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Digital Catapult, a deep tech innovation organisation, has announced its participation in an EU-funded initiative that will advance the development and deployment of 6G technologies. The project aims to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable connectivity solutions, in a landmark intervention facilitated by Horizon Europe, that will push the boundaries of future network innovation.
The European Commission-backed 6G project (6G LEADER) will bring together leading innovators from across Europe, fostering knowledge-sharing, cross-border collaboration, and the co-creation of next-generation solutions. Digital Catapult joins a consortium of eighteen industry and academic partners, including Samsung Electronics UK, Telefonica, Nokia UK, and Accelleran following the UK re-joining the Horizon Europe Programme last year.
Key focus areas include the convergence of AI and wireless communications and the development of sustainable network technologies that could support the decarbonisation of telecommunications and accelerate the real-world application of deep tech innovations. Digital Catapult’s participation is testament to its commitment to driving the adoption of data driven, open and interoperable future networks, having championed advanced connectivity innovation through accelerator programmes and eight interconnected, 5G-enabled testbeds across the UK.
Digital Catapult will develop proof-of-concept demonstrations for open radio access networks (Open RAN); explore AI-driven methods for network performance enhancements and share insights on 6G RAN technologies and O-RAN architecture. This will build on Digital Catapult’s success to date in advanced connectivity, including its participation in a national 6G research platform.
The European Commission’s investment into the programme, under the SNS-JU (Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking), highlights the project’s strategic significance for Europe’s digital sovereignty and its influence in shaping future telecommunications standards. The programme will last for 36 months and is committed to achieving breakthroughs in future network innovation and wireless communication technology.
Joe Butler, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Catapult, said: “We’re excited to be a key player in this 6G initiative, having participated in 17 Horizon projects to date, we’re now expanding our work in advanced connectivity with cutting-edge, AI-driven, and sustainable solutions. Through our collaboration with global industry leaders, we’re advancing 6G technology, paving the way for smarter, more efficient networks that will fuel the next wave of digital innovation.”
Any reader interested in learning more about Digital Catapult’s future networks activity can learn more here.
