€127 million EU funding boost for future smart networks

At 5G-Techritory in Riga, Latvia, the SNS JU unveiled the 16 winning projects selected from its third call for proposals. The funded projects are focused on advancing the next generation of communications networks and services, supporting 301 beneficiaries from 25 countries.

The EU Partnership, SNS JU, brings together public and industry expertise and funding to ensure European industrial leadership in 5G and 6G networks and services. Today’s announcement will advance SNS JU’s mission of fostering Europe’s technology sovereignty in 6G.

All the winning projects focus on driving the development of 6G technology in Europe, helping unlock socio-economic benefits. The projects will help meet Europe’s research and innovation goals, supporting strategic areas, such as micro-electronics, sustainability, AI integration, and cybersecurity.

Some of the winning projects, which are scheduled to kick off in January 2025 include:

• Sustainability and microelectronics Lighthouse: SUSTAIN-6G and X-TREME 6G are two critical SNS projects. SUSTAIN-6G is the JU’s project to integrate environmental, societal, and economic sustainability into future communications systems. As 6G technologies develop, the work of this project will help ensure that next-gen communications are fully sustainable. X-TREME 6G, is a Microelectronics initiative that will establish and maintain an open platform to push forward 6G chip design, developing the chips that will power future 6G networks.
• Reliable AI for 6G: 6G-DALI is pioneering the integration of AI into 6G networks with a two-pillar framework - AI experimentation as a service by way of machine learning, and data management. It addresses challenges like limited datasets by creating a 6G Dataspace for secure data storage and sharing, enabling robust machine learning model training. This framework positions 6G-DALI as a key driver of AI-powered 6G networks.
• International collaboration: 6G-MIRAI and 6G-ARROW are two international projects in partnership respectively with Japan and South Korea. 6G-MIRAI is working to create advanced wireless communication systems built with artificial intelligence from the start. These systems are designed to fully use the latest breakthroughs in technology for sending and receiving data, and will be able to work with new, flexible that handle our mobile connections. Meanwhile, 6G-ARROW aims to make different devices and networks work together more smoothly, leading to uninterrupted connection no matter where you are or what tech you're using. This will open up new possibilities for creative 6G tech developments and business opportunities.

Research investments like this are helping ensure European industrial leadership and drive competitiveness in the EU. By bringing together public and private expertise along with the strategic involvement of national governments, SNS JU represents a unique European effort to shape the future of connectivity.

The outcomes of these projects will not only benefit the European economy but also set the stage for global 6G standards and applications that will strengthen European industrial leadership and contribute to Europe’s technological sovereignty.

Read about all 16 projects in the SNS JU press release.

For more information about the SNS JU, please visit https://smart-networks.europa.eu.

About SNS JU

The European Smart Networks and Services JU (SNS JU) is a Joint Undertaking established in 2021 by the European Union Council Regulation No 2021/2085. The JU has a budget of at least €1.8 billion for the period 2021-27, with the EU contributing €900 million. This EU Partnership is jointly led by the EU Commission and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA). The mix of public and industry interest makes the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking the right platform for collaboration and the right instrument to foster world-class research and innovation on next generation networks and services. The SNS JU two-pillar approach, in support of 5G deployment and for advanced research of 6G systems, create a continuity for EU players but also provide tangible financial support to best research, SMEs and industry to strengthen the EU supply chain side. The SNS JU fosters alignment and synergies with Member States on 6G Research and Innovation Programmes and favour international cooperation towards setting a 6G global standard.

The SNS JU aims to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards sustainable, resilient, and climate-neutral network infrastructures and services.