ICON

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The ICON project is an EU-funded research initiative under the Horizon Europe programme focused on advancing the next generation of optical communication networks. ICON aims to integrate sensing capabilities directly into optical fibre infrastructures, transforming existing terrestrial and subsea networks into global-scale intelligent systems. By embedding fibre-based sensing as a core function alongside data transmission, the project enables real-time monitoring, enhanced performance optimisation, and energy-efficient operations. ICON paves the way for intelligent, context-aware networks that support a wide range of applications including environmental monitoring, improved network resilience, and adaptive network control.

Project Website: https://iconproject.eu/

In the ICON consortium, CYRIC is responsible for leading Work Package 7, which covers dissemination, exploitation, communication and standardisation activities. CYRIC drives the project’s efforts to ensure that ICON’s results reach key stakeholders across Europe and beyond. This includes developing strategic communication materials, organising outreach events and workshops, facilitating knowledge transfer, and contributing to standardisation efforts that support the uptake of ICON technologies. Through its role, CYRIC enhances the visibility, impact and long-term sustainability of the project’s innovations in the field of intelligent optical networks.

The ICON project runs from January 2025 to December 2027 with a total budget of approximately €4.99 million. ICON brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of research institutions, industrial partners and technology providers from across Europe. The project advances optical communications by integrating sensing and context awareness as core functions of network architecture, not as add-ons. Key outcomes include:

  • Development of advanced optical fibre sensing technologies integrated into live networks.
  • Creation of an intelligent sensing controller with intent interpretation and digital twin capabilities.
  • Context-aware optimisation methods that enhance network performance and energy efficiency.
  • Field demonstrations that validate how sensing-enabled optical networks operate in real use cases.

ICON’s work supports resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure in Europe, opening new possibilities for environmental monitoring, urban mobility optimisation and infrastructure management through intelligent optical networks.