SONIC Labs – Cohort 6 open call

SONIC (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) Labs programme is a collaborative programme from Digital Catapult and Ofcom, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), to allow new solution providers to enter the 5G telecoms supply chain in the UK. 

The programme aims to create a commercially-neutral and collaborative environment for testing interoperability and integration of open, disaggregated and software-centric network solutions and multi-vendor architectures. It will drive forward the rollout of a new wireless communication technology known as Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), that enables mobile networks to be built using a variety of different equipment suppliers. 

Cohort 6 will address conformance testing, badging and certification of Open RAN systems in line with the following objectives.  

• Enable and encourage innovative suppliers of 5G Open RAN products to participate in the UK telecoms ecosystem.  

• Facilitate a path towards deployment by UK mobile network operators of Open RAN technologies in UK mobile telecommunications.  

• Provide UK mobile network operators (large and small) with a pipeline of innovative, validated and certified suppliers and products to choose from. 

 It is envisaged that the outcomes of Cohort 6 will provide UK mobile network operators (large and small) with a pipeline of innovative and competitive suppliers and products to choose from thus facilitating a path towards deployment by UK mobile network operators of Open RAN mobile technologies. 

This programme is designed for UK and international telecoms vendors with high maturity to deploy Open RAN products and solutions with focus on CU (centralised unit), DU (distributed unit), outdoor and indoor RU (radio unit) and RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) including both Non-RT RIC Applications (rApps) and Near-RT RIC Applications (xApps) components. These components must conform to Open RAN standards and specifications. 

You can apply for multiple components to be considered for the programme, but there is a limit of funding for 3 products/solutions per vendor for this programme. Each CU, DU (including Upper PHY), RIC and RU vendor will receive £30,000 per product/solution. Please note that vendors providing a RIC with accompanying xApps and rApps and DUs with third-party Upper PHY, will be counted as one product respectively. 

If you have taken part in a previous SONIC Labs programme, you are eligible to apply again as long as there are significant new enhancements and maturity to your products used in the previous programmes, and/or you are applying with completely new products.

Vendors will also be responsible for monitoring the project progress and meeting regularly with the Digital Catapult team to discuss project updates and relevant learnings.

Applicants should take note of the following activities in relation to this open call:

20 February 2025 – Applications Open 

03 April 2025 – Application Deadline 

04 – 16 April 2025 – Selected Applicants invited to interview 

17 April 2025 – Applicants will be notified 

1 May 2025 – Programme start date 

If you would like to find out more about future SONIC Labs activities, please get in touch here to have a preliminary call with the team.

Applicants will be assessed based on five criteria: 

Technology relevance and suitability (50% weighting): 

One or more network products (e.g. initially from the O-RAN specification of radio, distributed, centralised units and RAN intelligent controller) from the mobile system architecture, complies with the suitability criteria required for the integration, interoperability and performance testing on Open RAN gNB systems including ready to deploy high maturity performance.  

Products should have a high Technology Readiness level (8-9) to easily plug and play. 

Expertise and commitment of the team (30% weighting): 

The team is equipped to collaborate with DC engineers as well as system integrators in system integration activities (installation/troubleshooting), has appropriate technology skills and resources to participate in other programme activities including knowledge sharing and dissemination. 

Business capability (10% weighting): 

The company has core competencies that would enable it to progress in the launch and commercialisation of Open RAN products within and beyond the UK. 

Product market fit in the UK (Pass/Fail): 

The company has an intention to/ is already commercialising their product in the UK. 

Innovativeness of the product (novelty features) (10% weighting):  

The solution has additional features and the ability to develop new RAN intelligent, programmable and virtualised functions.  

Participants will be selected on a portfolio basis to ensure the Programme is able to deliver consistent support and activities that provide value to all Participants whilst fulfilling the architecture requirements of the selected Open RAN products system. 

Applications will open on 20th February 2025 

An overview of the process is outlined below.

1. Applicants must apply via the link below which will take them to the application form. You will be asked to demonstrate that you meet the conditional requirements for the SONIC Labs programme.
2. Once you start your application you will have until 3rd of April 2025 at 23:59 GMT to submit your application.
3. Should you require any assistance with the application form, you can request to have a call with one of our experts or reach out to [email protected] to explore the suitability of your product(s) for the theme and learn more about the programme. 
4. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted applicants will proceed to a one hour interview to understand the deeper technical level of your products, swap preferences and your motivations for joining the programme, as well as theme suitability. The date for the interview will be communicated by Digital Catapult via email. 
5. Participants for the programme are chosen and will be informed via email. Each member will receive confirmation email.

What is the SONIC Labs Programme?

SONIC (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) Labs is a commercially-neutral, collaborative, environment for testing interoperability and integration of open, disaggregated and software-centric network solutions and multi-vendor architectures.

It has been designed to offer global Open RAN product vendors and integrators a technical platform, a place to collaborate and a programme designed to accelerate the development of Open RAN technology in the UK telecoms ecosystem.

SONIC Labs is a joint programme between Digital Catapult and Ofcom, funded by DSIT as part of their 5G Diversification Strategy. The programme includes:

• Access to Digital Catapult’s commercially neutral, multi-tenancy network testbed
• Peer support sessions with other programme participants and the Digital Catapult teams to support on technical activities
• Support following the end of the programme through SONIC Labs Alumni network, giving access to opportunities to showcase your products and gain bespoke support in commercialising your O-RAN products. 

What are the key dates for the programme?

• Open Call – Applications Open: 20 February 2025 

• Open Call – Application Deadline: 3 April 2025 

• Selected Applicants invited to interview: 4 – 16 April 2025 

• Intended notification of all Applicants:  17 April 2025 

• Contracts signed: 1 May 2025 

• Participating vendors to provide all required hardware, VM/software requirements including hardware cards: 15 May 2025  

• First phase of badging and certification tests completed: 31 October 2025 

• Second phase of badging and certification tests completed: 30 January 2026 

• End Date: 27 February 2026  

What is the duration of using vendor products for this programme?

Vendor products will be used in reference network for the duration of this programme which ends on 27th February 2026. The vendor products will be always active during this duration. 

Who will be running the SONIC Labs Programme?

Digital Catapult will be running the programme in collaboration with Ofcom. The Digital Catapult Technology and Innovation Practice and Marcomms teams will be leading its delivery. 

Who can apply to join the programme?

The SONIC Labs programme has been designed for international businesses, who supply Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) products. Businesses must be looking to  evaluate Open RAN products at scale while also validating performance, handover, and mobility in reference networks. We are looking for a mix of scaleups, mid-size and large companies to participate.

The requirements for applications to the SONIC Labs programme are:

The SONIC Labs programme has been designed for international businesses, who supply Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) products. Businesses must be looking to evaluate Open RAN products at scale while also validating performance, handover, and mobility in reference networks. We are looking for a mix of scaleups, mid-size and large companies to participate. 

The requirements for applications to the SONIC Labs programme are: 

• Participants for Indoor Field Trial shall have at least one Open RAN product, ready to deploy and with high maturity level. This should include one or more of the following: CU (centralised unit), DU (distributed unit), RU (radio unit), RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) including both, non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC. RIC vendors can provide their rApps and xApps or their partner’s rApps and xApps, as part of their RIC solution. 

• In addition, participants for Outdoor Field Trial providing Outdoor Radio Units shall be compliant with the outdoor IP rating requirements and additional requirements specified in the SONIC Labs Competition Terms. 

• Applicants are planning on selling or currently selling their products in the UK. 

• Participants must have adequate technical resources to take part in integration, testing and swapping processes as well as other resources to take part in knowledge sharing and dissemination activities.  

• A company representative must be able to attend all the key activities, e.g. onboarding, the low-level design, integration, benchmarking and swapability experiments and periodical meetings for the duration of the programme. Please note programme dates, which are subject to change. 

• Participants agreed to be visibly associated with the Programme, whilst on the Programme and afterwards as a former participant and beneficiary. This includes marketing collateral, such as website, print and digital materials for a maximum period of five years following the Project end-date. 

Does my organisation need to be a UK registered company to participate?

No, your organisation does not need to be a UK registered company. However, you do need to be a registered company in a country.  Please note we do not accept high-risk vendors. 

Does my organisation need to be UK based?

No, your organisation does not need to be based in the UK but must currently sell or plan to sell their Open RAN products in the UK.

Will we need to travel to the UK for the programme?

Due to the international nature of cohorts, it is not compulsory to travel to Digital Catapult offices in Euston London for the programme as long as the integration and any integration support can be done remotely, however if there is a need for such a support that requires attendance in person, then it is expected from the participants to travel without any additional cost to DC. However, we would encourage vendors to travel to the UK to be able to more easily facilitate the initial integration into SONIC Labs if possible.

What is the difference between requirements for Indoor Field Trial and Outdoor Field Trial?

 Applicants specific to indoor testing shall have at least one Open RAN product, ready to deploy and with high maturity level. This should include  one or more of the following: CU (centralised unit), DU (distributed unit), RU (radio unit), RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) including both, non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC. RIC vendors can provide their rApps and xApps or their partner’s rApps and xApps, as part of their RIC solution. These components must conform to Open RAN interface standards (compliance with 3GPP and O-RAN Alliance). 

• Applicants must have adequate technical resources to take part in integration and testing processes as well as other resources to take part in knowledge sharing and dissemination activities.  

• Applicants must be able to provide multiple instances of the products that could be part of gNodeB systems if required.  

• Indoor radio units provided by Applicants for shall be able to operate in the specified spectrum slots within the following range 3.3 – 4.0GHz 

• Radio Units provided by Applicants shall be compliant with the indoor EMF and RF safety requirements.  

• Applicants are not considered a high-risk vendor (as defined by the National Cyber Security Centre, or otherwise under applicable law). 

• All-in-one gNodeB combined solutions will not be considered. 

• These products will be deployed in reference networks serving friendly customers and hence should be stable, always active and serving them. 

• RIC, CU and DU vendors should comply with at least some minimal set of KPMs to allow cell level measurements which can be used by xApps/rApps.  

• SMO based configuration for CU and DU should be supported 

• RIC and CU should be able to be deployed on virtual machines. It is preferred to be deployed as containers on kubernetes. 

• Indoor RUs should preferably support an external antenna to allow RF cable-based connection to be used with T&M tools 

• Participating vendors should support optimising the configuration to allow the best performance supported by their products for the given radio conditions. 

 Applicants specific to outdoor testing and providing outdoor Radio Units shall be compliant with the outdoor IP rating requirements (IP65) and: 

• Participants shall be willing to coordinate with Digital Catapult as the System Integrator for providing required inputs for RU installation, RU optimisation and stabilising the RUs for field usage 

• Outdoor radio units shall be deployed in the street cabinets adjacent to the lampposts. 

• DU shall be able to be deployed on COTS servers in the telephone exchanges 

When will I hear back about the outcome of my application?

Applicants will be notified on whether or not they have been successful in being selected to the interview phase of the programme that aims to take place between the 4th to 16th April 2025. SONIC Labs intends to notify Applicants on whether or not they have been accepted to the SONIC Labs programme by 17th April 2025.  

What is the scoring criteria for the programme?

There are 5 criteria upon which all applicants will be assessed: 

Technology relevance and suitability (50% weighting): 

• One or more network products/functions compliant with the O-RAN Alliance architecture specifications for: radio units, distributed units, centralised units and RAN intelligent controller. The products should be compliant with the O-RAN open interfaces required for the integration, interoperability and performance testing on Open RAN gNB systems with high maturity performance and ready to deploy.  

• Products should have a high Technology Readiness level to easily plug and play. 

Expertise and commitment of the team (30% weighting) 

• The team is equipped to collaborate with DC engineers as well as system integrators in system integration activities (installation/troubleshooting), and has appropriate technology skills and resources to participate in other programme activities including knowledge sharing and dissemination. 

 Business capability (10% weighting): 

• The company has core competencies that would enable it to progress in the launch and commercialisation of Open RAN products within and beyond the UK. 

Product market fit in the UK (Pass/Fail): 

• The company has an intention to/ is already commercialising their product in the UK. 

Innovativeness of the product (novelty features) (10% weighting):  

• The solution has additional features and the ability to develop new RAN intelligent, programmable and virtualized functions.  

Participants will be selected on a portfolio basis to ensure the Programme is able to deliver consistent support and activities that provide value to all Participants whilst fulfilling the architecture requirements of the selected Open RAN products system. 

As an applicant, what’s the contracting process and funding I will receive?

Applications are governed by the competition rules. If you are successful, a participation agreement will be issued which governs your activities on the programme with respect to the technical activities on the programme, programme deliverables and payment milestones. 

If you are not successful for this cohort you can re-apply or opt to have your application re-considered for future cohorts. 

 Vendors can receive £30,000 for each CU, DU, RIC and outdoor RU product on the cohort, to support your organisation during the programme (there will be no more than 3 products per vendor i.e. a £90,000 limit) 

What if my application is not successful to join as a Vendor?

If you are not successful for cohort 5 you can re-apply or opt to have your application re-considered for any potential future cohorts or programmes. Digital Catapult will also be able to provide feedback as to why your application was not successful. 

Who will my application data be shared with?

Digital Catapult Representatives: Relevant DC representatives will see your application in order to assess the application, and otherwise in the administration of your application and, if successful, participation on the Programme. 

The application information will only be used for the purposes of the programme and its evaluation, and will only be retained for the duration of the programme (two years), and for participants on the programme for the evaluation period (maximum five years) and otherwise to comply with legal requirements. 

Please see the SONIC Labs Competition Terms for more details. 

What will Digital Catapult deliver to participants on the programme?

Digital Catapult will deliver the following to participants: 

• Welcome Pack 

• One onboarding session at the start of the Programme 

• Support from the Digital Catapult Technology and Innovation Practice teams in technical and innovation activities  

• £30,000 for each CU, DU, RIC and outdoor RU product on the cohort, to support your organisation during the programme (there will be no more than 3 products per vendor i.e. a £90,000 limit) 

• Access to Digital Catapult’s commercially-neutral, multi-tenancy open network testbed providing real-world indoor and outdoor scale environments, including test and measurement capabilities
• Receive brand exposure on all Digital Catapult and SONIC platforms by being part of the programme 

How can I benefit from the programme beyond evaluating Open RAN products at scale?

Programme participants receive the following benefits beyond evaluating Open RAN products at scale while validating performance, handover, and mobility in reference networks: 

• £30,000 for each CU, DU, RIC and outdoor RU product on the cohort, to support your organisation during the programme (there will be no more than 3 products per vendor i.e. a £90,000 limit) 

• Access to Digital Catapult’s commercially-neutral, multi-tenancy open network testbed providing real-world indoor and outdoor scale environments, including test and measurement capabilities 

• Bring your organisation’s products closer to certification through evaluating Open RAN products at scale while also validating performance, handover, and mobility in reference networks. 

• Regular interactions with the Digital Catapult Technology and Innovation Practice team to support technical activities on the programme as well as explore commercial opportunities. 

• Receive brand exposure on all Digital Catapult and SONIC platforms by being part of the programme 

• The opportunity to be an Alumni of the SONIC Labs Programme. Alumni are able to network with their peers, stay up-to-date with Digital Catapult activities of specific interest and attend closed or exclusive events and, subject to the annual Assistance Declaration, may also receive the optional Alumni Opportunities. 

At what Technology Readiness Stage does my product need to be at?

The products must comply with the suitability criteria required for Open RAN gNB systems of technology readiness level (TRL) 8-9 for more mature products where they interface to developing products and solutions.  

What are the differences between this Cohort and previous Cohorts?

This is the sixth cohort which Sonic Labs is running. Every Cohort has a specific theme. The main theme of this sixth cohort is to conduct testing towards certification, Interoperability (IOT) badging and End-to-End (E2E) badging of Open RAN products (RU, CU, DU, RIC). 

Can vendors opt for deployment in Site 3 or Site 4 or both?

Yes, vendors can provide their preference for being deployed in site 3 or Site 4 or can they be considered for either of the 2 sites or both the sites, except for RU vendors. RU in Site 3 shall be indoor only RUs and RUs for Site 4 will be outdoor only RUs.