EIGHT BELLS LTD

Their core work

Eight Bells is a Cyprus-based technology SME specializing in 5G network solutions, cybersecurity platforms, and edge computing. They build and integrate software components for secure communications infrastructure — from 5G network applications and mobile edge computing to IoT security assessment and cyber range services. Their work spans connected vehicle systems, smart grid protection, first responder communications, and industrial 5G deployments, consistently sitting at the intersection of advanced networking and security.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Eight Bells entered H2020 (2017-2019) focused on foundational 5G networking and early cybersecurity — projects like 5G ESSENCE and SPEAR dealt with core network services and smart grid security. From 2020 onward, their work shifted decisively toward applied 5G verticals (industry 4.0, energy grids, automated transport) and deeper cybersecurity capabilities including automated firmware assessment, IoT network protection, and O-RAN-based affordable 5G rollout. They also began branching into non-ICT domains like health data analytics and wildfire management, applying their networking and security skills to new sectors.

Eight Bells is moving from generic 5G R&D toward sector-specific 5G deployments (energy, industry, transport) combined with automated security assessment — expect them to pursue Open RAN, private 5G networks, and AI-driven cybersecurity next.

How they like to work

Eight Bells operates exclusively as a consortium partner — across all 23 projects they have never coordinated, which suggests they position themselves as a reliable technical contributor rather than a project leader. With 363 unique partners across 32 countries, they are a highly networked organization that works with a wide variety of consortia rather than sticking to a small set of repeat collaborators. This makes them an easy partner to integrate: they are experienced in large EU consortia dynamics and can slot into diverse teams.

With 363 unique consortium partners across 32 countries, Eight Bells has one of the broadest collaboration networks for a Cypriot SME. Their partnerships span all major EU research nations, with particularly strong ties to organizations working in 5G, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure.

What sets them apart

Eight Bells occupies a distinctive niche as a Cypriot SME that combines deep 5G networking expertise with cybersecurity — a combination that is in high demand as 5G rolls out across critical sectors like energy and transport. Their 23-project track record as a reliable partner (never a coordinator but consistently funded) makes them a low-risk addition to any consortium needing 5G integration or security components. Their cross-sector experience — applying the same core 5G and security skills to vehicles, power grids, hospitals, and fire management — gives them unusual versatility for a company of their size.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 5G-CARMEN
  Their largest funded project (EUR 511,875) tackling cross-border 5G corridors for automated driving across EU borders — a flagship EU mobility initiative.
• TREEADS
  An unusual pivot into environmental disaster management, applying AI and networking to wildfire prevention and forest restoration — shows their ability to transfer ICT skills to new domains.
• SANCUS
  Combines automated firmware risk assessment with 5G IoT network protection and cybersecurity KPI measurement — represents their most advanced cybersecurity work.