The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has announced the 16 winners of its third call for proposals in an additional 130M EUR funding round, bringing up total funding to more than 500M EUR.
The announcement was made at the 5G Techritory Forum in Riga, with over 2,000 leaders from the European telecoms industry and beyond in attendance. 16 innovative projects were selected to receive funding for advancing the next-generation communications networks and services. These projects aim to offer breakthrough innovations, develop experimental platforms, and conduct large-scale trials, driving world-class research and shaping the world’s digitally connected future.
The SNS JU received an enthusiastic response to its 2024 call, with requested grants totaling €863 million, more than 7 times the available funding. Proposals came from 1,874 applicants across 33 European countries, demonstrating the depth of beyond 5G/6G expertise across the region. The 16 selected projects in this third call will support 301 beneficiaries from 25 countries in developing and deploying next-generation network infrastructure, platforms, and services.
“We were pleased with the robust response to our 2024 call,” said Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of SNS JU. “The projects selected highlight the diversity of 6G development happening across Europe, from infrastructure to applications to security. SNS JU is proud to support these efforts to ensure Europe remains at the forefront of 6G research and innovation and help realise its potential to transform lives and society.”
The Techritory Forum aims to provide a platform to drive the cross-industry collaboration of various players related to ICT innovation. Every year, leaders come together at the event to discuss the future of next-generation communications and move it forward.
“For seven years now Techritory has become a hub for an annual gathering of Europe’s leading minds in connectivity. We place a focus on cross-industry collaboration and co-creation, and are honoured to host the SNS JU 130M EUR funding announcement. A significant investment in next-generation connectivity is a key signal that this is a focus for the EU and a cornerstone of European competitiveness.” – Neils Kalniņš, Director of 5G Techritory
Each of the winning projects explores innovative approaches spanning a comprehensive spectrum of 6G domains. The diverse array of projects ensures a multifaceted approach to addressing 6G challenges and promises a wide range of research breakthroughs and innovative solutions:
- FLECON-6G: Brings the “Intelligent 6G Network of Networks” vision to life delivering a flexible, secure and Open 6G Architecture.
- UNITY-6G: Focuses on creating a highly sustainable and scalable AI-native architecture to support the diverse requirements of 6G networks.
- 6G-LEADER: Is advancing the physical and Radio Access Network aspects of 6G such as machine learning-empowered algorithms and disaggregated RAN implementation.
- Multi-X: Develops a fusion 6G-RAN system that will pioneer multi-sensor and multi-technology paradigms for sensing applications.
- AMBIENT-6G: Introduces energy-neutral devices (ENDs) powered by ambient energy harvesting, aiming to achieve decades-long autonomy for IoT ecosystems.
- NexaSphere: Conceptualises a sustainable multi-connected 3D network, integrating radio and wireless-optical technologies for sectors like aeronautics and automotive.
- MARE: Will contribute a novel 6G security plane offering transparent, multi-domain security and privacy provisioning.
- XTRUST-6G: Will establish a robust zero-trust security framework, focusing on resilient, AI-driven and quantum-safe network and services.
- 6G MIRAI: Develops reliable AI-native wireless systems, leveraging cell-free massive MIMO and next-gen virtualized RAN for seamless communication.
- 6G ARROW: Focuses on leveraging AI in radio access networks, enhancing network efficiency and seamless device integration.
- SUSTAIN-6G (Sustainability Lighthouse): Develops a holistic sustainability framework that addresses environmental, societal, and economic aspects of 6G and for key vertical sectors. It will be applied in an end-to-end manner, considering the full lifecycle of assets.
- 6G-DALI: Will deliver an end-to-end AI framework for 6G, integrating AI experimentation as a service, data analytics and storage.
- X-TREME 6G (Microelectronics Lighthouse): Designs cutting-edge chipsets for 6G, including applications like wireless back-hauling and joint communication and sensing.
- 6G-VERSUS: Focuses on integrating sustainable technologies across five environmentally conscious industries, using innovative 6G platforms to optimise data and decision-making processes.
- AMAZING-6G: Aims to showcase 14 use cases in the domains of Healthcare, Public Safety, Energy and Transport (including Rail) implementing large-scale trials and pilots across Europe. Innovative technology enablers are planned to be developed and tested in the areas of Communications, Compute-as-a-Service, Applications and AI, IoT and localization.
- SNS CO-OP: Supports the overall activities of SNS JU, ensuring long-term continuity and coordination for 6G research and innovation efforts across Europe.
These projects demonstrate Europe’s commitment to research and innovation, focusing on strategic areas such as micro-electronics, sustainability, AI integration, and cybersecurity.
