Large-scale pilots for supply end-to-end infrastructures integrating device, network computing and communication capabilities for Telco Edge Cloud

The main goal of this opportunity is to support large-scale pilot projects that build advanced infrastructures combining devices, network computing, and communication for Telco Edge Cloud deployments. The focus is on creating Connected Collaborative Computing Networks (3C networks) that will boost European industrial ecosystems. Key areas include developing open orchestration platforms, integrating artificial intelligence for resource optimization, ensuring security and privacy, and advancing digital autonomy with European technology, including non-terrestrial network infrastructure. Thematic priorities are industrial virtual worlds, mobility, energy, smart communities, and health. This grant is open to organizations based in EU Member States and select associated countries.

• Set up and operate large-scale telco edge cloud infrastructure prototypes integrating connectivity, compute, and AI.

• Research and validate open orchestration platforms across edge-cloud continuum with multi-tenant, secure, and AI-optimised environments.

• Demonstrate use-case-driven deployments for low-latency services in verticals (e.g. manufacturing, mobility, health, energy).

• Integrate and test building blocks from Open Internet Stack within the pilot, enabling 3C-ready open-source solutions.

• Develop AI-based orchestration tools for real-time resource optimisation across heterogeneous edge, cloud, and network resources.

• Deploy Edge-as-a-Service models ensuring interoperability, open access, and neutrality in telco edge cloud infrastructures.

• Explore integration of future EU processor architectures and non-terrestrial networks (e.g., satellite) into edge computing frameworks.

• Conduct demonstrations and small-scale trials to validate technology maturity and readiness for industrial-scale adoption.

• Establish advisory board of industrial users to define technical and operational requirements from demand-side sectors.

• Design and implement cross-stakeholder governance model and sustainability roadmap for post-project 3C infrastructure usage.

Examples:

• A project piloting a secure, AI-driven orchestration platform for smart energy grids using Telco Edge Cloud in multiple EU countries.
• A collaboration to develop and test privacy-focused virtual health environments with European-based cloud infrastructure.
• A consortium integrating non-terrestrial networks for connected mobility applications, ensuring European technology leadership.

• 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: 75,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 75,000,000€

• Consortium must include telecom, cloud, and edge providers.

• Must involve SMEs, startups, and research organizations.

• Cross-sector stakeholders (e.g. AI, IoT, networks) required.

• Broad EU Member States/Associated Countries representation.

• Must align with and build on existing EU programmes (e.g. SNS, IPCEI-CIS).

• Open-source frameworks and multi-vendor architecture required.

• Open access policies and resource ownership plan must be defined.

• Demonstrators in key verticals (e.g. industrial virtual worlds) required.

• Integration of AI, security, privacy, sustainability, and NTNs is essential.

• Participation of end-user advisory group required.

• Coordination with other EU-funded projects expected.