Wireless Communication Technologies and Signal Processing – Standardisation and Follow-up/PoCs

The HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01 grant opportunity focuses on advancing 6G technologies through collaborative research and innovation within Europe. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, and public-private partnerships. The funding type is primarily grant-based under the Horizon Europe program, specifically action grants that provide 100% funding for non-profits and 90% for for-profit organizations. The grant requires applicants to form consortia, promoting cross-sector collaboration, particularly integrating vertical sectors like manufacturing and healthcare. Geographic eligibility is restricted to entities based in EU member states, associated countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries, with specific exclusions for entities from Russia, Belarus, and non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine. The target sectors primarily include information and communication technology (ICT), focusing on wireless communication technologies, signal processing for 6G development, and applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) and telecommunications. The funding amounts for various topics within this call range significantly, with a total budget of €128 million for 2025, including per-project grants of roughly €1 million to €5 million. The application process follows a single-stage submission format, with a deadline of September 18, 2025. While explicit success rates are not provided, similar Horizon Europe grants have competitive success rates. A ten percent co-funding requirement applies to for-profit entities, while non-profits are fully funded. Successful applicants are expected to engage in cooperation with existing SNS projects and make datasets publicly available for artificial intelligence and machine learning training. This initiative aims to enhance Europe's leadership in 6G technology through innovative practices and sustainable solutions, ensuring the EU's strategic autonomy in telecommunications. In summary, the grant promotes the development and validation of new technologies in the 6G landscape, aiming for improved performance and integration across various sectors.

The EU is offering funding opportunities under the Horizon Europe program, specifically the HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01 call, focusing on Wireless Communication Technologies and Signal Processing for 6G, including standardization and Proof of Concepts (PoCs). This call is managed by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

The HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01 call includes several topics, each with its own budget, indicative number of grants, opening date, and deadline. All topics are single-stage Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and use the HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based model grant agreement. The opening date for submissions is May 22, 2025, and the deadline is September 18, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

Here's a breakdown of the topics and their respective budgets and grant numbers:

Restrictions on participation apply to legal entities established in Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are also ineligible. Participation is generally limited to legal entities established in Member States, Associated Countries, OECD, and Mercosur countries.

General Annex A of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025 applies, with a page limit of 70 pages for full proposals under Streams B and C. Gender equality plans are required for public bodies, research organizations, and higher education establishments.

Evaluation and award processes are detailed in Annexes D and F of the Work Programme General Annexes. The level of SME participation and IKOP objectives will be considered in ranking proposals. Selected projects will be required to cooperate in the SNS Programme through a collaboration agreement. AI/ML training data sets must be made available through a common repository.

A call-specific application form will be used and available in the Submission System. Guidance documents include the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements, and the SNS R&I Work Programme 2025.

The EU is providing funding for research and innovation projects focused on advancing wireless communication technologies and signal processing for 6G networks. The goal is to improve spectral efficiency, develop AI-driven solutions, and ensure the sustainability and security of future communication systems. The funding is available to organizations in eligible countries, with a focus on promoting SME participation and gender equality. The projects are expected to contribute to international standardization efforts and make AI/ML training datasets openly available. This initiative aims to strengthen the EU's strategic assets and autonomy in the global technology landscape.

Summary:

This opportunity is a Horizon Europe call (HORIZON-JU-SNS-2025-01) for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) focusing on wireless communication technologies and signal processing for 6G development. The call, managed by the Single Electronic Data Interchange Area (SEDIA), aims to optimize physical layer solutions, develop algorithms for massive MIMO systems, create AI-native frameworks for RAN networks, and explore technologies for spectrum sharing and RAN automation. The geographic eligibility primarily includes entities from EU Member States, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries, with specific restrictions for entities from Russia, Belarus, and non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine, as well as entities controlled by non-eligible countries. The funding ranges from €8 million to €21 million per topic, with a single-stage application process and a deadline of September 18, 2025. The call encourages participation from SMEs and requires adherence to gender equality plans. Successful projects will be expected to cooperate with other SNS projects and make AI/ML training data sets openly available. This initiative is designed to foster European leadership in 6G technology and ensure the EU's strategic autonomy in the global telecommunications landscape.