AGENDA

The CELTIC-NEXT Autumn Call 2026 is open until 26th of October, inviting innovative ideas that will shape the future of next-generation communication systems, trusted digital infrastructures and advanced connected services across Europe and beyond.

We are pleased to announce the Proposers Day taking place at IMEC in Leuven, Belgium, on 25 September 2026. This in-person event will bring together innovators, researchers, companies, SMEs, and public authorities to accelerate consortium building and strengthen high-impact project ideas for the CELTIC-NEXT Autumn Call 2026.

Participants will have the opportunity to present short pitches, exchange with potential partners, and engage directly with national funding representatives. The Proposers Day is designed to help you refine your proposal, identify collaboration opportunities, and form strong international consortia capable of addressing the challenges of future communication systems.

Schedule Pitching Session:

Visit pitches from previous Proposers Days

Presentations

Keynotes:

Keynote Speech1: “AI Sandboxing for 6G Ecosystems”,
Michael Dieudonne, Country General Manager and R&D Manager Keysight, Belgium
Keynote Speech2: “How Europe is shaping the future of Wireless Innovation”,
Professor Ingrid Moerman, UGent & Programme Manager imec, Belgium

Funding in your Country:

Belgium

Spain

UK

Lithuania

Finland

Austria

Poland

Portugal

Türkiye

Successful SMEs from Belgium:

neXat

Artech

Alongside the pitching sessions and project presentations, public authorities will be present to explain national funding opportunities and support mechanisms available across participating countries. Dedicated networking time will also be provided to encourage discussions and match complementary expertise across organisations.

Whether you already have a mature proposal or are still shaping your idea, this day is intended to support meaningful collaboration and accelerate the transition from concept to consortium.

The CELTIC-NEXT Office will also provide guidance on the proposal process.

By participating in this Brokerage Day, organisations can position themselves within a large-scale European innovation ecosystem and access national public funding for R&D projects in advanced digital technologies.

By applying and participating in the CELTIC-NEXT Call, your organisation can access national public funding for your R&D project, so we encourage you to reach out to your national project coordinator through the CELTIC-NEXT dedicated National Public Funding page. 

This in-person Proposers Day takes place on  25 September 2026,  hosted by the IMEC in Leuven, Belgium.

KEY DATES