New research projects

Smart Technologies ensuring Secure Operations in Industry

Context of the Call for Proposals

In an era of rapid digitalization and interconnectivity, the industrial sector faces increasing challenges related to cybersecurity. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial facilities have become more interconnected than ever before. While these advancements bring numerous benefits, they also introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Cyberattacks targeting industrial control systems can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and pose significant risks to safety and productivity.

This Call for Proposals invites participants to propose smart novel technologies and methodologies that enhance the security of industrial operations. These may include robust authentication and access control mechanisms, secure data governance frameworks and communication protocols, as well as intelligent threat monitoring solutions for example. Additionally, proposals focusing on secure remote access, resilient supply chain solutions and incident response mechanisms are also encouraged.

By supporting research and development in secure industrial technologies, this initiative strives to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the smooth and reliable functioning of industrial processes as well as industrial management. It seeks to create a collaborative environment where experts from various domains can come together to tackle the evolving cybersecurity challenges faced by the industry.

Objectives of the Call for Proposals

The call is dedicated to fund seed project phases of 12 months. Carried out jointly by researchers from IMT, TUM and industry, this initial “seed phase” addresses technological and structural issues concerning secure operations in industry by outlining innovative solutions with a strong potential for third-party acquisition and technology transfer.
The Seed phase targets the creation of proposals for third-party funding.

Expected outcomes

A final report presenting the results of the project has to be provided to the GFA, as well as:

  • a White Paper or a position paper, and/or other joint publications,
  • a fully detailed proposal towards third-party funding (e.g.: Horizon Europe or
    ANR-DFG call),
  • new project proposal,
  • proof of concept, prototype or demo (if applicable),
  • a scientific workshop or conference, summer or winter schools, or a dedicated event
    to share the outcomes and know-how to the community,
  • abstract,
  • iconic picture,
  • bios of researchers,
  • press articles (already published ones (if applicable) and a press release for us to
    use).

Funding

The maximal allocated funding per project is 60.000€ in total for both TUM and IMT parties. The funding is to be approximately equally split between TUM and IMT and is subject to terms and conditions of use specific to each institution.

Each side of the research group has to detail the intended use of the funding. The funding has to be used within 12 months from project start. It mainly aims at covering the following expenses: travel and workshops, relevant material and equipment, and human resources.

Time frame

  • Deadline for submissions: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 24:00.
  • Notification of the selected projects: December 2023
  • Kick-off of the seed phase: starting January 2024

We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together.

Contact

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Diane Baumer (diane.baumer@tum.de) or Paul-Guilhem Meunier (paul-guilhem.meunier@imt.fr).

PLEASE use our Application Template to apply! (Button on the top right!)