ICOS Project: Driving Innovation in the Cloud-Edge-IoT Continuum Through Open Calls The ICOS Project successfully implemented two distinct Open Calls (OC1 and OC2) over 37 months, leading to the selection and funding of 20 innovative projects. These initiatives significantly contributed to the development of the Cloud-Edge-IoT continuum by engaging a diverse range of participants and fostering both solution development and technology uptake across various sectors.

ICOS Solutions Development Projects (OC1)

The first Open Call targeted consortium projects, bringing together technology or service providers and end-users. This scheme supported joint projects, with funding up to €200,000 per consortium. Five projects were selected under OC1, structured into three implementation stages: Requirements and Design, Device-level Implementation of ICOS, and Application-scale Demonstration. The focus was on supporting research and validation activities, and extending ICOS deployments into new sectors beyond those initially covered by the consortium.

ICOS Uptake Projects (OC2)

The second Open Call focused on individual Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), providing financial and mentoring support for the design and development of ICOS applications. Lasting six months, this program supported 15 projects, each eligible for up to €60,000 in funding. OC2 projects were structured into three stages: Requirements and Design, Application-level Implementation, and Sectorial Demonstration. These projects primarily aimed to foster the uptake of ICOS technologies, encouraging wider adoption and practical demonstration of the technology among private actors across nine sectors.

Financial Management and Impact

An initial budget of €1,900,000.00 was allocated to finance the two ICOS Open Calls, with FundingBox managing the financial aspects and ATOS overseeing project implementation. A substantial €1,848,356.50 was successfully awarded and distributed to third-party beneficiaries. The financial management adhered to a lump-sum mechanism, with payments disbursed upon the successful completion and validation of predefined milestones and deliverables. This rigorous review process, involving ICOS mentors, experts, and the Selection Committee, ensured accountability and satisfactory performance from beneficiaries.

Key Contributions to the Cloud-Edge-IoT Continuum

The ICOS Open Calls played a crucial role in advancing the Cloud-Edge-IoT continuum by:

• Expanding ICOS Deployments: OC1 projects facilitated the implementation of ICOS at the device level in new sectors, broadening the application of ICOS solutions.
• Fostering Technology Uptake: OC2 projects enabled individual SMEs to develop and deploy ICOS solutions, accelerating the adoption of ICOS technologies by private actors.
• Driving Innovation: Both Open Calls supported innovative projects that contributed to the development of new sectoral services and applications based on ICOS infrastructure.
• Ensuring Quality and Accountability: The structured evaluation and payment processes ensured that funded projects met high standards of quality and technical performance, directly contributing to robust and reliable Cloud-Edge-IoT solutions

While some minor deviations and challenges were encountered during implementation, the ICOS FSTP mechanism proved to be a robust and transparent framework, significantly contributing to the project's objectives of fostering innovation and technology adoption within the Cloud-Edge-IoT landscape.

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