Next-generation European Protection and Technology for Undersea critical infrastructure Network Enhancementcore
NEPTUNE · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-08-01–2029-07-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-CL4-2025-03 · scheme HORIZON-CSA · topic HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-12. CORDIS record →
Objective
NEPTUNE – Next-generation European Protection and Technology for Undersea critical infrastructure Network Enhancement – addresses the urgent need for a coordinated European research and innovation road map for submarine cable infrastructures. These cables form the backbone of Europe’s digital and energy connectivity, but face rising risks from technical failures, natural hazards, and intentional attacks, while governance and Research & Innovation remain fragmented across Member States. NEPTUNE will deliver comprehensive Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda - a Roadmap that defines key R&I priorities, investment needs, and governance mechanisms to enhance the resilience, security, and sustainability of submarine cables. It will cover all relevant domains, including construction, operation, maintenance, and repair, and align with the resilience cycle of the EU Action Plan for Cable Security (Prevent, Detect, Respond & Repair, Deter). NEPTUNE will map and assess critical hardware and software components, define R&I activities with investment scenarios, and develop resilience and preparedness frameworks. It will also provide policy recommendations, guidance for NIS2 and CER implementation, and a skills and training agenda to build future capacity. By integrating sustainability considerations, the project will promote environmentally responsible and climate-resilient infrastructures in line with the European Green Deal. Through its roadmap, NEPTUNE will strengthen cross-border collaboration between authorities, operators, and industry, improve governance coordination, and establish European leadership in submarine cable technologies. The consortium partners combines methodological excellence, operational insight, and policy relevance with strong industry linkages. Designed to be compact and agile, it ensures neutrality toward competing technologies while remaining deeply embedded in industry networks through operators, ministries, and pan-European organisations.
Beneficiaries (14)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAUREA-AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY | FI | coordinator | €443,312 | |
| EUROPEAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY SEAFLOORAND WATER COLUMN OBSERVATORY - EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM (EMSO ERIC) | IT | participant | €257,375 | |
| DANISH CABLE PROTECTION COMMITTEE | DK | participant | €179,875 | Yes |
| RINA CONSULTING SPA | IT | participant | €179,031 | |
| CONSORZIO NAZIONALE INTERUNIVERSITARIO PER I TRASPORTI E LA LOGISTICA | IT | participant | €131,125 | |
| NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY | EL | participant | €129,750 | |
| GEANT VERENIGING | NL | participant | €126,750 | Yes |
| TURUN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY | FI | participant | €118,148 | |
| CANARIAS SUBMARINE LINK SL | ES | participant | €109,438 | Yes |
| SISAMINISTERIO (SM) | FI | participant | €81,500 | |
| MUNSTER TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY | IE | participant | €75,500 | |
| YPOURGEIO PSIFIAKIS DIAKYVERNISIS | EL | participant | €64,125 | |
| KAITSEMINISTEERIUM | EE | participant | €52,750 | |
| MINISTERO DELLE IMPRESE E DEL MADE IN ITALY | IT | participant | €50,338 |
Get the EU Defence Funding Calendar — free
The full calendar of open EU defence and dual-use funding calls, sorted by deadline, updated nightly. Delivered with DFM Analysis, our weekly briefing on who is funding what in European defence.
Or browse all open defence & dual-use calls on the funding calendar →
Defence Finance Monitor is an analytical and informational product. Grant data is official CORDIS; the paid Annual Professional subscription is handled on DFM Analysis.