RIA Resilience Call for 6G Radio Communication Systems

The European Commission is funding research and innovation projects that strengthen Europe’s capabilities in advanced 6G radio communication systems under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) framework. The call supports development of next-generation radio technologies, including transmitters, receivers, transceivers, antennas, semiconductor integration, energy-efficient designs, and AI-driven communication systems.

The programme provides a total budget of €20 million, with individual project grants ranging from €1 million to €20 million. Eligible applicants include legal entities established in EU Member States, EEA countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries that meet Chips JU participation requirements.

What Is the Advanced 6G Radio Communication Systems Grant?

The European Commission Advanced 6G Radio Communication Systems Grant supports research and innovation activities aimed at developing critical technologies for future sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

The initiative focuses on strengthening Europe’s technological capabilities in advanced radio communication systems through research on:

• High-performance radio technologies
• Energy-efficient communication solutions
• Advanced semiconductor integration
• Intelligent antenna systems
• Next-generation transceiver technologies

The call is part of the broader European effort to build competitive and sustainable digital infrastructure through advanced semiconductor and communication technologies.

Why Advanced 6G Technology Matters

6G networks are expected to provide significantly improved capabilities compared with current communication systems.

Future 6G technologies aim to deliver:

• Higher data speeds
• Lower communication delays
• Improved energy efficiency
• Greater network reliability
• Advanced artificial intelligence integration
• Support for connected intelligent systems

Developing advanced radio communication components is essential for Europe’s digital transformation, industrial competitiveness, and technological independence.

Objectives of the 6G Radio Communication Systems Call

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to support research and innovation in key radio communication technologies required for future 6G systems.

The programme aims to:

• Develop advanced radio frequency technologies
• Improve communication system efficiency
• Reduce energy consumption
• Strengthen semiconductor integration capabilities
• Enable intelligent and adaptive communication networks
• Support sustainable 6G technology development

Key Research Areas Supported

The call focuses on several technology areas related to future 6G radio systems.

1. Transmitter and Power Amplification Technologies

Projects may develop:

• Advanced transmitter architectures
• High-efficiency power amplifiers
• Improved radio frequency components
• Technologies supporting higher performance with lower energy consumption

The goal is to improve transmitter efficiency while maintaining communication quality.

2. Receiver Technologies

Research may focus on:

• Advanced receiver architectures
• Improved signal processing capabilities
• Higher sensitivity and reliability
• Reduced energy consumption

Advanced receivers are essential for handling complex 6G communication environments.

3. Advanced Filter Solutions

Projects may address:

• High-performance filtering technologies
• Improved frequency management
• Reduced signal interference
• Compact and efficient filter designs

These technologies support reliable communication across increasingly complex frequency bands.

4. Transceiver Development

The call supports innovation in:

• Integrated transceiver systems
• Advanced radio components
• Multi-functional communication platforms

Transceiver development combines transmitter and receiver technologies into efficient communication systems.

5. Integration and Packaging Technologies

Research may focus on:

• Advanced semiconductor integration
• Chip-level communication solutions
• Improved packaging technologies
• Higher system performance

These developments support smaller, more efficient, and more powerful communication devices.

6. Sustainability-Focused Designs

Projects should consider:

• Energy-efficient architectures
• Reduced power consumption
• Sustainable technology development
• Environmentally responsible designs

Sustainability is a key priority for future communication infrastructure.

7. Advanced Antenna Systems

The programme supports research into:

• Advanced antenna technologies
• Beamforming systems
• Massive MIMO solutions
• AI-controlled antenna operations

These technologies enable better coverage, capacity, and network performance.

Role of AI in 6G Radio Systems

Artificial intelligence plays an important role in future communication networks.

Supported research may include AI-driven approaches for:

• Antenna control
• Network optimisation
• Signal management
• Adaptive communication systems

AI integration can help networks automatically adjust to changing conditions and improve efficiency.

Key Technology Challenges Addressed

The call targets several technical challenges, including:

• High efficiency and performance requirements
• Energy-efficient communication designs
• Advanced semiconductor integration
• Beamforming optimisation
• Massive MIMO implementation
• Intelligent antenna management
• Sustainable radio infrastructure

Available Funding

The European Commission has allocated significant funding for this research area.

Funding details:

• Total available budget: €20,000,000
• Minimum project funding: €1,000,000
• Maximum project funding: €20,000,000

Individual grant amounts depend on:

• Project scope
• Research activities
• Consortium capacity
• Expected technological impact

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility requirements follow:

Annex 1 to the Multiannual Work Programme 2023–2027: “HORIZON Europe conditions applicable to the Chips JU.”

Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries.

Eligible Countries

Participation is open to organisations established in:

• European Union Member States
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries
• Associated Countries
• OECD countries
• Mercosur countries

Eligible Organisation Types

Eligible applicants may include:

• Research institutions
• Universities
• Technology organisations
• Semiconductor companies
• Telecommunications companies
• Innovation organisations
• Industrial research groups

Applicants should have expertise relevant to advanced radio communication technologies.

Participation Requirements for Controlled Entities

Entities established in eligible countries but controlled directly or indirectly by non-eligible countries or organisations must meet additional requirements.

They must provide approved guarantees confirming that their participation:

• Will not harm European Union strategic interests
• Will not compromise EU security
• Will not affect technological autonomy
• Will not negatively impact European assets

Restrictions on High-Risk Suppliers

Certain organisations are excluded from participation.

Entities that are:

• Identified as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment
• Owned or controlled by high-risk suppliers

cannot provide guarantees and are not eligible to participate.

How to Apply for the Advanced 6G Radio Communication Systems Grant

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm:

• Legal entity status
• Country eligibility
• Compliance with Chips JU conditions
• Security and participation requirements

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

The proposal should explain:

• The targeted 6G technology challenge
• Proposed research approach
• Expected technological outcomes
• Innovation potential
• Contribution to European capabilities

Step 3: Build a Strong Consortium

Successful projects may require collaboration between:

• Research organisations
• Industry partners
• Technology developers
• Semiconductor experts
• Communication system specialists

Step 4: Define Impact and Innovation

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Contribution to 6G development
• Industrial relevance
• Sustainability benefits
• European technological impact

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit proposals according to European Commission and Chips JU application procedures.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the 6G innovation challenge
• Demonstrating technical expertise
• Addressing sustainability objectives
• Including semiconductor and communication expertise
• Showing scalability potential
• Highlighting European strategic value

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing technologies unrelated to 6G radio systems
• Ignoring energy efficiency requirements
• Failing to address semiconductor integration
• Providing limited innovation justification
• Weakening the impact pathway
• Overlooking eligibility and security rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the Advanced 6G Radio Communication Systems Grant?

The grant supports research and innovation activities to develop advanced radio technologies needed for future 6G communication systems.

How much funding is available?

The call provides a total budget of €20 million, with individual projects receiving between €1 million and €20 million.

What technologies are supported?

Supported areas include transmitters, receivers, filters, transceivers, semiconductor integration, packaging, sustainable designs, antennas, beamforming, massive MIMO, and AI-driven antenna systems.

Who can apply?

Legal entities established in EU Member States, EEA countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries may apply if they meet Chips JU requirements.

Are non-European controlled entities eligible?

They may participate only if they provide approved guarantees showing that participation does not affect EU strategic interests, security, autonomy, or assets.

Can high-risk mobile network equipment suppliers participate?

No. Entities identified as high-risk suppliers, or organisations controlled by them, are not eligible.

Why is 6G research important for Europe?

Advanced 6G technologies support digital transformation, industrial innovation, energy efficiency, and Europe’s long-term technological competitiveness.

Conclusion

The European Commission Advanced 6G Radio Communication Systems Grant provides major funding support for developing the technologies that will power future wireless communication networks.

By investing in advanced transmitters, receivers, antennas, semiconductor integration, AI-driven systems, and sustainable designs, the initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in next-generation connectivity.

The programme offers researchers, technology organisations, and industry partners an opportunity to contribute to the development of secure, efficient, and high-performance 6G communication systems.