📋 Tender Overview
Grant agreement ID: 101297265
DOI
10.3030/101297265
EC signature date
23 April 2026
Start date
1 August 2026
End date
31 July 2029
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.
