerging paradigms (e.g. 2D and 1D nanomaterials, spintronics) for ultra-high sensitivity and low power, and MEMS/NEMS-based sensors,

- Demonstrating ESS that brings intelligence and real-time reconfiguration if required to the IoT edge with integration of sensor systems, processors, computing and networking elements with improved energy efficiency and sustainability,

- Advancing comprehensive design, integration and packaging technologies.

It is expected that, while proposed ESS technologies are to be validated via demonstrators operating in laboratory environments (TRL 4), industrial exploitation and application perspectives are clearly identified.

b) Advances in bio-electronics smart systems: Enhancement of the technical capabilities of bio-electronics and connected Bio-electronics and Micro-Nano-Bio Systems through cost-effective miniaturisation, manufacturing and demonstration, leading to high performance in specificity/sensitivity, reliability, time to results and manufacturability. This includes modular approaches with integration of standard components and interfaces as well as platforms where material, IT, communications and sensing/analysis modules are interchangeable. Portability, wearability, biocompatibility, and operation in remote and low resource settings should be considered. Needs of users, both men and women, markets and business cases should be clearly addressed.

Projects should start from experimentally proven concepts and deliver prototype(s) validated in relevant environments (TRL 5).

Issues related to security, safety, privacy, standardisation, interoperability, certification, life cycle, regulation compliance and ethics are to be considered where appropriate (for a and b).

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 2 and 4 million would allow these areas to be addressed appropriately. Nevertheless this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Innovation Actions

c) Innovation Action on Access[[Including EuroPractice-type actions]] to Nanoelectronics and Electronics Smart Systems: In the context of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) the goal is to support electronic components, sensors, smart devices and systems, including advanced nanoelectronics and integrated smart systems (e.g. Micro-Nano BioSystems). Focus is on (i) access to advanced design and manufacturing for academia, research institutes and SMEs, and (ii) Rapid prototyping production for SMEs and deployment to market. This service also includes activities such as technical support and training.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to 8 million would allow this area to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Coordination and Support Actions

d) Support Action on Electronics

- Reinforced collaboration & cross-fertilisation between projects and representatives of the Electronics areas addressed, namely (i) Nanoelectronics, (ii) Electronics Smart Systems and (iii) Flexible and Wearable Electronics;

- Increased outreach of these actions across Europe, their industrial perspective;

- Establishing of International cooperation in the field;

- Monitoring of technology advances and developments in the field and analysing the European ecosystems (available research infrastructures, competence centres, education, public procurement...) to determine the strengths and possible gaps.

- Elaborating technology and application roadmaps that identify new opportunities for users and suppliers.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to 1 million would allow this area to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

The challenge is to develop and validate a new generation of cost-effective ESS technologies integrating hardware technologies across multiple fields eg, multi-modal sensing, actuating, advanced processing, and secure wireless transmission (to network or local infrastructures). Access to advanced electronics technologies by SMEs and academia is a complementary challenge supporting digitisation of industry.

Proposals should address some of the following impact criteria and provide metrics to measure and monitor progress:

• European Technology leadership in ESS and bio-electronics systems performances (functionalities, size, reliability, manufacturability, cost…)
• Improving ESS manufacturing capabilities in Europe,
• Increasing ESS and bio-electronics systems Market penetration in emerging digital economy sectors,
• Creating new opportunities for digitisation in traditional sectors and improving user acceptance
• Attract a substantial number of new users, from industry (in particular SMEs and mid-caps) and academia, to advanced technologies.
• Increased industrial investments and open innovation marketplace for ESS and bio-electronics technologies.
• Increased cooperation and synergy across electronic technology areas, promoting joint, multi-disciplinary initiatives.
• Stimulating the involvement of industry in longer term research and innovation activities.