6G Telco Cloud and Service Provision Enablers

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop an adaptable experimental infrastructure for 6G telco cloud and service provision. It aims to validate and demonstrate advanced 6G technologies, architectures, and systems across a comprehensive, end-to-end network. The initiative emphasizes open-source approaches and ensures compatibility with European commercial and operational networks. Focus areas include multi-provider and multi-technology systems, AI-driven solutions, sustainability, energy efficiency, and the integration of features such as edge computing, network slicing, and intelligent orchestration. Eligible participants are legal entities from Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, and Mercosur countries, with specific exclusions.

• Develop an open, evolvable 6G experimental infrastructure supporting end-to-end telco cloud and service provision.
• Support multi-provider, multi-technology 6G systems, including services beyond connectivity like AI, compute, ISAC, and security.
• Demonstrate integration of results from relevant EU initiatives (e.g. IPCEI-CIS, Cluster 4, etc.).
• Validate key 6G KPIs and KVIs (e.g. capacity, latency, energy efficiency, reliability, inclusivity).
• Enable integration of full value chain elements: IoT/devices, connectivity, service delivery, and user/provider interoperability.
• Design for open access, replication, and continuity across future SNS programme phases.
• Ensure support for CI/CD processes across disaggregated RAN, edge, and core.
• Include open-source principles and standardisation impact with strong European stakeholder representation.
• Enable testing of multiple verticals and technologies through open interfaces and partial implementation interoperability.
• Align infrastructure to support demanding 6G use cases across interconnected sites in multiple EU countries.
• Provide platform openness (legal and technical) to allow future vertical projects access and usage rights.
• Integrate edge-to-cloud continuum with scalability for intensive services and clear EU edge strategy.

Examples:

• A project testing AI-driven network slicing in a multi-provider 6G environment, led by a consortium of European research organizations.
• An initiative to demonstrate energy-efficient edge computing for 6G, with at least 50% of the budget managed by SNS JU members.
• A collaborative effort to validate open-source 6G orchestration tools, ensuring compliance with gender equality requirements and geographic eligibility.

• 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: 15,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 15,000,000€

• At least half of the project budget must be managed by SNS JU members or their affiliates (excluding the Union).
• Applicants must submit a completed compliance table in the technical description at the time of application.
• Public bodies, research organizations, and higher education institutions must have a gender equality plan.
• Entities from Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries or high-risk suppliers are excluded unless specific guarantees are provided.
• Applicants must show their participation does not harm EU strategic interests, autonomy, or security.
• Only legal entities from Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, and Mercosur countries may participate in certain streams.