The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) launches its seventh Call for Proposals and the second SNS JU Call of 2026, dedicated to Front End Module (FEM) technologies — a strategic domain for strengthening Europe’s sovereignty in future 6G hardware systems.
With a total of €14 million in EU funding, the call aims to support the development of key microelectronics building blocks required for advanced 6G radio systems, while reducing Europe’s dependency on non-European semiconductor technologies. The HORIZON-JU-SNS-2026-FEM call will officially open on 26 May 2026, with a submission deadline set for 3 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
More information here.
SNS JU Info Day and Brokerage Event – 26 May 2026
On the same day, 26 May 2026 (12:30–14:30 CEST), SNS JU will organise an online Info Day and Brokerage Event to present the call topics, funding opportunities under the SNS JU R&I Work Programme 2026, and practical information for organisations interested in preparing proposals.
The event will gather representatives from SNS JU, the European Commission and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA), and will provide participants with an opportunity to better understand the objectives and expected impact of the FEM call.
Complementarity of SNS JU and Chips JU FEM Calls
The session will also help clarify the complementarity between SNS JU activities and the upcoming Chips Joint Undertaking calls.
As illustrated during recent ECS discussions, SNS JU and Chips JU initiatives address different, yet highly complementary, levels of the innovation chain for future 6G connectivity systems.
- SNS JU activities mainly focus on system architectures, specifications, subsystem concepts and large-scale connectivity use cases.
- Chips JU programmes support deeper semiconductor innovation, detailed hardware module design, integration, packaging and industrialisation activities.
In parallel to the SNS JU FEM initiative, the upcoming Chips JU 2026 RIA “Resilience” Call on the 6G Front End Module is expected to mobilise €20 million in funding, with the one-stage call opening in July 2026 and a Full Project Proposal deadline on 16 September 2026.
The complementarity between the two initiatives can notably be observed across the expected development pathway for future FEM technologies. SNS JU activities are expected to address areas such as FEM/AAS system specifications, TRX subsystem prototyping, antenna systems, hybrid beamforming and large-scale OTA demonstrations, while Chips JU activities are positioned to support semiconductor and packaging technology development, RF filter and TRX block design, chiplet integration, fabrication upscaling and higher TRL validation activities.
Together, these initiatives contribute to strengthening Europe’s technological autonomy across the full Electronic Components and Systems (ECS) value chain and help bridge system innovation with semiconductor industrial capabilities.
Building Synergies for Future Connectivity
This initiative also builds on the growing collaboration between AENEAS and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association through the Memorandum of Understanding signed to reinforce synergies between the European ECS and ICT ecosystems.
The partnership follows the successful cooperation established within the COREnect Coordination and Support Action under Horizon 2020, which brought together European industry and R&D leaders from the microelectronics and telecommunications sectors to develop a strategic roadmap for next-generation connectivity systems and components.
Through this collaboration, AENEAS and 6G-IA aim to strengthen links between semiconductor technologies and future telecommunications networks and services, supporting Europe’s ambition to maintain leadership in future connectivity.
AENEAS encourages stakeholders from industry, SMEs, RTOs and academia to participate in the event and explore collaboration opportunities within the evolving European 6G and semiconductor ecosystem.
Further information, agenda and registration are available here: SNS JU Info Day and Brokerage Event – Registration & Agenda