EU launches €104m call to drive 6G technology innovation across Europe

Europe has taken another significant step toward shaping the future of digital connectivity with the announcement of a €104m funding call dedicated to advancing 6G technology.

Launched by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), this fourth call for proposals opens on 22 May 2025, and remains open for submissions until 18 September 2025.

The announcement follows the adoption of the updated 2025 Research & Innovation Work Programme by the SNS JU Governing Board on 11 April.

This latest call represents the first funding round of 2025 and builds on a multi-year EU commitment to next-generation 6G networks.

Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the SNS JU, emphasised the significance of the funding in boosting the EU’s 6G technology capabilities: “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.”

Supporting Europe’s 6G agenda through strategic investment

The SNS JU manages a €900m EU budget for 2021–2027 to drive research into 6G technology, matched by equal private sector investment.

This ambitious programme has already committed over €500m through its first three calls, supporting 80 projects across Europe.

The newly announced call expands on this foundation with a dual research focus. Stream B targets advanced and disruptive innovations in 6G, while Stream C supports the creation of experimental infrastructures, particularly a Telco Cloud and service platform.

The call seeks to bridge the gap between early-stage research and real-world deployment by advancing projects along the technology readiness spectrum.

Key dates and opportunities for participants

Potential applicants can gain deeper insights and network with partners during the SNS JU Call 4 Information Day and Brokerage Event, both scheduled for 23 May 2025.

These events offer crucial opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas, and collaborate via the SNS brokerage platform.

By offering dedicated matchmaking sessions, these forums aim to accelerate the development of collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that will drive Europe’s vision for 6G.

Research focus: Innovation, sustainability, and standardisation

The 2025 Work Programme outlines a bold research direction that includes terrestrial and non-terrestrial network integration, photonics systems, and the convergence of Telco, Edge, and Cloud technologies.

The aim is to position Europe at the forefront of 6G technology innovation and digital infrastructure development.

Sustainability is another central pillar. Europe is pioneering the use of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) to measure the environmental and societal impact of future networks.

These metrics will guide the development of greener, more inclusive connectivity solutions while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the sustainable digital transformation.

On the security front, the call promotes research into privacy-enhancing technologies, trust frameworks, and AI integration, ensuring that future networks are both intelligent and secure.

Europe’s role in 6G standardisation

A major objective of the SNS JU is to influence global 6G standardisation. With the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) set to begin its 6G study phase in 2025, this call will help ensure that EU-backed research informs international standards.

The SNS JU also continues to strengthen ties with international partners, notably through EU-US cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

Large-scale trials in 2025

While this call focuses on research and infrastructure, the SNS JU has also revealed plans for a separate call later in 2025 (Stream D), dedicated to large-scale 6G trials.

These will involve sectors like manufacturing, media, transportation, health, and emergency services, translating cutting-edge research into practical, vertical-specific applications.

As Europe doubles down on its investment in 6G technology, the SNS JU is paving the way for a smarter, more secure, and sustainable digital future – redefining how people and industries connect across the continent and beyond.