Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The topic funds large demand-side pilots that run sector applications, including one on connected mobility, on Europe's emerging telco-edge-cloud (3C) infrastructure. Consortia combine users from the target sector with infrastructure suppliers.

Que finance cet appel ?

Scope

The topic funds demand-side pilot demonstrators that build on the supply-side large-scale pilot funded under the 2025 work programme for Connected, Collaborative, Computing (3C) networks. A 3C network is a secure, multi-provider telco-edge-cloud system that hosts network functions and workloads, such as 6G, AI compute, storage and security, as a service. The demonstrators integrate sector-specific applications with this emerging European infrastructure.

Pilot demonstrators

• One pilot on mobility, covering transport, logistics and the automotive industry, supporting the strategy of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance.
• One pilot on another sector, such as energy, smart communities, industrial virtual worlds, health, agrifood or manufacturing.

What the pilots should do

• Use open interfaces, open-source components and AI, including generative AI and extended reality, in practical sector applications.
• Set out a data governance model covering data sovereignty, interoperability with Common European Data Spaces and secure data sharing between users and infrastructure providers.
• Test and validate virtualised network functions in operational environments with attention to security, including resistance to quantum threats, energy efficiency and sustainable AI.
• Re-use open-source frameworks and make them available to the Open Internet Stack.
• Liaise with the related coordination action and complementary EU initiatives such as the Smart Networks and Systems Joint Undertaking.

Expected outcomes and readiness

Demand-led validation of open orchestration platforms, more competitive and sustainable sectors, and an ecosystem of SMEs and start-ups developing new services. Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-8.

Qu’attend-on des propositions ?

• Resulting solutions should be available for use in the public sector.

Quelle est la date limite ?

18 mars 2027 (133 jours)

18 March 2027 (single-stage submission).