6G Devices

The HORIZON-JU-SNS-2026-STREAM-CSA-02 grant opportunity, titled "6G Devices," is part of the broader Horizon Europe initiative and focuses on establishing a European roadmap for enhancing the 5G/6G device manufacturing ecosystem. This Coordination and Support Action (CSA) offers a budget of approximately €2 million and is open exclusively to legal entities located in EU Member States and Associated Countries, emphasizing technological sovereignty and strategic interests.

Eligible applicants encompass a wide range, including research organizations, universities, private and public enterprises, non-profits, and governmental bodies. However, entities from Russia, Belarus, and non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine, as well as high-risk suppliers of mobile network equipment, are excluded from participation.

Funding will be delivered as a direct grant, with a funding rate of 100% for non-profit organizations and 90% for profit organizations. The project involves a single-stage application process, opening on January 29, 2026, and closing on April 29, 2026, requiring electronic submissions through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

The CSA aims to structure dialogues among key players in the European telecommunications and microelectronics industries to identify strategic technologies and vertical market needs, with a focus on simplifying device classes for various applications. This will also include evaluating supply chain gaps, establishing a technology development roadmap, and proposing measures to boost European competitiveness in the 6G technology arena.

The expected outcomes center around creating a comprehensive, endorsed European roadmap that addresses technological dependencies and identifies priority use cases for device deployment. The project aims to conclude within up to two years, informing future European funding frameworks and ensuring that Europe retains a competitive position in global technology development.

This is a call for proposals for the HORIZON-JU-SNS-2026-STREAM-CSA-02 topic, which falls under the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) programme and the HORIZON-JU-SNS-2026 call. The action type is HORIZON JU Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-JU-CSA), with a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG] Model Grant Agreement. The deadline model is single-stage. The planned opening date is 29 January 2026, and the deadline date is 29 April 2026 at 17:00:00 Brussels time. The budget for the topic is 2,000,000 EUR, and it is expected that around 1 grant will be awarded.

The expected outcome of this call is a widely endorsed European roadmap outlining options based on device complexity, target markets, and connectivity capabilities, accompanied by a strategy to revitalize European industrial capabilities in 5G/6G devices. This strategy should:

Address in priority part of the end device market, notably that related to vertical specific use-cases with the objective of generating huge downstream production volumes, beyond the sole infrastructure segment.
Support the telecom industry, through evidence-based recommendations and requirements, towards the provision of end-to-end capabilities serving key vertical markets with comprehensive EU offers across the value chain.
Support to the SNS JU and the EC to define and implement measures aiming at strengthening the position of Europe’s industry in the global 6G devices value chain.
Support the microelectronics industry through evidence-based recommendations and requirements on how to achieve the volumes it needs from an economic perspective.
Support the emergence of a complete European device-network ecosystem fuelling the deployment of 5G SA solutions towards 6G, as examples like 5G Redcap come with SA connectivity requirements.
Identify key and priority vertical use cases which could be early adopters of such device capabilities, in particular looking into novel 6G potential markets. These use-cases will have to be characterized in terms of key device requirements (storage, processing, connectivity, intelligence).
Federate European relevant actors around a device initiative that could be implemented during the next R&I framework programme in the context of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the European Union (EU).
Identify the main/critical issues and milestones for success such as technology, experimental facilities, open technology test platforms, integration in vertical business models as a function of the target device, connectivity options and use cases requirements.
Structure the ecosystem of main players, telecom, microelectronics, key use cases/verticals, public actors.
Assess the readiness of the European technological supply side and analyse its strengths and weaknesses.
Identify links with key national initiatives and propose areas for cooperation.
Identify potential links with the Chips JU and programmatic elements that may be relevant to address in the Chips JU context.

The objective of the call is detailed in the "Specific Challenges and Objectives" section for Stream CSA-02 in the Work Programme, available under ‘Topic Conditions and Documents - Additional Documents’.

The scope of the call covers:

A structured dialogue between the main actors of the European telecom and microelectronics industries, duly complemented with representative verticals as well as institutional players (e.g. for security of public service type of applications) defining the requirements for lower complexity “RedCap” like devices, and its potential evolutions in the context of the technology development towards 6G.
Identification of the key/priority use-cases and the associated industries that may be used as lead market for early adoption and take up, including core requirements to be served in terms of storage, computing, intelligence, connectivity.
Analysis of opportunities and threats for the EU’s technological basis, technological competitiveness, and access to leading-edge technology vis-à-vis international competition in the area of 6G devices.
Identification of key technologies (notably in the microelectronics domain) to develop simplified classes of devices, their mapping with European industrial capabilities the identification of potential gaps in the supply chain, and proposals to “close the gaps”, either from a pure European perspective or with strategic partnerships worldwide. Identification of potential linkages with the Chips JU and the tools developed like the pilot lines is particularly relevant.
Identification of key technologies and industrial know how requirements, to be mapped with EU capabilities covering 3 basic scenarios: i) TN only devices, with capabilities corresponding with startegic verticals; ii) TN and NTN compatible devices, with integrated electronics making interoperability possible between the two connectivity environments. Integration of WiFi may also be considered as appropriate (indoor scenarios); iii) high end smartphone like devices, to be considered as benchmark scenarios to map technological and industrial capabilities and identify EU gaps.
Definition of an option dependent roadmap (see previous bullet point) for the exploratory development of such devices covering the core technologies, the experimental facilities, and the use-cases for early deployment scenarios of novel advanced systems. The chosen model for device should preferably be based on open technologies like RISC V where applicable.
Within the key technologies contributing to the realization of such devices, the role of AI at edge is particularly relevant. The work should hence cover edge distributed AI, functionalities implemented in the device or in the edge, type of model to be used and related complexity.
Identification of technological approaches enabling eco-friendly device design from a construction/deconstruction perspective.
Definition of the software development ecosystem needed to support the use of these devices in various applications domains (e.g. applications for professional use or entertainment).
Identification of relevant national initiatives and the development of a cooperation strategy to leverage national efforts at EU level.

The scope of the CSA should cover the full definition of a European industrial programme to relaunch a device capability in Europe, which may be implemented either at EU level or/and at national level. The expected project duration is up to 2 years.

The admissibility conditions include a proposal page limit of 50 pages for CSAs submitted under the CSA Stream, as per General Annex A of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027.

Eligible countries are defined in General Annex B of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027, with specific restrictions on participation in accordance with Article 22(5) of the Horizon Europe Regulation. Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States and Associated Countries. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries or entities may not participate unless they can demonstrate that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic interests, assets, autonomy, or security. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment cannot submit guarantees. Legal entities established in Russia, Belarus, or in non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible to participate.

Other eligible conditions are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Applicants must provide a gender equality plan as per Part B of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement follows General Annex F of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027, with amendments related to the procedure to rank proposals.

The legal and financial set-up of the grants follows General Annex G of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. Participants will be requested to cooperate in the SNS JU Programme by signing a collaboration agreement. AI/ML training data sets created in Streams B and C must be made available through a common repository.

A call-specific application form will be used and will be available in the Submission System. Application form templates are available in the Submission System, along with a standard application form (HE CSA) and evaluation form templates.

Additional guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements (HE MGA, HE Unit MGA, Operating Grants MGA), SNS R&I Work Programme 2026, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

There are 9 partner search announcements available.

The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header.

This funding opportunity aims to create a European roadmap and strategy to boost the European industry in 5G/6G devices. It involves structured dialogues, identification of key use cases, analysis of opportunities and threats, and definition of a software development ecosystem. The goal is to define a European industrial programme to relaunch device capabilities, with a focus on open technologies and AI at the edge, and to promote eco-friendly device design. The project duration is expected to be up to 2 years. This is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), meaning it focuses on coordinating research efforts and providing support to achieve the strategic goals of the European Union in the telecommunications and microelectronics sectors. The project aims to bring together key players, identify challenges, and create a roadmap for future development and investment in 5G and 6G technologies.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include main actors of the European telecom and microelectronics industries, representative verticals, and institutional players. This encompasses a broad range, including but not limited to: telecom industries, microelectronics industries, SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, public bodies, and other relevant actors in the 5G/6G device ecosystem. Restrictions apply to entities from Russia, Belarus, and non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine, as well as entities deemed high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment.

Funding Type: The funding type is a HORIZON JU Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-JU-CSA), which falls under the broader category of a grant. The specific type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA) is a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as it emphasizes structured dialogue and federation of European actors. The call encourages cooperation among telecom, microelectronics, and vertical industries, suggesting a multi-actor approach.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is primarily focused on legal entities established in Member States and Associated Countries of the European Union. Restrictions apply to entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries, unless guarantees can be provided to ensure no negative impact on the Union's strategic interests.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: telecom, microelectronics, ICT (specifically 5G/6G), AI, software services, and related vertical markets. It aims to revitalize European industrial capabilities in 5G/6G devices and foster a complete European device-network ecosystem.

Mentioned Countries: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine. The primary geographic focus is the European Union, its Member States, and Associated Countries.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on roadmapping, strategy development, and coordination. It aims to define a European industrial program and identify key technologies, experimental facilities, and business models. The expected project maturity is geared towards research, development, and validation, with an eye on future commercialization and scale-up.

Funding Amount: The funding amount is approximately €2,000,000.

Application Type: The application type is a single-stage open call.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant to support coordination and support actions.

Application Stages: The application process consists of a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants is 1, suggesting a competitive selection process.

Co-funding Requirement: The co-funding requirement is not explicitly mentioned.

Summary: This opportunity, HORIZON-JU-SNS-2026-STREAM-CSA-02, is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targeting the development of a European roadmap and strategy for revitalizing the 5G/6G device industry. It aims to foster collaboration between telecom, microelectronics, and other relevant sectors to identify key technologies, address supply chain gaps, and define a European industrial program. The funding is approximately €2 million, and the call is open to legal entities established in EU Member States and Associated Countries, with certain restrictions applying to entities controlled by non-eligible countries or those deemed high-risk suppliers. The application process is a single-stage open call, and the project duration is expected to be up to 2 years. The primary outcome is a widely endorsed European roadmap outlining options based on device complexity, target markets, and connectivity capabilities, accompanied by a strategy to revitalize European industrial capabilities in 5G/6G devices.