Preparing the Advancement of the state of the art of submarine cable infrastructures (CSA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop a research and innovation roadmap that strengthens cooperation and leadership in submarine cable technology across Europe. It aims to reinforce European capabilities in submarine cable connectivity, encourage secondary uses such as natural hazard pre-warning systems, and support the transition to sustainable, resilient, and secure cable networks. The focus is on enabling technologies like multi-core fibre, digital signal processing, intelligent sensing, underwater robotics, and cybersecurity. Projects should also address critical hardware and software, risk evaluation, and resilience against damage or sabotage. The scope covers entities in the EU, Iceland, Norway, associated countries, OECD, and MERCOSUR countries, with some restrictions based on ownership and control.

• Coordination action to design an EU research roadmap (SRIA) on submarine cable infrastructure technologies.

• Analysis of critical hardware/software components and R&I needs for secure, resilient, and sustainable submarine cable systems.

• Multi-stakeholder engagement initiative involving industry, academia, and EU bodies to shape future submarine connectivity standards.

• Strategic planning for dual-use cable capabilities (e.g. early warning systems) and environmental sustainability.

• Organisation of thematic workshops to consult and align the submarine connectivity research community across the EU.

Examples:

• A university-led consortium developing advanced underwater robotics for submarine cable maintenance.
• A technology company designing intelligent sensing systems to monitor cable integrity and detect hazards.
• A research institute creating cybersecurity solutions tailored for submarine cable networks.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 2,100,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 2,100,000€

• Only legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, associated countries, OECD countries, and MERCOSUR countries can apply.
• Entities from eligible countries that are controlled by non-eligible countries or entities are excluded.
• Applicants must comply with proposal format and page limits as specified in the application guidelines.
• Eligibility of countries and funding details are outlined in referenced annexes and programme guides.