CELTIC-NEXT Next Generation Communications Spring 2026

Description

CELTIC-NEXT, the Eureka cluster focused on Next-Generation Communications, has launched their spring call for collaborative research and development project proposals.

CELTIC-NEXT, the Eureka cluster focused on next-generation communications, has launched the spring call for collaborative research and development project proposals.

The CELTIC-NEXT Spring 2026 Call invites Canadian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and other organizations to propose collaborative, industry-driven R&D projects that advance next-generation communication technologies supporting a secure, trusted, and sustainable digital society. The program promotes innovative ICT solutions through international partnerships that connect industry, academia, and research to drive technological progress and market impact.

1. Sector of focus

Next-Generation Communications for the Digital Society

2. Application deadline

Deadline to submit the full project proposal: April 24, 2026

3. How to apply

To apply, applicants must register through CELTIC's Online Project Portal. Please inform your NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor if you plan to submit a project proposal.

4. Related events

• CELTIC-NEXT Launch Event (online): December 1, 2025
• CELTIC-NEXT proposers' brokerage day: January 30, 2026 (Vienna, Austria)

5. Project funding

Eligible project participants in collaborative projects selected through this call for proposals may receive funding from their respective national funding bodies. Funds will be provided in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, rules and procedures established by the relevant national funding body, country, jurisdiction and/or program.

Each project participant should contact their national funding agency early in the process and follow their advice regarding national funding applications in parallel with the proposal submission.

The following apply to project proposals:

• Be close to market and business needs
• Have at least 2 different partners from 2 different EUREKA countries for their project consortia (1 must be a EUREKA member country and the other either a EUREKA member country or EUREKA associated country)

6. Canadian funding eligibility

Canadian SMEs

In Canada this call for proposals is offered through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). NRC IRAP funding is only available for eligible Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Project participants who are not eligible for funding are welcome to participate on a self-funded basis.

• The Canadian applicant must meet all the following criteria:
  • be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium sized enterprise (SME) in Canada (defined as having 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees)
  • have been in operation for a minimum of 12 months prior to the project proposal deadline specified above
  • have a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees located in Canada (on your company payroll and issued a T4), excluding contract employees, by the Canadian registration deadline specified above
  • pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada
  • have a differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets
  • have the financial capacity (working capital, sales revenue, investment, etc.) and the operational capacity (personnel, expertise, resources, etc.) to undertake an international multi-year R&D collaboration while maintaining regular operations, and to subsequently commercialize the results
  • be committed to significant growth through international market expansion
• Preference may be given to SME applicants that meet the criteria below
  • have a minimum of 15 full‑time equivalent (FTE) employees located in Canada (on your company payroll and issued a T4), excluding contract employees
  • have commercialized 1 or more products internationally
  • have more than $500,000 CAD in annual sales revenue.

Example of how to count a full-time equivalent employee
Your company has 5 part-time employees on its payroll. Each employee works one day per week. Over one year, these employees represent the equivalent of 1 full-time employee.

Canadian SME applicants must be eligible for funding as NRC IRAP clients before they can be considered for funding through the call for proposals. For more information on NRC IRAP eligibility and becoming an NRC IRAP client, please contact NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727.

Note: Canadian SME applicants may apply to more than one NRC IRAP funded call for proposals simultaneously. However, NRC IRAP limits the number of funded projects per applicant. Canadian SME applicants who are applying to more than one opportunity or who have ongoing NRC IRAP projects should speak to their NRC IRAP representative for more information.

Other Canadian organizations

Other types of Canadian organizations (e.g.: large corporations, non-profits, universities, research centers, etc.) may participate in CELTIC-NEXT projects but need to secure funding from alternative sources or self-fund their project participation.