Wireless Communication Technologies and Signal Processing – Standardisation and Follow-up/PoCs

The main goal of this opportunity is to drive advancements in wireless communication technologies and signal processing, with a strong emphasis on the development of 6G systems. It aims to optimize the use of frequency spectrum, develop algorithms for massive MIMO systems, and create AI-native frameworks for RAN networks. Other focus areas include enabling spectrum sharing, automation, disaggregation in RAN, and integrating accelerators at the 6G RAN/compute continuum. Projects should also contribute to international standardization and prioritize sustainability to extend system and equipment lifetime. Eligible participants are from Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, and Mercosur countries, with specific restrictions for certain territories and high-risk suppliers.

• Must target one or more of the following technical areas with clear focus:

  • Physical layer innovation (waveforms, modulation, coding, interference cancellation)

  • Advanced massive MIMO/XL-MIMO design and implementation

  • Native AI/ML & semantic communications for PHY/MAC/resource optimization

  • Spectrum sharing and co-existence mechanisms (e.g. 7–15 GHz, satellite, radar)

  • Automation/disaggregation in RAN (e.g. Open RAN, micro-orchestration)

  • Integration of function accelerators at the RAN/compute edge (e.g. SoC, modular HW/SW)

• Project objectives must align with 6G KPIs and KVIs, such as:

  • Increased capacity and spectral efficiency

  • Low latency, low power consumption

  • Scalability, interoperability, and security

• Must address proof-of-concept (PoC) readiness, including:

  • Hardware/software prototyping

  • Algorithm development and integration

  • Potential for contribution to international standardisation

• Modularity, sustainability, and adaptability must be considered, such as:

  • Modular designs that extend system lifespan

  • Flexibility to integrate evolving services and protocols

  • Environmental and economic sustainability considerations

• AI/ML-focused proposals must include:

  • Techniques for trustworthy, explainable, or generative AI

  • Concrete use cases in protocol learning or semantic communications

  • Power-efficient or compute-optimized training and inference

• Clear strategy for European ecosystem engagement, including:

  • Compatibility with European pilot lines and industrial players

Examples:

• A university consortium developing AI-based algorithms for 6G RAN optimization, ensuring all partners are from eligible countries and have a gender equality plan.
• A research institute partnering with industry to design spectrum sharing solutions for 6G, with all participants meeting the eligibility and admissibility requirements.
• A technology company leading a project on integrating accelerators in the 6G RAN/compute continuum, ensuring no involvement of high-risk suppliers and compliance with all specified conditions.

• 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: 21,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Budget per grant: 7,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, or Mercosur countries.
• Entities from Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible.
• Entities identified as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment, or controlled by such suppliers, are not eligible.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only if they provide guarantees assessed positively by their country of establishment, ensuring no negative impact on the EU's strategic interests, autonomy, or security.
• Public bodies, research organizations, or higher education institutions must have a gender equality plan.
• Proposals should address gender dimensions in research and innovation content where relevant.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships that comply with all participation requirements.