The European Commission's Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has received an additional €130 million in EU funding for 6G research projects.

This brings its total funding up to more than €500 million ($542.8m).

In its 2024 call for research proposals, the SNS JU has announced the 16 winning project proposals that will receive funding to advance the telecoms industry, particularly in 6G research.

The SNS JU said these projects will offer breakthrough innovations, develop experimental platforms, and conduct large-scale trials to shape the world’s digitally connected future.

The SNS JU said it received more than 1,874 proposals across 33 European countries.

The 16 selected projects will support 301 beneficiaries from 25 countries. The countries selected to participate in each project vary.

“We were pleased with the robust response to our 2024 call,” said Erzsébet Fitori, executive director of SNS JU.

“The projects selected highlight the diversity of 6G development happening across Europe, from infrastructure to applications to security. SNS JU is proud to support these efforts to ensure Europe remains at the forefront of 6G research and innovation and help realise its potential to transform lives and society.”

Some of the winning proposals include the 6G Arrow project, which looks at AI for radio access networks in collaboration with South Korea, the 6G Versus project for sustainability initiatives across 6G platforms, and the Amazing-6G project which showcases use cases across the healthcare, public safety, energy, and transport sectors.

Founded in 2021 and located in Brussels, Belgium, the SNS JU was set up by the EU and the 6G Industry Association. It develops industrial leadership, innovation, and research projects in the telecoms sector. It funds many projects across Europe including a wide range of industrial players, and small companies.