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IPCEI Next generation Cloud Infrastructures and Services Europe on the path to the cloud infrastructure of the future

Introduction

IPCEI

© BMWK

IPCEI-CIS (IPCEI Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services) is the key digital policy project aimed at strengthening Europe's digital and technological sovereignty. Launched under the German Council Presidency, 12 Member States are currently working together to build a powerful and sustainable first-ever “Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum”. More than 100 partners in the Europe Union are involved in this project.

The IPCEI-CIS creates a “Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum” without being tied to a single provider. In terms of interoperability, portability and scalability, an advanced digital infrastructure is being developed that will significantly revolutionize current offerings on cloud and edge markets, which are dominated by third-party providers. This will enable the seamless integration of a variety of different new data processing solutions in the European Union in just a few years to support novel applications such as autonomous driving.

The “Cloud-Edge Continuum” refers to the seamless integration of edge and cloud computing to enable new ways and optimised data processing and storage in distributed networks. Depending on their requirements, data and applications are placed at the edge locations (close to the end devices) or in the cloud. This enables faster processing of real-time data at the edge of the network, while fewer time- and security-critical tasks are performed in the cloud. The novel “Cloud-Edge Continuum” is critical for applications where low latency and high speeds are required.

The IPCEI-CIS briefly explained

How the IPCEI-CIS will strengthen Europe's prosperity and competitiveness

What is at stake?

The cloud market is currently dominated by a few large companies from third countries, while European providers are highly fragmented and account for less than 13% of the global market. This leads to issues such as a lack of scalability, interoperability and transparency in the offerings. This situation has a negative impact on competition and hinders the full utilisation of the high innovation potential of the European economy.


Current surveys show that companies increasingly want to work with European providers. According to an IDC study, 95% of companies consider it a problem to manage unstructured data. 42% find it very worrying that the market is dominated by American players. European industry's demands on cloud infrastructure are constantly increasing, especially in areas such as real-time capability in industry and for autonomous driving. At the same time, data security and compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation are of great importance to companies. In order to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, the IPCEI-CIS was launched as a project of the highest strategic relevance and an essential part of the implementation of the European industrial strategy.

Goals

What do we want to achieve?

With the IPCEI-CIS, we want to build a high-performance cloud-edge infrastructure based on European values and ensure European competitiveness in the digital environment in the long term. The core aim is to create an overarching “Cloud-Edge Continuum” that is not tied to individual providers. This is to be achieved on the basis of a common technological foundation for energy-saving, climate-neutral, highly efficient, automated and interconnected services. In this way, we want to decisively strengthen digital sovereignty and data portability for Europe.

To ensure that the IPCEI-CIS will achieve these goals, the projects will place a particular focus on interoperability, sustainability, cybersecurity and standardisation.

Standardisation

A key objective is to create synergies through various measures, including the review of existing and emerging standards in the IPCEI technology stack, close cooperation with standardisation organisations such as CEN/CENELEC and ETSI, the development of reference implementations and the provision of open source results in accordance with common open source software licences.

Interoperability

The IPCEI-CIS aims to create innovative data processing solutions that rely on connectivity between data, sufficient bandwidth availability and ultra low latency. We achieve this by linking European data storage in a network of cloud and edge service providers and operating them in a decentralised manner. At the same time, we are improving the scalability and interoperability of application software and data originating from different infrastructure providers. The IPCEI-CIS thus makes an important contribution to the objectives of the European Data Strategy, in particular to the establishment of data processing activities of the High-Impact Project (HIP) on European data spaces and federated cloud infrastructures and services.

Sustainability (energy efficiency)

The IPCEI-CIS aims to integrate digital infrastructures into energy management in order to promote a sustainable EU digitalisation. This is done in line with the European Green Deal by developing green technologies along the value chain. Cloud-edge computing is crucial here and enables innovation in areas such as computing, data storage, communication and heat dissipation. Potential use cases include improved cooling for data centres, efficient use of waste heat and renewable energy technologies.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is critical for trust, traceability, resilience and reliability in the multi-provider cloud edge continuum. We rely on identity management, robust encryption technologies and EUCC-certified hardware. Our goal: to develop AI-optimised security solutions for the next-generation cloud edge in diverse cloud environments. In this way, IPCEI-CIS contributes to the objectives of the EU Cybersecurity Act.

Cloud-Edge Continuum

What is a “Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum”?

A cloud is an external data storage facility that provides resources via the internet. Cloud computing offers numerous advantages, including scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency. However, cloud access is dependent on internet access and real-time data transfer is not possible due to the distance between servers. Edge computing, on the other hand, brings computing power closer to the data source, reduces latency times and offers advantages such as lower data transfer costs. In addition, data can be processed securely at the point of origin. However, edge resources are much more limited. The “Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum” represents a seamless integration of cloud and edge computing. Resources and applications are moved both to the cloud and to the edge of the network. This enables dynamic distribution of data processing tasks as required.

In this way, performance can be optimised using the cloud-edge continuum. The “Cloud-Edge Continuum” also enables greater adaptability to the specific requirements of an application. It offers both the ultra low latency and real-time processing of edge technology as well as the scalability and resource diversity of the cloud.

Projectcontributors

Who is contributing?

A total of twelve member states are participating in IPCEI-CIS under the co-ordination of France and Germany. Over 100 partners in Europe are involved in this project, which has a total investment of around three billion euros. The project is being carried out in close co-operation with DG Connect (Directorate-General for Communication Networks) of the European Commission.

Facts and figures about IPCEI-CIS

3,5
Symbolicon für Münzen

billion euros
will be made available for projects across Europe

109
Symbolicon für Bürogebäude

projects by companies & research institutions
are involved in IPCEI-CIS throughout Europe

12
Symbolicon für Besprechung

EU countries
participate in the IPCEI-CIS

Projects

The participating European projects at a glance

There are currently about 109 projects in the starting blocks

The IPCEI-CIS will launch around 109 European projects at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. The projects cover the entire cloud edge IoT value chain – from cloud-edge continuum infrastructure and capabilities to data processing. Use cases in the fields of mobility, energy, industry and healthcare will bring the results to their first industrial application. In addition, overarching cooperation across the various European member states is a top priority. This ensures that an integrated, pan-European and application-orientated cloud infrastructure can be created.

Belgium

E-BO Enterprises

Project description not available.

Engie Laborelec

Project description not available.

ThreeFold Tech NV

Project description not available.

Croatia

Infobip d.o.o

Project description not available.

France

Amadeus S.A.S

Project description not available.

Amarildo

Project description not available.

Amiral Technologies

Project description not available.

Atos, E2CC – Eco Edge to Cloud Continuum, Q4 2023 – Q1 2028

It is today of critical importance to combine the rise of Cloud technologies with the development of edge computing, to enable efficient, secured and sustainable data processing on the Cloud-Edge continuum. The main goal of the E2CC project is to deliver an end-to-end Cloud-Edge platform enabling easy integration of infrastructure products, providing cybersecurity and AI/MLOps capabilities, and ensuring interoperability, portability and non-vendor lock-in. Main technology innovations are about infrastructure integration (APIs, Monitoring & Management software, standard/rules), Cloud to Edge orchestration, distributed and trusted AI/MLOps capabilities, sustainability (decarbonization), and Cloud enabled cybersecurity services (prescriptive IAM as a services, Identity of Objects, MxDR, data protection…).

CGI France CNRS IRISA

Project description not available.

CNRS LAAS

Project description not available.

CNRS UGA ERODS

Project description not available.

CNRS UT3 IRIT SEPIA

Project description not available.

INRIA LILLE - Nord Europe

Project description not available.

INRIA NANCY - GRAND EST

Project description not available.

Institut Imagine

Project description not available.

Lacroix Electronics Cesson

Project description not available.

Lacroix Sofrel

Project description not available.

No Blue Screen System

Project description not available.

Ningaloo SARL

Project description not available.

Orange, Telco Cloud, Q4 2023 – Q3 2027

Orange's IPCEI on Cloud Infrastructure and Services project is a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing cloud and edge computing across Europe, enhancing digital sovereignty, and promoting sustainable technological growth. This project is crucial for society as it supports the digital transformation of businesses and ensures secure, energy-efficient cloud services that align with European values and environmental goals. The major goals include the development of an Open-Source Telco Cloud Stack, an agile information system, and advanced tools for smart data processing and energy efficiency, targeting both network softwarization and user-centric digital services. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like cloud-native solutions, AI for anomaly detection, and energy-saving measures for data centers, the project stands at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards for interoperability and sustainability in the cloud sector.

Provenrun

Project description not available.

Ryax Technologies

Project description not available.

United Biometrics

Project description not available.

United Biometrics

Project description not available.

University de Lille

Project description not available.

UNIVERSITE BRETAGNE SUD

Project description not available.

UNIVERSITE CAEN BASSE NORMANDIE

Project description not available.

UNIVERSITE DE VERSAILLES SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES

Project description not available.

Germany

Airbus Operations GmbH, AXIS – Aero Concept for Cloud Information Services, Q3 2023 – Q4 2025

Future generations of aircraft require better connectivity between aircraft and ground services to enable optimised operations and efficient and (cyber-)secure integration of services. A European, federated, open and decentralised Cloud infrastructure is essential here. Airbus Operations GmbH's AXIS project connects aircraft as "flying edge devices" to an IPCEI-CIS-compliant infrastructure. The project focuses on the integration and testing of technological components for communication and data processing in an aircraft on the one hand and on the prototypical definition, implementation and networking of connectivity services on the other. This creates new integrable services for passenger transport processes and "smart services". The connection of "on-board" communication systems, which enable new product functions, is to be trialled in an Airbus test aircraft (A350).

DB Netz Aktiengesellschaft, Cloud4Rail Operations – Development of a functionally secure and certifiable trackside edge and cloud infrastructure for future fully digitalised rail operations, Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

In the fully digitalised rail system of the future, trains will run fully automatically and AI will control traffic and capacity management in real time. Suitable IT platforms are required, especially for safety-critical functions on functionally secure computing platforms. A new concept is to be designed and trialled as part of the Cloud4Rail Operations project of “Digitale Schiene Deutschland”: The aim is a modular trackside IT platform for safety-critical applications for digital and automated railway operations in the Cloud-Edge continuum. The project follows the Safe Computing Platform standardisation concept developed as part of the European cooperation between the railways. In addition to laboratory tests, Cloud4Rail Operations also plans to demonstrate the functionality of the developed IT platform in a physical railway system, e.g. in the "Digital Test Field Railway" in the Saxon Erzgebirge. For example, the aim is to test how the IT platform reacts automatically to hardware failures.

DE-CIX Management GmbH, NEXUS – Secure Network-as-a-Service: Secure cloud-edge connectivity service for dynamic IT architectures and demanding applications of the future, Q3 2023 – Q4 2026

Nexus Cover

European Cloud services operate in a largely fragmented environment that poses major challenges in terms of complexity, performance and security. In addition, applications are distributed across different locations in the Cloud-Edge continuum, while requiring high bandwidth and low latency. As part of the NEXUS project, DE-CIX Management is realising a neutral, secure and efficiently managed service platform that offers high-performance interconnectivity with low latency and high bandwidth. Management is based on a centralised dashboard, allowing companies to create and modify network segments, security policies and services with a single configuration approach. An innovative API automates real-time monitoring, telemetry, troubleshooting and reporting capabilities to identify and isolate performance and security issues. This reduces the barrier to entry and facilitates the free flow of data between users.

Diehl Aerospace GmbH, AdvantagE - Digital aircraft data ecosystem with connection via multi-cloud edge systems for data exchange, Q3 2023 – Q4 2026

Current Cloud environments are very heterogeneous and there is a lack of consistent mechanisms for maintaining data sovereignty and identity. Especially in the aviation sector, where security is of the highest relevance, secure integration and processing of data is required. The AdvantagE project from Diehl Aerospace GmbH is creating a new, secure level of data integration in the aircraft with a "flying edge" component. This extended data integration level can be used to create new, intermodal services, such as travel services (passenger comfort, customer corporate identity), or to optimize flight operations and maintenance. In addition, communication from the "flying edge" in the aircraft to the ground via a Cloud will be established to further increase data security. The "flying edge" itself and the new communication channels will be introduced and designed in accordance with aviation approval regulations.

Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, EMULATE – Concepts and tools for measuring, analysing and optimising the performance of edge services in the European cloud-edge continuum, Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

www.fh.do/emulate

Potential users of Edge computing currently lack suitable tools to either assess the suitability of public Edge service offerings or to plan, design and build their own customised Edge computing solution. Testing suitability often requires the costly and time-consuming construction of a real infrastructure. The EMULATE project at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts aims to provide a remedy by creating emulation and diagnostic platforms. On the one hand, the provision of a flexibly configurable emulation platform enables the creation of a digital twin of a Cloud-Edge infrastructure. On the other hand, the diagnostic platform supports the evaluation of existing environments with regard to their suitability for a Cloud-Edge continuum and simplifies troubleshooting in existing Cloud-Edge solutions. The project thus accelerates the planning process for customised Cloud- edge solutions and increases their quality.

elevait GmbH & Co. KG, AIDED - Artificial intelligence in a secure, distributed cloud for the public sector, Q2 2023 – Q3 2026

The increasing level of digitalisation in industry, administration and mobility means that systems are being networked with each other, creating more and more points of attack to the outside world. In security-critical applications, such as driverless, teleoperated driving, the highest demands are placed on security, latency and availability, including with regard to post-quantum secure encryption methods. The PoQuaSIA project at the Rheinmetall Technology Center is developing modules for a generic IoT platform for secure connection to decentralised Edge clouds or central Clouds. On the one hand, the project is creating the necessary secure computing infrastructure with sufficient computing power and security against connection interruptions and cyberattacks. Secondly, the post-quantum secure and particularly low-latency communication between the subsystems involved is guaranteed by an embedded system. This generic IoT platform is applied to use cases from the mobility sector, e.g. the teleoperation of cars, simulatively and in the form of field tests.

Ericsson GmbH, KeeCEK – Development of small, efficient, effective cloud edge nodes, Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

European industries are facing major challenges in digitalisation, such as in Industry 4.0 – where the control of production machines and robots requires closed and secure control loops. In addition to the Cloud, this also requires a wireless connection for communication via 5G. Ericsson's KeeCEK project is developing technologies to make the Cloud-Edge nodes smaller, more energy-efficient and effective. More effective means developing Cloud-Edge systems for business and industry-critical applications in order to be able to process very large amounts of data with very low latency in a particularly reliable manner. KeeCEK enables the use of existing mobile networks as a platform for providing Cloud services for critical applications. Lower latency times and the direct connection of devices with applications in the Cloud-Edge enable improved and new business processes.

IONOS SE, IONOS - IPCEI-CIS for federated and climate-neutral data processing - cloud and edge - in Europe, Q3 2023 – N.N.

Successful, sovereign and secure European Edge and Cloud services require competitiveness with foreign hyperscalers. The development of secure and energy-efficient hardware with short development cycles is crucial for this. The aim of the IPCEI-CIS-IONOS project is to create opportunities for the energy-efficient operation of data centers. To this end, IONOS SE is designing data centers, Edge nodes and micro clouds on site that can be set up close to energy suppliers and users of Cloud infrastructures. Decisive aspects are a modular, compact, scalable and energy-efficient design. In order to orchestrate the workloads in real time and place them along the Cloud-Edge continuum, IONOS is developing interfaces (APIs) that are manufacturer-independent. These are tested in realistic environments. At the end of the project, there will be a "Continuum Compliance Interoperability Label".

LIMEBIRD GmbH, GREC – Green Edge Cloud, Q2 2023- Q3 2023

LIMEBIRD GmbH, GREC

The next generation of Cloud-Edge infrastructure and services must be more decentralized, greener and smarter networked, as this is the only way Europe can take a pioneering role in the decade of sustainable digitalization and the ICT sector can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. LIMEBIRD's GREC project develops and establishes heterogeneous and decentralized Edge data centers in wind/solar parks as well as in customer properties and industrial sites. The project uses artificial intelligence and decentralized optimization methods to orchestrate the Edge data centers intelligently and automatically. A self-organizing swarm platform is the key to resilience, sustainability and automation as well as to harmonizing the Edge data centers in terms of energy management, work distribution and dynamic workload migration. Open source, compatibility and common standards (e.g. GAIA-X) enable scaling and a multi-provider approach.

Lindner SE, BIGREEN – Green edge cloud technology fully integrated into building technology, Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

Enormous amounts of electrical energy, including fossil fuels, are used to power computing systems and operate their cooling systems, 100 percent of which is released into the atmosphere unused in the form of waste heat. Lindner SE's BIGREEN project is working on highly innovative, modular Edge-Cloud computing systems that can be seamlessly integrated into the building technology of new and existing buildings. The waste heat emitted during utilisation is used directly on site for heating buildings, hot water or process heat. The energy should primarily come from local, renewable energy sources. The "swarm" of distributed Edge-Cloud systems is intelligently controlled in order to optimise the relationship between renewable energy, the use of the waste heat generated and the available computing power. In addition, a completely new, multi-dimensional security and access concept, known as multi-layer confidential computing, protects the systems.

N+P Informationssysteme GmbH, GREEN-TWIN – Sustainable hybrid platform for digital twins for automated 'green buildings and factories', Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

https://www.nupis.de/loesungen/plattform

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly faced with the challenge of obtaining real-time data from their customers. Machine manufacturers, for example, can monitor the use of their machines and systems in the customer environment and thus open up new digital business models. This increases the need to utilise Cloud technologies. At the same time, customers are concerned about transferring data to a single cloud provider. The GREEN-TWIN project from N+P Informationssysteme GmbH implements digital twins in the building and factory sector as a sovereign cloud solution. By setting up and managing hybrid platform environments and their data rooms as a combination of on-premise and Cloud components, the project aims to create multi-provider infrastructure scenarios that guarantee the trustworthy cross-company use of data. In order to support interoperability and data sovereignty, the project integrates basic GAIA-X components and standards. The aim is to develop specific use cases in the areas of digital buildings, digital factories and digital products.

Rheinmetall Technology Center GmbH, PoQuaSIA - Development of a distributed and scalable IoT platform using a post-quantum secure cloud data connection, Q2 2023 – Q2 2024

The increasing level of digitalisation in industry, administration and mobility means that systems are being networked with each other, creating more and more points of attack to the outside world. In security-critical applications, such as driverless, teleoperated driving, the highest demands are placed on security, latency and availability, including with regard to post-quantum secure encryption methods. The PoQuaSIA project at the Rheinmetall Technology Center is developing modules for a generic IoT platform for secure connection to decentralised Edge-Clouds or central Clouds. On the one hand, the project is creating the necessary secure computing infrastructure with sufficient computing power and security against connection interruptions and cyberattacks. Secondly, the post-quantum secure and particularly low-latency communication between the subsystems involved is guaranteed by an embedded system. This generic IoT platform is applied to use cases from the mobility sector, e.g. the teleoperation of cars, simulatively and in the form of field tests.

Robert Bosch GmbH, Cube-C – Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Cloud Continuum, Q2 2023 – Q2 2026

The functionality of vehicles is increasingly defined by software, which leads to increased computing effort and energy consumption. The use of Edge and Cloud capacities offers the opportunity to reduce the embedded electronics in vehicles and offer functionality more cost-effectively. This requires solutions for dealing with latencies and ensuring availability, especially for real-time applications. The Cube-C project from Bosch is developing methods, components and tools for the realisation of safety- and time-critical cyber-physical systems (CPS) in a Cloud-Edge continuum. On this basis, the vehicle and Cloud infrastructure can be optimally utilised so that vehicles can be operated in a resource-saving, energy-efficient and safe manner. This includes development environments, operating concepts and real-time-critical functions with quality of service assurance and methods for distributing functionalities during operation. The project is also developing initial applications for such a Cloud-Edge continuum in the areas of powertrain, driver assistance systems and cooperative driving.

secunet Security Networks AG, secunetEdgeCloud, Q3 2023 – Q4 2026

For future highly secure Cloud-Edge solutions, scalability, interoperability and trustworthiness as well as increasing energy efficiency through computing at the point of energy generation are highly relevant. The secunetEdgeCloud project from secunet Security Networks AG will develop fully integrated and automatically networked Cloud-Edge infrastructure modules that are characterized by maximum security. The nodes can be automatically connected to each other to form large computer networks, so that scaling networks can be created to provide computing power at low operating costs. This is achieved through security-conscious code development and selection, the use of state-of-the-art encryption and virtualization technologies and cryptographic isolation of workloads. This combination of highly secure, energy-efficient, easy-to-use and open source-based technology closes a technological gap and is certifiable.

SYSGO GmbH, SuzECK – Secure, safe, authorized & certifiable Edge & Cloud Key components, Q3 2023 – Q4 2026

The networking of safety-critical systems in the rail sector, for example in signal processing in rail network or data processing in rail vehicles, requires the use of intelligent and therefore safe and functional connectivity platforms, such as Cloud services, among others. This is where the SuzECK project comes in by creating a safe computing platform (SCP). A platform-independent application programming interface (PI API) is planned between safety-relevant areas in the rail sector and Cloud and Edge applications. This creates a safety layer and supports portability between applications from different providers. The safe computing platform is supported by a functional open source reference implementation and other proprietary safety adaptations. The project is based on the SCP PI standard, which was developed in collaboration with European railroads (Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland).

WestfalenWIND IT GmbH & Co. KG, SDEC – Sustainable distributed edge colocation, Q2 2023 – Q4 2026

SDEC Cover

Data centers face major challenges as they are the engine of a digital society. Hyper-scalers define the easily accessible service offering, but serve hardly any customer sovereignty when it comes to meeting individual sustainability or regulatory requirements. In order to offer a better counterbalance in the European and German market, a cooperative and sustainable Cloud ecosystem must be created. WestfalenWIND IT's SDEC project is researching data center Edge infrastructures within wind turbines for this purpose. The central challenge is to establish the architecture and integration in a cross-location co-location operating model. The project looks at issues that should lead to an architecture that meets the requirements. The aim is to create a distributed co-location ecosystem and enable the seamless merging of the solution into an energy generation infrastructure. The provision of these resources on the market also supports use cases for smart city platforms or non-profit cultural platforms.

Hungary

4iG plc., Q1 2024 – Q4 2028

Project description not available.

E-Group ICT Software, FedEU.ai – Connecting AI Knowledge, Q1 2024 – Q4 2028

The vision of FedEU.ai – Connecting AI Knowledge is a federated cloud-edge AI continuum based on privacy preserving and federated computing elements. In such cloud environment private data, data processing (AI) services and insight generation can be fully decoupled from each other. Besides, algorithms can go to data or machine learning algorithms can train on encrypted data. Privacy preserving data spaces can be flexibly deployed, whether data resides on cloud, edge or on-premises and environmental impact of AI can be reduced.
The project aims to create a facility for exploring novel technologies that can facilitate federated cloud AI, translation of research to large scale industrial exploitation and to develop an industry scale federated AI technology stack fully harmonized with EU cloud initiatives and existing solutions. FedEU.ai will enable the agile deployment of data services on distributed data using the combination of state-of-the-art federated learning and privacy preserving technologies, thus greatly increasing the output of European data economy without exposing EU data assets. The FedEU.ai solution extends the potential for innovative data (re)use and services by cost-effectively expanding data resource utilization and analysis based on an independent cloud platform to enable any type of cloud deployment. FedEU.ai will substantially reduce the environmental impact of large-scale machine learning. The FedEU.ai innovation consists of: (i) scalable, cloud-edge continuum federated AI services, (ii) decoupling data from processing and insight generation on the cloud-edge, (iii) energy efficient cloud-edge AI, reducing environmental impact of AI models, (iv) advanced federated security & privacy protocols, as well as (v) trustworthy data and models throughout the federated learning process.

Ericsson Hungary

Project description not available.

H1 Systems Mérnöki Szolgáltatások Kft.

Project description not available.

Recog.AI

Project description not available.

Italy

ENEA

Project description not available.

Engineering Ingegneria Informatica, AVANT, Q1 2024 – Q3 2029

At the heart of AVANT's mission lies the creation of specialized platforms that empower organizations to harness the transformative power of digital twins across the spectrum of edge-to-cloud continuum. One of the most significant challenges tackled by AVANT is the need for interoperable and intelligent secure middleware. This middleware serves as the backbone of the digital twin ecosystem, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange between disparate systems and devices, regardless of their hardware or software configurations. By establishing a common language and protocol, AVANT eliminates the siloed nature of traditional computing environments, fostering a unified digital landscape where data flows freely and securely.
Another crucial challenge addressed by AVANT is the need for seamless and reliable data access, irrespective of its distribution. Furthermore, AVANT tackles the complexities of training and utilizing AI algorithms in distributed environments. AVANT's support to AI development and deployment ensures that organizations can harness this transformative technology effectively, enabling them to automate tasks, predict future trends, and gain a competitive edge on the market. By ensuring that its platforms seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and align with organizational goals, AVANT empowers businesses to embrace digital twins without disrupting their operations or compromising their security posture. With AVANT, companies can streamline processes, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to Europe's decarbonization efforts, all while enhancing their resilience in the face of ever-changing market conditions.

Fincantieri, Q1 2024 - Q3 2029

Fincantieri Group IPCEI-CIS Project aims at creating an efficient suite of processing services to properly organize and orchestrate information flows in an Edge-Cloud/Multicloud Continuum, for their secure integration and implementation in a variety of application areas: (i) the Smart Shipyard, enabling true Industry 4.0 solutions for the ship construction phase, and preparing the future Industry 5.0 solutions; (ii) the Smart Ship, creating the best conditions for the optimization of ship operations, its energy efficiency, its environmental footprint, its safety, and its maintenance by properly integrating digital twins in the Edge-Cloud Continuum; (iii) Digital Lifecycle Management, by enabling the lifecycle management of complex systems and infrastructures with an ever increasing level of automation and autonomy and by integrating and orchestrating advanced cloud and edge-based features; (iv) Cybersecurity of the Edge-Cloud Continuum, by implementing advanced probes for maritime applications and suitable threat intelligence strategies.
From the architectural point of view, a fundamental role shall be played by a robust and scalable maritime data platform that will enable the proper exchange of data, information, and processing services on the (IoT)-Edge-Cloud Continuum.

Fondazione Bruno Kessler

Project description not available.

Italian national agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development (RTO)

Project description not available.

Reply SpA, Cloud computing @edge for data network services over FTTX-ORAN and ASP4AGV, Q2 2023 – Q4 2027

The project aims to create cutting-edge software on Cloud-Edge technologies, empowering individuals and businesses to seamlessly share data through multiple, disaggregated and distributed data networks. It features a modular and open system architecture designed to facilitate real-time interactions and harness advanced AI/ML capabilities. With a strong focus on security and privacy, this initiative prioritizes secure-by-design solutions. Its use cases involve integrating an autonomous service platform for vehicles and robotics, facilitating the coordination and collaboration of autonomous driving cars, trucks, logistic vehicles, and manufacturing robots.

TIM SpA, Tim Edge & Cloud Continuum, Q2 2023 – Q4 2027

The TIM Edge & Cloud Continuum will develop a next generation Cloud-Edge continuum that is a fundamental enabler of new digital solutions that require high performance in terms of latency, minimum guaranteed bandwidth, availability, resilience and security, ensuring open and public access to all the use cases and related open data management, while guaranteeing security and compliance to legislation on EU Data, favouring and enabling the free flow of non-personal data, providing the foundation for European digital services not only for big enterprises but also for SMEs and start-ups.
This project aims at promoting new disruptive solutions in terms of energy-efficiency, cloud security and openness of Cloud and Edge services notably including interoperability. To meet local – and global – customer demand for integrated and trustworthy solutions, services will need to be interconnected and federated, easy to consume, and built on common standards and values that ensure trust in data management and data exchange: security, data protection, transparency and development of the European ecosystem. A lack of interoperability prevents addressing grand societal challenges that require efficient data sharing and a multidisciplinary, multi-actor approach (climate change which cannot be addressed by climatologists alone).

Tiscali, VILLANOVA – Generative AI models and composable application-services on cloud edge continuum, Q4 2023 – Q4 2026

The Villanova project is a bold initiative with the goal of revolutionizing the field of Artificial Intelligence through research, development, testing and deployment of two key innovations in various scenarios. The primary focus is on crafting multimodal generative AI models tailored specifically for European languages. These models are meticulously designed to address linguistic nuances and regional demands, with the aim of dynamically generating high-quality textual and multimedia content in real-time. The implementation of cloud-edge computing is a foundational element, ensuring the effectiveness and adaptability of AI-driven smart applications.
Simultaneously, the project aims to build a user-friendly, open-source framework driven by generative AI. This framework is intended to foster seamless collaboration between human operators and AI systems, streamlining the intricate processes involved in creating and maintaining sophisticated applications. By providing reusable GenAI-based components, the initiative seeks to democratize access to state-of-the-art technologies based on Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models, making them available to a broader user base, including non-technical individuals and resource-constrained small businesses.

Latvia

ASPIRED – SIA

Project description not available.

DATI Group – SIA

Project description not available.

Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science University of Latvia (IMCS UL)

Project description not available.

Tilde – SIA

Project description not available.

Ventspils High Ventspils Technology park

Project description not available.

Luxemburg

DataVaccinator SARL

Project description not available.

Excellium Services S.A.

Project description not available.

Infrachain a.s.b.l

Project description not available.

itrust consulting

Project description not available.

Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity (former securitymadin.lu)

Project description not available.

Proximus Luxembourg S.A.

Project description not available.

RHEA Group

Project description not available.

The Netherlands

Leaseweb BV, The European Cloud Campus, Q1 2024 – Q4 2031

The European Cloud Campus will fulfil the need for advanced, secure and sustainable infrastructure and a corresponding set of technology services and innovations. The project enables EU hyperscaler-like deployments of compute, storage and other Cloud-enabled capacity, allowing development and deployment of modern applications on a platform following European values, standards and rules. A sovereign European Cloud is desirable, as it – among other reasons – enables alignment with EU standards and rules from the start (instead of needing to adjust to them when regulations and standards change), data residency in Europe and the possibility to more easily attract and keep knowledge workers in the EU. The European Cloud Campus project creates such a platform, creating the possibility for SMEs and developers to create sovereign European cloud apps and enabling companies to run their application in a fully European Cloud. There are no solutions (either Open-source or commercial) that satisfy the requirements to be highly scalable, energy-efficient, vertically integrated and have the ability to provide efficient multi tenancy – these solutions will be created during the project, and made available to the market.

Poland

Atende Industries Sp. z o.o., Highly scalable, distributed, NoSQL database for real-time critical IoT application, Q1 2024 – Q2 2026

TStorage is a distributed NoSQL database, designed to effectively process so-called “time-stamped data” (data from IoT sensors, measurement devices, meters etc.). The distinctive capability of TStorage, making it unique on the European market, consists in processing data from IoT sensors such as data versioning (what is required in IoT software applications) and range queries (what ensures rapid data searching). This approach allows real-time ML-enabled analysis and fast decision-making based on field data. The main goal of the project is re-designing and re-engineering the functionalities of TStorage in such a way that it can be a scalable, secure, energy-efficient and highly available database cloud solution (DBaaS), which requires extensive RDI and FID efforts. TStorage is the first European time-series database which will provide the tools for fast data processing available to industrial applications, research units and EU citizens via cloud service providers.

Cloud Ferro, Gateway – Gateway to geospatial continuum, Q1 2024 – Q1 2028

Spatial data, essential for various sectors in Europe and globally, is being heavily invested in, generating tens of petabytes annually. This data, used for applications like traffic, weather, and agriculture, needs efficient sharing, access, and processing. The management of this data is shifting towards sustainable methods, emphasizing distributed cloud-edge systems and carbon-aware computing.
The Gateway project addresses these needs by providing a unified platform for accessing and processing spatial data. It combines tools, interfaces, and applications to streamline data access, integrating various technologies into a single market. Focused on efficient data storage and processing, Gateway utilizes cloud-edge resources powered by green energy, reducing carbon emissions and costs. The project includes developing applications that leverage this data for added value, marking a significant step in sustainable data management.

Oktawave, Next Gen Cloud, Q1 2024 – Q2 2026

Oktawave's project named “Next Gen Cloud” aims to strengthen the EU's digital industry, both at the infrastructure and service level, and to strengthen European sovereignty over data and technology. As part of the project, the company planned to conduct research, development and investment works, as a result of a proprietary and open technology. This is necessary to make secure cloud computing available in the federation model, new generation infrastructure, i.e. one with a sufficient level of automation. This is the basis to resolve data in-motion issues for new generation technologies (e.g. containerization and its successors, edge computing) built in an architecture consisting of central (regional) data centers – and so-called near edge, in which data processing will take place. The project's key activities will focus on research and development of the cloud-provider independent technology to protect and secure data processing in public clouds. The project will cover the encryption area of the storage, and processing stage, including the use of encryption schemes that allow for the processing of encrypted data. The company will involve the technologies that introduce secure password storage functions (e.g., based on RiffleScrambler schemes) or schemes that allow for encryption while maintaining the format (e.g., based on GraFPE), which the company previously researched.

Operator Chmury Krajowei sp. s o.o.

Project description not available.

Phoenix Systems sp. z o. o.

Project description not available.

Politechnika Gdanska / Gdańsk University of Technology

Project description not available.

Slovenia

EnerHum consortium: Iskra, d.o.o. (leader), Bass d.o.o., Igea d.o.o. and Žejn d.o.o., EnerHum - Innovative fusion for industry of food, waste and energy solutions management solutions

Project EnerHum comprises of several different sub-systems components that together form a digital horizontal backbone for industry 4.0. Project will establish a real-time information system for various monitoring (energy, composition of the soil and multi-year planning of crops, the need for irrigation, protection against weather conditions. Project will offer data on population composition and changes in dietary habits, better distribution of food and enable better utilization of collection and processing, by setting up a local (3), regional (2) and national center. We will monitor at the local and regional level: weather conditions, soil conditions, vegetation with implementation of edge technology on GIS, monitoring building blocks and sensors as well as IT technologies.

Hashnet d.o.o. (lead partner), Telemach d.o.o., Pro-Bit Programska oprema d.o.o., SIChain-EIPS

The SIChain-EIPS project is pivotal for society as it enhances interconnectivity among blockchain infrastructures, leveraging the energy-efficient Hashnet protocol to foster widespread adoption of blockchain applications. This will significantly reduce the need for intermediaries in transaction validations, lowering operational costs and spurring the creation of innovative services and business models. Additionally, the project's integration of AI, DLT, IoT, and DTs with user-friendly interfaces will offer advanced data infrastructures, catalyzing the development of new start-ups and streamlining the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across Europe. Project goals and scope is to develop: (i) the national blockchain infrastructure from the test to the FID phase and integration of the national blockchain infrastructure into the common European Data and Services Infrastructure, (ii) interoperable connection of national blockchain infrastructures and their integration into a common European data and services infrastructure, (iii) IPFS Decentralised Data Storage as an integral part of the European data and services infrastructure (for storage of blockchain applications outside the national blockchain infrastructure (off-chain storage)) as an integral part of the European data and services infrastructure, and (iv) pilot integration of a blockchain user application for document authentication (notarization and timestamping) and digital identity of natural and legal persons. The SIChain EIPS project innovates with the high-performance Hashnet protocol, enabling up to 50,000 transactions per second, which addresses scalability issues present in most blockchain infrastructures. Furthermore, by adapting the Ethereum Virtual Machine to Hashnet, it allows seamless integration of Solidity-based decentralized applications, offering a competitive, energy-efficient blockchain solution with lower operating costs.

Internet Institute d.o.o.

Project description not available.

Kontron d.o.o., GDCE-CI – Geo-distributed Cloud-Edge environment for critical infrastructure

The GDCE-CI project holds paramount significance for society as it endeavours to advance the landscape of cloud and edge infrastructures, ushering in novel technologies with wide-ranging benefits. The project aims to conduct Research and Development (R&D) and implement Proof of Concept (PoC) for innovative cloud and edge technologies. These technologies include (a) a geo-distributed cloud and edge infrastructures, supporting the coexistence of containerized and non-containerized virtualization, multi-cloud (meta-)orchestration, automatization, quality and security assurance, and life cycle management; (b) virtualized and portable mobile and/or wireless Networking Services for on-premise or near/far edges. The major goal is to provide end users with cost and performance-effective provisioning of mission-critical applications, deployable in various cloud and edge infrastructures, including public networks or private interconnection and/or networking infrastructures, depending on specific application needs.
By focusing on the coexistence of containerized and non-containerized virtualization, multi-cloud orchestration, automatization, and quality and security assurance, the project addresses the growing demand for efficient and secure computing environments. Portable mobile/wireless Networking Services contribute to the evolution of communication technologies. This is particularly crucial for society as it supports mission-critical networking, ensuring reliable and responsive connectivity in diverse scenarios.

Result d.o.o., eEARLY - Platform for early detection of health symptoms

eEarly will be a European open-source platform for gathering and analyzing health related biometric data. There are numerous biometric sensors available at affordable prices. They can be used for early detection of possible health related symptoms of European population. Early treatments assure better outcomes and consequently healthier population and lower costs of treatments. In the end we have a healthier society aware of their health risks with less absence from work. Major goals of the project are setting up a distributed open-source platform where all nodes can share data, where algorithms for detection of health symptoms can be exchanged among scientists and health organizations and where federated learning can be used to define new patterns of different diseases within the vast amount of shared data. Platform will be built on cloud-edge technologies provided by other partners within IPCEI-CIS, in this way assuring complete European sovereignty of the platform.

Spain

Arsys Internet S.L.U., Cloud/edge meta orchestration system, multi-cloud and federated service optimizer, and portal framework for data exploitation, Q1 2024 – Q4 2028

Arsys’ vision for this project comprises the design, development and integration of new products and services federated in the common European multi-cloud-edge continuum infrastructure. It includes: (i) Solutions at data center level, including a digital twin fed by a telemetry platform and the integration of innovations to increase energy efficiency; (ii) Virtualization platform: meta orchestration software to create a multi-vendor solution from tech providers across Europe. (iii) Portal service: framework for developers and integrators to offer apps and services that exploit customers’ data in the cloud / edge continuum. Arsys’ federated multi-cloud-edge orchestrator will be a powerful highly-innovative technology enabler. Customers will leverage the full potential of hybrid multi-cloud scenarios without the complexity of managing silos or vendor lock-in. Small cloud vendors could enter and compete in the market without being displaced by the current dominant players. This will have wide benefits for businesses in terms of choice, access, seamless use and highly energy-efficient processing of their data in real-time with guaranteed ultra-low latency, and advanced secure features from anywhere across the EU territory.

Capital Energy Services S.L.U

Project description not available.

Ericsson España S.A.U

Project description not available.

GIGAS HOSTING SA

Project description not available.

INDRA SOLUCIONES TECNOLOGIAS DE LA INFORMACION SL

Project description not available.

MONDRAGON Corporación Cooperativa S. COOP.

Project description not available.

OpenNebula Systems, Next-Generation European Platform for the Datacenter-Cloud-Edge Continuum, Q1 2024 – Q4 2028

https://OpenNebula.io/innovation/IPCEI-CIS

The project is focused on researching, developing, and carrying out a pilot industrial deployment of Europe’s first next-generation open source platform for the datacenter-cloud-edge continuum. It will support the dynamic provisioning, application portability, multi-cloud interoperability, federation, and uniform multi-provider management of the emerging hyper-distributed computing continuum. The main outcome of the project is a powerful but flexible open source middleware platform that will enable companies to build distributed private Edge-Cloud environments by aggregating infrastructure resources along the whole cloud-edge continuum. Users will be able to easily combine their on-premise datacenters with additional capabilities offered by public clouds and 5G/edge providers.
This product will support next-generation infrastructure services, advanced cloud extensions, smart data processing services developed by other IPCEI-CIS partners, and external contributions and modules. This new open source solution will be based on OpenNebula, which will be enhanced with major innovations guided by the real needs of eight research-driven use cases in strategic EU domains: Mobility, Energy, Industry & Manufacturing, Health, Tourism, Agriculture & Environment, and Media. Our platform will help to reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with the rapidly expanding global cloud infrastructure, offering a secure and easy-to-use vendor-neutral alternative that democratizes access to edge computing and promotes competition in the EU cloud market.

Telefónica España, Edge Plan, Q1 2024 – Q1 2028

The Edge Plan Project envisions an open, decentralized, and sustainable Edge Computing solution. It leverages Telco Facilities to establish a pan-European Cloud-Edge continuum infrastructure, aiming to enhance societal well-being through innovation and accessible digital services. Telefónica's pivotal role focuses on infrastructure and interconnection, contributing to end-to-end customer services and validating Edge functionalities. The project advocates for a standard and open service, ensuring interoperability and reducing lock-in effects for future customers' benefit.
In terms of technology and innovation, the Edge Plan Project is committed to pushing the boundaries of Edge computing under the IPCEI-CIS framework. The project spans Spain, connecting with Edge nodes across Europe. It embraces both existing and new technologies, aiming to advance the state of the art in Edge computing. Emphasizing an orchestration approach, the project seeks to create a multi-provider Edge-Cloud Continuum. Contributions to open-source communities, sharing infrastructure, and collaborating with partners highlight the commitment to innovation. Security, data management, and energy efficiency are also key areas of focus for a cutting-edge and sustainable Edge computing solution.^<

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