The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has officially published its fourth Call for Proposals via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The Call will open on 22 May 2025, and applications may be submitted online until 18 September 2025.
On 11 April 2025, the SNS JU Governing Board adopted the amended Research and Innovation Work Programme 2025, allocating €104 million in EU funding to support the fourth Call (the first Call of 2025), with the objective of advancing 6G research and innovation.
SNS JU manages a total EU budget of €900 million for the period 2021–2027, matched by equivalent contributions from the private sector. The fourth Call builds on the results of the 80 projects funded under the previous three SNS JU Calls and aims to further strengthen Europe's position in next-generation network technologies.
Applicants will have the opportunity to gain further information and ask questions during the SNS JU Call 4 Info Day, scheduled for 23 May 2025. On the same day, a dedicated brokerage event and the SNS brokerage platform will support idea sharing and partner matchmaking.
The Call will support two main areas:
Stream B: Advanced research addressing revolutionary and evolutionary technology developments, including 6G Disruptive Technologies.
Stream C: Development of an experimental infrastructure for a 6G Telco Cloud and service platform.
Key features of the 2025 Research and Innovation Work Programme include:
A reinforced focus on key technological areas targeting mid-to-high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), while also supporting long-term R&I starting at low TRLs.
Alignment with the European Commission’s white paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?”, particularly the vision of Connected Collaborative Computing (3C) Networks to enable Telco-Edge-Cloud convergence.
Dedicated topics on the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, as well as photonics systems and optical networks into 6G architecture.
Continued focus on wireless communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and trust, security, reliability, and privacy-enhancing technologies.
Activities on microelectronics, in particular on the development of "Front End Modules" (FEMs).
International cooperation between the EU and the US in the field of 6G under the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
The programme also aims to support the development of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) to measure the sustainability impact of 6G technologies, contributing to Europe’s broader sustainability goals. In parallel, a strong contribution to 6G standardisation is expected, with 3GPP set to initiate its study phase on 6G standards in 2025.
Large-scale trials and pilots involving vertical sectors—including Industry/Manufacturing, Media, Transport/Logistics, Emergency and Safety Services, and Health—will be implemented through a separate Call under Stream D later in 2025. This additional Call will be based on a further amendment to the 2025 SNS JU Work Programme to be published in due course.
The publication of the fourth SNS JU Call follows the successful implementation of previous Calls, which have committed over €500 million to beyond 5G and 6G research and innovation efforts across Europe.
Detailed information, including the 2025 Research and Innovation Work Programme, can be accessed at the following link:
[Download the 2025 Work Programme here.]