Large-scale pilots for supply end-to-end infrastructures integrating device, network computing and communication capabilities for Telco Edge Cloud deployments, as a basis for Connected Collaborative Computing Networks (3C networks) (RIA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support large-scale pilot projects that develop and test advanced digital infrastructures for Telco Edge Cloud deployments. The focus is on integrating device, network computing, and communication capabilities to create Connected Collaborative Computing Networks (3C networks). Key areas include enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in sectors like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, agriculture, electronics, mobility, energy, smart communities, and health. The initiative encourages strategic cooperation among network and data processing stakeholders, the use of open and interoperable architectures, and the integration of AI for resource optimization, security, and energy efficiency. This grant is open to entities established in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and select associated countries, aiming to strengthen Europe's digital infrastructure and data economy.

• Projects must be led by legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and specific associated countries).
• Proposals must follow the page limits and formatting rules as described in the application guidelines.
• Projects should address strategic weaknesses, avoid technological dependency on non-EU sources, and not involve high-risk suppliers.
• Focus areas include research and prototyping of telco edge cloud infrastructures, open orchestration platforms, integration of AI, and ensuring security, privacy, and energy efficiency.
• Stakeholder participation should include SMEs, scaleups, start-ups, and broad representation from eligible countries.
• Projects must build synergies with other relevant EU-funded initiatives.

Examples:

• A project developing an open platform for secure, AI-enabled edge computing in the automotive sector across several EU countries.
• A pilot integrating energy-efficient telco edge cloud infrastructure for smart healthcare services involving SMEs and research centers in Norway and Switzerland.
• An initiative creating interoperable edge cloud solutions for smart agriculture, ensuring compliance with EU privacy and security standards.

• Personnel costs for research and development activities
• Costs of equipment and infrastructure necessary for pilot deployment
• Software development and licensing fees
• Travel and meeting expenses for project collaboration
• Subcontracting for specialized technical services
• Costs related to testing, validation, and demonstration activities
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Training and capacity-building related to new technologies
• Project management and coordination costs
• Expenses for ensuring security, privacy, and compliance measures

Restrictions: Expenses must be directly linked to the project objectives and comply with the detailed rules set out in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and relevant annexes.

• Budget for this Call: 75.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries or organizations may only participate if they provide guarantees approved by their country of establishment.
• Entities identified as high-risk suppliers of mobile network equipment, or controlled by such suppliers, cannot participate or submit guarantees.
• Intellectual property and project results must remain under the control of eligible participants and not be subject to restrictions or export outside eligible countries without approval.
• Projects should include a diverse consortium with broad representation from eligible countries, including SMEs, start-ups, and scaleups.
• Applicants must ensure their proposals do not create technological dependencies on non-EU sources and address strategic vulnerabilities.