About RESCUE
Resilient Edge Systems for Critical Infrastructure and Urban Environments
The Problem
Modern societies depend on interconnected critical infrastructure — from energy grids to urban communication systems. These systems are increasingly smart and connected, but that same connectivity introduces vulnerability.
When central systems fail, edge nodes must operate independently. When cyberattacks strike, infrastructure must continue. When connectivity degrades, local intelligence must take over. Today’s systems aren’t built for that.
The consequences are real: large-scale IT outages, cascading failures in energy networks, and disruptions to essential city services have demonstrated that resilience cannot be an afterthought.
Project Vision
“Rescue resilience in critical infrastructure through real-time edge intelligence.”
Project Objectives
Four high-level objectives drive the RESCUE research agenda, each measurable and tied to specific Project Areas.
Real-Time Risk Identification
Improve capability to detect risks and faulty events in energy infrastructure and smart cities in real-time, shortening response time and minimising impact.
Secure Resilient Connectivity
Develop technologies for reliable, continuous data connections for sensor and control networks, enabling timely identification and classification of events.
Interoperability and Collaboration
Ensure interoperability of tools and processes within the critical infrastructure ecosystem, including interfaces with emergency services and coordination centres.
Cyber-Resilience and Adaptiveness
Provide continuous security and privacy monitoring, addressing cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure with tools for proactive vulnerability identification.
Strategic Goals
🛡️ Enhanced System Resilience
Robust technologies across the cloud-edge continuum that ensure critical infrastructures can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions.
⚠️ Protection of Critical Infrastructure
Early warning and mitigation strategies, guaranteeing continuation of services even when parts of the infrastructure are compromised.
🇪🇺 Technological Sovereignty
Strengthening Europe’s technological independence by advancing local expertise in critical technology sectors, reducing reliance on external sources.
📊 Socio-Economic Benefits
Improving infrastructure reliability leads to reduced economic losses, enhanced public safety, and increased investor confidence.
👥 User and Societal Acceptance
Actively engaging end-users and stakeholders to ensure solutions are user-centred, GDPR-compliant, and societally accepted.
Project Timeline
Project Start
September 2025
Kick-off Meeting
October 2025
Initial Requirements & Scenarios
Early 2026
Technology Demonstrators
Mid-project
Project End & Final Validation
2028
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101225910. Swiss participants are funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).