Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

Overview

Pilot demonstrators validating demand-driven applications on a converged telco-edge-cloud infrastructure, focusing on smart mobility and one additional vertical sector (e.g., energy, health, or manufacturing). Targets consortia of demand-side users and infrastructure providers to accelerate AI-driven business growth and digital sovereignty in Europe.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, or associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Participation of SMEs, start-ups, and stakeholders from targeted vertical sectors is strongly encouraged. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only with approved guarantees ensuring compliance with EU strategic interests.

Funding Details

• Total budget: €44,000,000
• Funding type: Grant
• Co-funding: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Pilot demonstrators integrating domain-specific applications with a European 3C/telco-edge-cloud infrastructure, leveraging features like API aggregation, network slicing, automation, and security.
• Mobility pilot: Focus on transport, logistics, and automotive sectors, aligning with the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance’s AI models and large-scale testing strategies.
• Second pilot: Focus on another vertical sector (e.g., energy, smart communities, health, agrifood, or manufacturing).
• Activities include testing and validation of agile virtualised network functions, AI integration, generative AI, XR/AR technologies, and decentralised intelligence.
• Development of robust data governance models addressing sovereignty, interoperability with Common European Data Spaces, and secure data sharing.
• Exploitation of open APIs, open-source components (e.g., Sylva, ANUKET, Nephio), and standards to ensure security, privacy, and energy efficiency.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system completed and qualified).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-17

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
• Language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate collaboration with the supply-side large-scale pilot funded under HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-08 and other relevant EU-funded initiatives (e.g., SNS JU, Smart Networks and Systems Joint Undertaking).
• Emphasis on open-source frameworks, sustainability, and resistance to quantum threats via post-quantum cryptography.
• Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are ineligible unless they provide approved guarantees.