EU launches funding programs for 5G and 6G infrastructures: €324.2 million are available
The European Commission and the 6G-PATH project have launched new calls for proposals to accelerate digital transformation in Europe. With a total budget of €324.2 million, these calls will support advanced digital and 6G infrastructures to strengthen the EU's digital sovereignty and promote innovative technologies.
Key areas of funding
The funding is divided between two programs, each pursuing different goals:
1. Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital Programme:
With a budget of €323 million , this programme aims to strengthen Europe's digital infrastructure. The funds will be invested in three main areas:
- 128 million euros for the expansion of backbone connections, including submarine cables and terrestrial lines.
- 105 million euros for 5G pilot projects that support applications in smart cities and transport corridors.
- 90 million euros for the development of cross-border quantum communication networks.
2. 6G-PATH Funding Project:
An additional €1.2 million available for the development of 6G technologies. The funding covers:
- Two testbeds for validating technologies, each with a budget of 300,000 euros.
- Ten expansions of existing testbeds, each with a budget of €60,000.
The focus is on applications in the areas of health, education, smart cities, and agriculture.
Application deadline and target group
The funding programs are aimed at universities, research institutions, telecommunications companies, as well as start-ups and SMEs. Interested organizations can submit their project proposals until February 13, 2025 .
Digital progress for Europe
With these initiatives, the EU underscores its commitment to playing a leading role in global technology development and building a resilient digital infrastructure. 6G technologies, in particular, could be groundbreaking for future applications, enabling higher data density, lower latency, and more energy-efficient communication.
Source: 5G.NRW
