« All Events

Call for Projects – Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty

July 6 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Date: 6 – 8 of July 2026
  • Host: Constantin Brâncuși University, Târgu Jiu, Romania
  • Organised by: Digital Transformation Applied Research & Innovation Centre, ARIES Incubator
  • Certificate of attendance included: Yes
  • Narrative Proposal:

The ACE²-EU ARIES Incubator invites researchers, innovators, and cross-disciplinary teams from our Alliance to submit project proposals focused on “Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty”.

This call is designed to foster collaborative, high-impact initiatives that address the evolving challenges and opportunities in digital security, data autonomy, and technological independence.

We are specifically looking for proposals that:

  • Align with future funding calls (submission deadlines after August 2026).
  • Leverage the expertise and resources of the ACE²-EU Alliance.
  • Contribute to EU priorities in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and sovereign technologies.

About Thematic Focus: Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty

In an era of rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity and digital sovereignty are critical to ensuring trust, resilience, and autonomy in our digital ecosystems. We welcome proposals that explore (but are not limited to) the following areas:

  • Secure Digital Infrastructures: Innovations in encryption, blockchain, and decentralised systems to protect data integrity and privacy.
  • Sovereign Cloud & Data Solutions: Developing EU-based alternatives for cloud computing, data storage, and processing.
  • AI & Cybersecurity: Using artificial intelligence to enhance threat detection, response, and digital trust.
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding energy, healthcare, and transportation systems from cyber threats.
  • Digital Identity & Authentication: Advancing secure, user-centric identity management solutions.
  • Policy & Governance Frameworks: Research to inform EU policies on digital sovereignty, compliance, and ethical standards.
  • Education & Awareness: Initiatives to build cybersecurity literacy and skills across sectors.

Why Submit a Proposal?

  • Access to a Collaborative Network: Connect with researchers, industry partners, and policymakers across the ACE²-EU Alliance.
  • Support for Proposal Development: Receive guidance on aligning your project with EU funding priorities (e.g., Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme).
  • Visibility & Impact: Showcase your work within the Alliance and beyond, contributing to a safer, more sovereign digital future.

Who Can Apply

  • Researchers and academics from ACE²-EU partner universities.
  • Industry partners, startups, and SMEs collaborating with Alliance members.
  • Cross-disciplinary teams combining technical, legal, social, or policy expertise.
  • Early-career researchers with innovative ideas

Your Journey Through the Process

  1. Submit your proposal: Share your innovative idea with us by submitting the two-page document via the registration link. https://forms.gle/iCBVNE8hzsTMW5fi8
    1. The two-pager document should include, Project title and thematic alignment (Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty); Objectives and expected impact; Partners involved (or expertise you’re seeking); Target funding call (if known) and timeline. The template is provided in the registration form.
    2. Deadline for Registration: 15 of April 2026, 23:59 CET
  2. Matchmaking meeting: Meet the researchers and collaborators from the Alliance partners that are interested in contributing to the project.
    1. Date: 22 April 2026
    2. Time: 16:00 (Romanian Time)
    3. Meeting link: will be shared as a calendar invitation once you have registered.
  3. Attend the On-site Workshop in Romania: Meet your collaborators in-person and get to develop the proposal, receive feedback, and get support from experts.
    1. Dates: 6 – 8 July 2026
    2. Host: Constantin Brâncuși University, Târgu Jiu, Romania

For enquiries please reach out to 📧 info.ariesincubator@e-ucb.ro

Let’s Build the Future—Together!

Cybersecurity and digital sovereignty are not just technical challenges—they’re societal imperatives. By collaborating across disciplines and borders, we can create solutions that empower individuals, organisations, and governments to thrive in a secure digital world.

Details

Related Events