The European Commission has announced a funding call titled "Large-scale pilots for supply end-to-end infrastructures integrating device, network computing and communication capabilities for Telco Edge Cloud deployments, as a basis for Connected Collaborative Computing Networks (3C networks)." This initiative aims to establish comprehensive, integrated infrastructures that combine device, network computing, and communication capabilities to support Telco Edge Cloud deployments, thereby forming the foundation for Connected Collaborative Computing (3C) networks.

The primary objective is to research and validate the integration of devices, networks, cloud and edge computing, and communication capabilities to create a ubiquitous mesh of computing and communication resources. This effort is expected to strengthen European industrial ecosystems for 3C networks, enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of key vertical sectors such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, agriculture, electronics, mobility, energy, and smart communities.

The project encourages strategic industrial cooperation among network and data processing stakeholders to develop open platforms and establish an open Telco Edge Cloud ecosystem in Europe. Collaboration with the Open Europe Stack action is anticipated to define requirements for building blocks and ensure their integration into the pilots. Additionally, the initiative aims to develop a European vision of advanced digital infrastructures through the convergence of connectivity with interoperable edge and cloud computing services.

The large-scale pilot is expected to start at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-4 and achieve TRL 6-7 by the project's conclusion. Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties, up to 15% of the proposal's total budget, in the form of grants. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is 500,000 € to support the extension of the pilots' technological capacities, addition of new technology or infrastructure providers, and expansion into new or more advanced application domains.

This call represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders across various sectors to collaborate in advancing Europe's digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring the continent's competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape.

Opening: 10 Jun 2025

Deadline(s): 02 Oct 2025