[Pixeurope-ga] Associated Partners (External Collaborators)

Tue Dec 23 18:20:55 CET 2025

Hi Carlos
Yes, AP can either be private or public.
A key point is that they can offer unique amd ceitical contribution to PIXEurope tasks, without receiving funding and sharing IP as any partner.
So, only a few are expected.

The large majority should go to Open Access.

We are also proposing "Collaborative R&D Project " to Chips JU and Commission to complement APs. They might have a similar role amd obñogations. However, they are not yet properly defined and confirmed .

For any doubt, it is better we talk. Any partner can get in touch to discuss.

Best
Valerio

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________________________________
From: Pixeurope-ga <pixeurope-ga-bounces at lists.icfo.es> on behalf of Carlos Domínguez via Pixeurope-ga <pixeurope-ga at lists.icfo.es>
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 12:20:46 PM
To: pixeurope-ga at lists.icfo.es <pixeurope-ga at lists.icfo.es>
Subject: Re: [Pixeurope-ga] Associated Partners (External Collaborators)

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Dear Valerio, thanks for the email about Associated Partners.

I have one question, can EU companies be part of the Associate Partner entities?

Season's Greetings for all!!

El 19/12/2025 a las 14:55, Valerio Pruneri via Pixeurope-ga escribió:
Hi All

Please read carefully, we need an answer by Jan 7, 2026 included.

This email is about the possibility of working with external (third-party) entities that are not partners of Pilot Line.

As you are aware, most of our interactions with external entities, be them private (e.g. start-up, spin-off, SME, large industry) or public (RTO, university, etc...), are expected to occur through Open Access. That is, those external entities become what we call "End-Users" and will have to pay for accessing PIXEurope's services, including Training, Consultancy, Use of Equipment and Lab, Prototyping, etc...As we speak, in WP3-DEP, we started defining cost and IP models for services. You will hear from us soon on this front.

I remind you that PIXEurope is made of three components: Joint Procurement (JP), R&D&D to set up and develop Pilot Line (HE) and Open Access (DEP). In addition to Open Access Services, we have the opportunity to engage with external entities as "Associated Partners" (APs). Associated partners are effectively "External Collaborators" that become involved in R&D&E activities, in Horizon Europe (HE).  I append at the end of this message a description of AP. In particular note:

  *
APs do not have to be from associated countries, can be from Members States that are entitled to get funding from HE (e.g. same country as all of you)
  *
Proposed work (role) of APs need to be part of the tasks as in the Grant Agreement (GA) of HE.
  *
APs DO NOT receive funding from the Pilot Line.
  *
APs have to comply with the IP and other terms of the GA.
  *
APs have to be eligible and there are restrictions.
  *
A clear and focus work-plan involving the APs has to be approved by the consortium (SC) as well as Chips JU and Commission.

In the GA of HE as it stands now, we do not have APs. However, some of us may be thinking of APs. And it is crucial that we make a prediction on the number of APs to see whether we can implement a plan that also includes APs and it is worth making an amendement of GA.

Please, if interested, send to me and Management team (pixeurope-mct at lists.icfo.es<mailto:pixeurope-mct at lists.icfo.es>):

  *
Name of potential AP
  *
Short description of potential AP
  *
Foreseen contribution to task/tasks in the GA (workplan) of HE.
  *
Expected level of committment (person months and possibly other resources)

Deadline, January 7, 2026, included.

For any doubt, please send me a message and we can also talk.

Happy Holidays!
Valerio

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An Associated Partner (AP) in Horizon Europe<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/search?q=Horizon*Europe&sca_esv=1f0bb9d93a692111&biw=1280&bih=551&ei=vFlEaZamON6akdUPo4LWiQs&ved=2ahUKEwigqv-488eRAxVqNPsDHSjYE3YQgK4QegQIARAB&uact=5&oq=associated*partner*in*horizon*europe&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJGFzc29jaWF0ZWQgcGFydG5lciBpbiBob3Jpem9uIGV1cm9wZTIHEAAYgAQYEzIIEAAYFhgeGBMyCBAAGBYYHhgTMggQABgWGB4YEzIIEAAYFhgeGBMyBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBEj2hAJQ8cEBWOH_AXACeAGQAQCYAX6gAYcRqgEEMzMuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCF6AC7wvCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgIFECEYoAHCAgQQIRgVwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgUQABiABMICChAAGBYYHhgTGAqYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwQyMi4xoAf8iwGyBwQyMC4xuAfpC8IHBjAuMjIuMcgHK4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfBn5wrrlabqv3b_O_qVqzPyQhi354iiqV5QDhgNoxPjwcYTBSB7nBnb-jL8EVdRZJX0zDPmTd_cB93mkkLcvq2A35V-XsNu3S1mWZrZjOYusxlIpVSOrHNJfpaGTcdJ09s&csui=3__;KysrKys!!D9dNQwwGXtA!R-0DP4uydHXrhewK7GI2TD27PV-t6q61S_LwYtVZsTN720S1RYLT9DIeb3Wdyjnbv2hZk2oyGevQYRj3FtEOlGLnka4$> is a legal entity that actively implements tasks in a project but does not receive EU funding, doesn't sign the Grant Agreement (GA), and covers its own costs, often from non-EU countries or entities ineligible for funds. They are formally mentioned in the GA (Annex 1), defining their specific tasks and responsibilities, with the main consortium<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/search?q=consortium&sca_esv=1f0bb9d93a692111&biw=1280&bih=551&ei=vFlEaZamON6akdUPo4LWiQs&ved=2ahUKEwigqv-488eRAxVqNPsDHSjYE3YQgK4QegQIARAD&uact=5&oq=associated*partner*in*horizon*europe&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJGFzc29jaWF0ZWQgcGFydG5lciBpbiBob3Jpem9uIGV1cm9wZTIHEAAYgAQYEzIIEAAYFhgeGBMyCBAAGBYYHhgTMggQABgWGB4YEzIIEAAYFhgeGBMyBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBEj2hAJQ8cEBWOH_AXACeAGQAQCYAX6gAYcRqgEEMzMuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCF6AC7wvCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgIFECEYoAHCAgQQIRgVwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgUQABiABMICChAAGBYYHhgTGAqYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwQyMi4xoAf8iwGyBwQyMC4xuAfpC8IHBjAuMjIuMcgHK4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfBn5wrrlabqv3b_O_qVqzPyQhi354iiqV5QDhgNoxPjwcYTBSB7nBnb-jL8EVdRZJX0zDPmTd_cB93mkkLcvq2A35V-XsNu3S1mWZrZjOYusxlIpVSOrHNJfpaGTcdJ09s&csui=3__;KysrKw!!D9dNQwwGXtA!R-0DP4uydHXrhewK7GI2TD27PV-t6q61S_LwYtVZsTN720S1RYLT9DIeb3Wdyjnbv2hZk2oyGevQYRj3FtEOFv7MWC4$> remaining responsible for their work's quality.

Key Characteristics:

  *   No EU Funding: They bear their own costs, even if eligible for funding.
  *   No GA Signature: They are not beneficiaries but are listed in the GA.
  *   Task Implementation: They perform crucial, defined tasks within the project.
  *   Origin: Often from countries not associated with Horizon Europe, like Switzerland (which has its own funding), or entities that opt out of funding.
  *   Responsibility: The beneficiary linked to the AP (or the whole consortium) ensures their work aligns with the GA, as per https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/europe-world/international-cooperation/bilateral-cooperation-science-and-technology-agreements-non-eu-countries_en<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/europe-world/international-cooperation/bilateral-cooperation-science-and-technology-agreements-non-eu-countries_en__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!R-0DP4uydHXrhewK7GI2TD27PV-t6q61S_LwYtVZsTN720S1RYLT9DIeb3Wdyjnbv2hZk2oyGevQYRj3FtEO5L8lX_U$>.

Why Use This Role?

  *   To bring in crucial expertise or resources not available from funded partners.
  *   To allow entities from non-associated countries (or those with alternative funding) to contribute meaningfully.
  *   To provide visibility and collaboration opportunities within the EU's R&I landscape, as noted by https://eufunds.me/what-is-an-associated-partner-in-horizon-europe/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://eufunds.me/what-is-an-associated-partner-in-horizon-europe/__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!R-0DP4uydHXrhewK7GI2TD27PV-t6q61S_LwYtVZsTN720S1RYLT9DIeb3Wdyjnbv2hZk2oyGevQYRj3FtEOxPKbrsU$>.

In essence, they're valuable, non-funded contributors whose roles are formalized within the project's legal framework.

--

[https://www.csic.es/sites/www.csic.es/files/csic-hr.png]<http://www.csic.es/>

Carlos Domínguez Horna

Research Professor

Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM)

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS

✆ 34935947700

@ Carlos.Dominguez at imb-cnm.csic.es<mailto:Carlos.Dominguez at imb-cnm.csic.es>

✉ c/ Til·lers s/n; 08193 CERDANYOLA DEL VALLÉS

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