European Commission - Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology

04/14/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2025 20:50

EU Launches €104 Million Call to Boost Europe’s Leadership in 6G

European leadership in the development of next-generation 6G mobile technologies is set to be boosted with the launch of a new €104 million call to support cutting-edge research and innovation in mobile networks.

The funding is managed by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), the European public-private partnership working on the development of 5G and 6G technologies across Europe.

This €104 million call - the fourth managed by the SNS JU - will open on 22 May 2025, with participants able to submit proposals until 18 September 2025. It is the first call to open under the SNS JU Research & Innovation (R&I) 2025 work programme.

Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the SNS JU said:

"This Work Programme represents a crucial step in Europe's journey towards 6G leadership. By bringing together European vertical industries, academia, and research institutions, we're not just developing technology - we're building Europe's digital future with a focus on sustainability, security, and societal impact."

The 2025 R&I Work Programme is designed to advance European excellence in the development of the next generation of telecommunication technologies with a reinforced focus on disruptive 6G technologies. It reflects the EU's commitment to not only keeping pace with global innovation in telecommunications, but also shaping standards and technologies, while ensuring European values are embedded in design and operation of 6G networks. This includes sustainability ambitions, ensuring that 6G technologies bring environmental and societal benefits.

The 2025 programme also responds to recent European Commission priorities, including realising the ambitions of the white paper 'How to master Europe's digital infrastructure needs?'

Potential applicants will have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions at the SNS JU Call 4 Information Day, taking place on 23 May 2025. The day also includes a brokerage event where they can also share their ideas and find potential partners. More information is available on the SNS brokerage platform.

This year the SNS JU will also launch support for large scale pilots and trials in sectors such as industry and manufacturing, media, transportation, emergency and safety services, and health. These are expected to be launched through a separate call later in 2025.

Since its creation in 2021, the SNS JU has already provided €500 million to 80 projects with the mission of boosting European work on next generation telecommunication technologies. The new call builds on that momentum, reinforcing Europe's ambition to lead the global race toward 6G. You can find the full 2025 Work Programme on the SNS JU website.

Read further information about the call on the Funding & Tenders Portal.