R&D Project: Sovereign SASE Edge Security (TRUST-EDGE)

July 7, 2026

A leading provider of telecommunications and network security solutions is seeking universities and public institutions to join its consortium for the Horizon Europe project "TRUST-EDGE."
The goal is to develop a European security framework for SASE edge platforms with a focus on the software supply chain and post-quantum-secure (PQC) edge solutions.

Project Concept - Objectives
Over the course of 36 months, TRUST-EDGE will develop an integrated, European security framework for SASE edge platforms on production-ready routers, with a planned budget of approximately 3–4 million euros.
The main objectives are:
- security-by-design in the SDLC with SBOM/provenance and PQC-aware updates
- a unified validation toolchain (formal verification + AI-assisted testing)
- PQC migration along the HSM-to-edge trust chain (NIST/ETSI hybrid)
- PQC-capable hybrid IPsec/TLS for SD-WAN
- as well as operator-validated demonstrators in accordance with CRA, NIS2, and EU certification requirements

The project is organized into six work packages over 36 months and focuses on three pillars: HSM-to-edge PQC compliance, PQC-ready IPsec/TLS, and resilient firmware and software supply chain security. For field validation, operator partners will be recruited from the company’s existing customer base to test PQC IPsec/TLS and SD-WAN/SASE migration scenarios in real-world environments.

s Sought We are seeking academic researchpartners (universities, public research institutes) with the following expertise: formal verification and “security by design” methods; post-quantum cryptography and the implementation of hybrid schemes; AI-supported security testing and vulnerability discovery; hardware security assessment; and certification methods. Optional contributions to standardization/certification (ETSI, IETF, ENISA) are welcome.
Expressions of interest will be accepted until July 31, 2026. The call deadline is September 15, 2026.

Benefits of Participation
Partners benefit from access to production-ready hardware (edge routers, OneOS6 platform), HSM-centric key and firmware management (ISO 27001 certified), opportunities to validate hybrid PQC IPsec/TLS solutions, as well as operator-scale pilots and throughput benchmarking on real infrastructure.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact us, citing reference number RDRFR20260629026 .