Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
The objective of the 6G-PATH project is to help foster the further development and integration of new and improved tools and products from EU companies with 5G/6G, while also measuring relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Value Indicators (KVIs).
Detailed Call Description
The 6G-PATH – Open Call #1 aims to engage different entities, including SMEs and startups, research and technology organisations (RTOs) and Corporates (telecom operators):
- For the integration of 2 new testbeds with capacity to setup a B5G/6G network infrastructure and make these available for testing and validating new services/applications supporting additional use cases scenarios.
- For the development of 10 extensions to integrate advances in any of the 7 testbed infrastructure services, aligned with B5G and 6G standards and targets.
The 6G-PATH – Open Call #1 is divided in two tracks:
- In “TRACK A – Infrastructure deployment”, 6G-PATH will fund 2 applications (additional thirdparty testbeds) that enable the development and integration of a B5G/6G network infrastructure made available for testing and validating services/ applications across the Health, Education, Smart Cities, and Farming verticals. (See Annex 1.2 for technical details on the components).
- In “TRACK B – Infrastructure software extensions”, 6G-PATH will fund 10 applications (thirdparty testbed extensions) that integrate advances in any of the seven testbed infrastructure services.
The 6G-PATH -Open Call #1 focuses on infrastructure deployments that go beyond what the vertical use cases require and span across different network types and services, where verticals can run their use cases and leverage B5G/6G solutions and technologies. With that in mind, these deployments will support pilots for the extended validation of experiments with an elevated TRL. Proposals submitted to the 6G-PATH – Open Call #1 are expected to be ambitious and innovative, showcasing the impact of the 6G-PATH project on industry transformation with a focus on scalability potential.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The following financial conditions apply for proposals to be eligible:
- TRACK A – Infrastructure deployment: The total budget per project may not exceed €300.000. In total, 2 project s will be funded.
- TRACK B – Infrastructure software extensions: The total budget per project may not exceed €60.000. In total, 10 project s will be funded.
The total amount requested (not exceeding the amounts specified above for Track A and Track B) must represent 100% of the total project costs. These include personnel costs, other direct costs (such as travel, consumables, equipment) and indirect costs (which must represent 25% of the total project costs and be included in the total project costs).
For approved projects, the funds will be disbursed in lump sums at the end of each stage and pending the successful delivery of reports detailing the achievement of agreed milestones (see Section 8 – “Funds, Reporting and Payment”), page 19-20 in Guide for Application.
The projects awarded under Track A will start in January 2025 and have an implementation period of 20 months (8 months of integration and 12 months of support) divided into 3 phases:
- Specification and design: 2 months
- Implementation and Testing: 6 months
- Support and evaluation 12 months
The projects awarded under Track B will start in January 2025 and have an implementation period of 20 months (6 months of integration and 14 months of support) divided into 3 phases:
- Specification and design: 2 months
- Implementation and testing: 4 months
- Support and evaluation: 14 months
Thematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness
Eligibility for Participation
- Other Beneficiaries
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
All applicants and consortia must meet all the following requirements described to be eligible for the 6G-PATH – Open Call #1:
The call will fund projects developed by:
- TRACK A – Infrastructure deployment: Any entity with the capacity to set up a B5G/6G network infrastructure and make these available for testing and validating new services/applications.
- TRACK B – Infrastructure software extensions: Any entity that has the capability to contribute to the development and implementation of cutting-edge innovation projects aligned with the objectives of the Open Call.
All entities must be based in the European Union or in a Horizon Europe associated Member State and have a valid PIC number.
Consortium composition
Applicants can submit their applications as either an individual organisation/ entity or as a consortium comprising a maximum of 2 entities.
Consortia submissions must include at least 1 SME who integrates advances into the infrastructure services aligned with B5G and 6G standards and targets.
Applicants may apply to both TRACKs in this Open Call. However, only the highest-ranked proposal, in which the entities participate, will be eligible for funding. Any other applications involving these entities, regardless of their scores, will be disqualified.
Legal entities established in any of the following countries are eligible to participate in the 6G-PATH Open Call #1:
- European Union Member States, with a valid VAT and PIC number.
- Horizon Europe associated countries (those that have signed an agreement with the EU as identified in the HE Programme Guide) according to the updated list published by the European Commission.
6G-PATH – Open Call #1 follows the rules applied by the EC for the R&D Programme Horizon Europe in terms of geographical coverage, eligibility, and exclusions, which take precedence.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
EU Contact Point
A specific Helpdesk opencall@6G-PATH.eu is active to support the applicants.