NEPHELE

A lightweight, synergistic meta-orchestration software framework for the next generation of continuum computing

NEPHELE is a Horizon Europe-funded Research and Innovation (RIA) project, within the scope of Future European platforms for the Edge: Meta Operating Systems . Its vision is to enable the efficient, reliable, and secure orchestration of hyper-distributed applications across the entire programmable infrastructure, from the cloud to the edge and IoT devices. The project seeks to eliminate interoperability and openness barriers in the convergence of IoT technologies with cloud and edge orchestration platforms, incorporating automation mechanisms and decentralized intelligence powered by 5G and distributed AI technologies.

Project objectives

Key Innovations and IoT/Edge Orchestration
NEPHELE focuses on two key innovations:

1. Software stack for IoT and Edge Computing: Enables virtualization of IoT devices at the edge and management of multiple devices and platforms in a unified manner, without relying on middleware platforms. This approach supports interoperability and openness, offering on-demand edge computing capabilities to optimize the performance of IoT applications.

2. Synergistic Meta-Orchestration Framework: Coordinates the interaction between cloud and edge orchestration platforms through high-level planning and oversight, adopting a “system of systems” approach that ensures efficiency and scalability in hyper-distributed environments.

Strategic sectors
NEPHELE results will be validated and evaluated through use cases across multiple vertical sectors, including:

• Disaster management

• Logistics operations in ports

• Energy management in smart buildings

• Remote health services

In addition, two successive open calls are planned, along with the creation of an open-source community to support and expand the adoption of the project’s results.

With this combination of advanced orchestration, device virtualization, and intelligent automation, NEPHELE aims to become a European benchmark in the integration of IoT, edge, and cloud, promoting interoperability, efficiency, and security in critical and distributed applications.

Website: https://nephele-project.eu/