The SNS JU launched its sixth Call for Proposals in January 2026 with €22 million in grants targeting 6G research in devices, AI integration, and testbeds, while also releasing a new white paper on the AI/ML landscape for smart networks. Key project milestones included the NANCY initiative entering a Proof-of-Concept phase with real-world trials in Greece, Italy, and Spain to validate quantum-ready security, and the SEASON project demonstrating sub-3-minute service creation for Extended Reality services through optical-metro-radio convergence. Additionally, the 6G-REFERENCE project launched a webinar series on hardware innovation, and the ACROSS project concluded its 36-month programme by delivering an open zero-touch orchestration framework validated in ETSI standards.
Source: https://smart-networks.europa.eu/sns-ju-january-2026-newsflash/
Keywords: AI/ML integration, zero-touch orchestration, quantum-ready security, digital twins, optical-mobile convergence