Europe is making unprecedented investments in semiconductor innovation, with pilot lines emerging as key enablers for testing, scaling, and validating new technologies. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accessing and benefiting from these complex infrastructures can feel overwhelming.
This is where the Swedish Chips Competence Centre (SCCC) plays a critical role—bridging the gap between ambitious smaller companies and the intricate ecosystem of European pilot lines.
A Complex Landscape for SMEs
The Pilot lines, such as APECS, involve large, multi-actor collaborations distributed across countries and institutions. For SMEs with limited resources, navigating this landscape is not straightforward. Identifying relevant partners, understanding the scope of each pilot line, and finding the right entry points can be both time-consuming and uncertain.
In conjunction with the APECS roadshow networking event in Kista on 8 June, SCCC organised a visit for the APECS representatives to Excillum AB, located near the Electrum building and Kista Semiconductor Arena.
Simona Laza, Manager Strategic Public Partnerships, found the opportunity to have direct contact very valuable and stated:
“For start-ups and SMEs the ecosystem can feel overwhelming by the multitude of actors, people and possibilities. Having limited resources, we need guidance for understanding it and learn how to make smart priorities and choices. In the fast-paced semiconductor ecosystem, SMEs need timely access to the right people, organizations, and decision-makers to turn specialized expertise into real impact.”
SCCC as a Gateway and Facilitator
One of SCCC’s services is acting as a trusted intermediary. By connecting SMEs with the right contacts and institutions, SCCC lowers the barriers to entry and helps companies make informed decisions about where to invest their time and resources.
Pier Paolo Aurino, Business services advisor, SCCC, explains the value this can have for SMEs and startups:
“For SMEs, simply having access to the right people—whether at pilot lines, research institutes, or partner organisations—can be a decisive advantage. At SCCC we enable this by acting as a channel for dialogue between SMEs and pilot line operators, by facilitating direct, high-quality communication and in helping companies explore whether they can participate as suppliers, collaborators, or future users.”
Supporting Strategic Choices
SMEs often face tight resource constraints and must prioritise carefully. Engaging with pilot lines requires strategic thinking: Which technologies are relevant? When is the right time to engage? What funding opportunities are available?
SCCC supports SMEs by helping them:
- Understand the scope and future direction of pilot lines
- Identify upcoming funding opportunities or calls
- Assess whether and how participation aligns with their business strategy
Strengthening Nordic and European Collaboration
Even when SMEs are not immediate users of pilot lines, early engagement can deliver long-term value. Building relationships, understanding future capabilities, and staying informed about developments prepares companies to act when opportunities arise.
SCCC also contributes to strengthening regional and cross-border collaboration. Events such as the APECS & SCCC networking meeting—bringing together actors like the Norwegian Chips Competence Centre and SINTEF—demonstrate how SCCC fosters a stronger Nordic presence within the broader European ecosystem.
These forums provide SMEs with rare opportunities to engage directly with key stakeholders, exchange insights, and build partnerships.