The webinar “From 5G to 6G: Opportunities for European Start-ups and SMEs”, jointly organised with Institute PIIU and supported by HEXA X II, took place on 7 December from 11:00 to 12:30 CET.

This online event has been designed to present a range of tailored opportunities for start-ups and SMEs. During the session, participants had the opportunity to receive detailed guidance on how to navigate Open Calls procedures and explore the avenues that can best support the growth of their business.

The European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) was established in November 2021 as a legal and funding entity to step up the green and digital transition. SNS JU aims to ensure industrial leadership for Europe in 5G and 6G enabling the pooling of EU and industrial resources in Smart Networks and Services. In order to reach its objectives, SNS JU foresees public and private members.

The SNS JU’s mission is two-fold:

• Foster Europe’s technology sovereignty in 6G by implementing the related research and innovation programme leading to the conception and standardisation around 2025
• Boost 5G deployment in Europe in view of developing digital lead markets and enabling the digital and green transition of the economy and society.

The SNS JU is jointly funded by Industry and the EU. The budget of the SNS JU is at least €1.8 billion for the period 2021-27. An EU contribution of €900 million will be matched by the private members. The SNS JU provides financial support in the form of R&I grants to participants following open and competitive calls. The SNS is supporting European SMEs through a specific Open Call Programme with a total amount of 24 million euros. In the meantime, don’t miss the chance to have a look at the DIGITAL SME Funding Portal, which provides a catalogue of funding calls suitable for SMEs.