Smart Security / Security Services

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the development of secure 6G network architecture and related security services. It emphasizes integrating security measures throughout the entire lifecycle of 6G services, involving multiple stakeholders. Key focus areas include user-centric security, advanced security for 6G APIs, intent-based security, continuous security assessment, secure coding, and the creation of standardized security metrics and certification frameworks. The opportunity supports projects that help ensure 6G technologies are available, accessible, affordable, and aligned with European values of resilience, openness, and transparency. This call is open to legal entities from specified countries across Europe, the OECD, and Mercosur, with certain restrictions based on security and ownership considerations.

• Must target at least one area: secure 6G architecture, secure services, or continuous security evaluation.
• Must align with EU regulations (GDPR, Cybersecurity Act, AI Act).
• Must include concrete software/hardware outcomes usable for PoC or trials.
• Must demonstrate zero-touch or automated security in virtualised, distributed environments.
• Must contribute to standardisation and international dissemination.
• Must ensure trust, resilience, and secure lifecycle management by design.

Examples:

• A project led by a university and tech company from EU and Mercosur countries developing secure 6G APIs, submitting a 65-page proposal.
• A research organization in an OECD country proposing a user-centric security assessment tool for 6G, including a gender equality plan.
• A consortium from several Member States creating standardized certification frameworks for 6G, ensuring all partners are eligible and not high-risk suppliers.

• 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: 8,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 8,000,000€

• 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 in any role.
• Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers or controlled by non-eligible countries are excluded unless they provide guarantees approved by their country of establishment.
• Intellectual property and project results must remain under the control of eligible countries and cannot be exported or transferred to non-eligible countries without approval.
• Staff involved may require national security clearance from an eligible country.
• Public bodies, research organizations, and higher education institutions must have a gender equality plan in place.