SIXSQ SA

Their core work

SixSq is a Geneva-based software SME specializing in cloud, edge, and fog computing platforms. They build tools for deploying and managing distributed applications across multi-cloud and fog-to-cloud environments, with a strong emphasis on security, data privacy, and policy enforcement. Their work spans from securing critical infrastructure (SCADA systems, smart grids) to enabling research communities to access commercial cloud services. They provide the software layer that lets organizations orchestrate workloads across heterogeneous computing environments — from edge devices to public clouds.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

SixSq's early H2020 work (2015-2017) concentrated on cloud security fundamentals — data encryption, access control policies, SCADA protection, and securing industrial control systems. From 2017 onward, their focus shifted toward distributed computing architectures (fog-to-cloud, edge computing) and applying these platforms to real-world domains like smart mobility, Earth observation, and research infrastructure. The trajectory shows a company that built deep security expertise first, then expanded into the infrastructure and platform layer where that security knowledge becomes a differentiator.

SixSq is moving from pure cloud security toward becoming a platform provider for distributed edge-to-cloud computing, positioning them well for IoT, smart city, and Earth observation applications.

How they like to work

SixSq exclusively participates as a partner rather than leading consortia — zero coordinator roles across all seven projects. They work in medium-to-large consortia (69 unique partners across 22 countries), indicating they are brought in as a trusted technology contributor rather than a project driver. Their consistent presence across diverse consortia suggests they are valued for specific technical capabilities (cloud/edge platforms, security modules) that plug into larger system architectures.

SixSq has built a broad European network of 69 unique partners across 22 countries, reflecting their role as a flexible technology provider that integrates into diverse consortia. Their Swiss base gives them access to both EU-funded and associated-country project ecosystems.

What sets them apart

SixSq combines deep cloud security expertise with practical edge/fog computing platform development — a rare combination in the SME space. While many companies focus on either security or infrastructure, SixSq bridges both, making them especially valuable for projects that need secure distributed computing. Their Swiss base and SME status make them an attractive consortium partner for proposals needing associated-country participation and industry balance.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ELASTIC
  Their largest funded project (EUR 782,331), applying fog computing to extreme-scale analytics for smart mobility — represents their strategic pivot toward edge computing platforms.
• SCISSOR
  Brought their cloud security skills into critical infrastructure protection (SCADA/smart grids), demonstrating cross-sector capability beyond pure IT.
• OCRE
  Participated as third party in connecting commercial cloud services to the European Open Science Cloud, signaling their move into research infrastructure provisioning.