University College Dublin will lead the EUR 8 million Shield-6G Project, an EU-backed effort to build AI-driven cybersecurity standards for next-generation 6G mobile networks.
The European Commission commissioned the project to develop a cyber threat intelligence platform for 6G technology.
Researchers said the platform will combine automated “zero-touch” security management with privacy-preserving analytics. The system aims to let stakeholders share threat intelligence without exposing sensitive raw data.
Shield-6G was the only project selected under a competitive call from Horizon Europe’s Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking. They described the programme as a major EU research and innovation initiative with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion.
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The project includes 19 international partners across universities, multinational companies and specialist small and medium-sized enterprises.
Madhusanka Liyanage, an associate professor at University College Dublin and director of UCD NetsLab, will lead the project. His work focuses on secure 5G and 6G networks.
Liyanage said 6G would serve as an “intelligent digital nervous system” for future society by connecting people, industries, infrastructure and autonomous systems.
UCD spin-out MBP Network Technology, established in 2024, will support industry adoption. The company will work on edge-based services for energy-efficient AI optimisation and intrusion detection.
The project aims to help 6G networks anticipate, detect and respond to cyber threats in real time.
