SNS JU strengthens engagement with the French digital infrastructure ecosystem
On 28 October 2026, the French Strategic Committee for Digital Infrastructures (CSF Infrastructures numériques), in partnership with the French Directorate General for Enterprise (DGE), the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space (MESRE) and Bpifrance, held the third edition of its event on European funding for digital infrastructures at the Bpifrance Hub in Paris.
The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) took part in the event, which brought together representatives from industry, research organisations, innovative companies and public authorities. The meeting provided an opportunity to present SNS JU achievements, highlight France’s role in European 6G research and innovation, and outline upcoming funding opportunities under the 2027 Work Programme.
France’s participation in the SNS JU Programme
Representing SNS JU, Javier Albares, Head of Programmes, presented an overview of the Joint Undertaking’s objectives, current portfolio and strategic priorities, including the main orientations of the future 2027 Work Programme.
France is an active participant in the SNS JU programme. Across SNS JU Calls 1 to 6 (2022–2026), French organisations have received €57 million in funding, corresponding to 8.9% of the €637 million awarded so far. French entities are involved in 60 of the 104 funded projects, and five projects are coordinated by French organisations.
This participation reflects the contribution of French industry and research actors to the development of next-generation connectivity technologies in areas such as:
- AI-native networks
- microelectronics
- wireless communications
- non-terrestrial networks
The event also highlighted examples of French-led projects supported by SNS JU.
The 6G-GOALS project, coordinated by CEA-Leti, has carried out a logistics field trial involving 20 robots, reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.
The 6G-DISAC project, coordinated by CEA, has reported:
- 53 publications
- 34 contributions to 3GPP and ETSI
- 9 patent applications
These activities relate to research in integrated sensing and communication and illustrate how SNS JU-funded projects are contributing both to scientific progress and to the exploration of practical use cases.
Outlook for the 2027 Work Programme
A central part of the event was dedicated to the orientations of the SNS JU 2027 Work Programme and the opportunities it is expected to offer to European stakeholders in research and industry.
Particular attention was given to bridging the gap between research and deployment. Planned large-scale pilots are intended to demonstrate how emerging network technologies can support practical applications, including industrial automation, immersive services, AI at the network edge and sensing solutions for public-sector use.
The last SNS JU call is currently expected to open in January 2027 and close by the end of April 2027, with selected projects expected to start in January 2028. These dates remain subject to the formal adoption and implementation of the programme by the SNS JU Governing Board.
Guidance for applicants and stakeholder exchange
The event also included information on support mechanisms available to applicants, including DIAG PTI and MRSEI. In addition, innovative companies such as NeuroTel.ai, CryptoExperts, ICON Photonics, TelQuant and Vates Software presented their activities and perspectives.
CEA also shared its experience in coordinating European collaborative projects, providing participants with practical insights into the preparation and implementation of research and innovation actions.
Strengthening cooperation with national ecosystems
France’s sustained participation in SNS JU demonstrates the importance of strong links between European initiatives and national innovation ecosystems. Events such as this one help inform stakeholders about SNS JU priorities, explain future funding opportunities and encourage cooperation across industry, research and public institutions.
The Paris meeting provided a further opportunity to strengthen these exchanges as European stakeholders prepare for the next phase of work on smart networks and services and the continued development of 6G technologies in Europe.
