The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking has officially launched its fourth Call for Proposals, opening on May 22, 2025, with a deadline of September 18, 2025, to advance 6G research and innovation. This call allocates €104 million in EU funding to support two main streams: advanced research on disruptive 6G technologies and the development of a 6G Telco Cloud experimental infrastructure. The program emphasizes high Technology Readiness Levels, the unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and the integration of photonics and artificial intelligence to align with European sustainability and security goals. Additionally, the initiative fosters international cooperation with the US and aims to significantly impact 3GPP standardization efforts while preparing for large-scale vertical sector trials later in the year.
Keywords: non-terrestrial networks, sustainability, telco cloud, vertical sectors, standardisation