What is the SONIC Labs Programme?
Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology. 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?
The key dates associated with the programme are proposed as follows:
- Kick-off event and networking at Digital Catapult’s offices on the 10 June 2024
- Demonstration and Programme Showcase event by early February 2025
Provided below is the TAP timeline:
- Open Call – Applications Open: 19 February 2024
- Open Call – Application Deadline: 27 March 2024, 23.59 GMT
- Selected Applicants invited to interview: 9-19 April 2024
- Intended notification of all Applicants: 14 May 2024
- Contracts signed: 31 May 2024
- Intended public announcement of successful Participants: 3 June 2024
- Start-ups/SMEs to provide all required hardware, licence for software development, VM/compute requirements including hardware cards: 7 June 2024
Programme:
The technical journey for the programme is forecast to be as follows:
- Start Date: 10 June 2024
- Technical environments completed: 31 July 2024
- Final Reporting completed: 31 January 2025
- Showcase: Early February 2025
- End Date: 28 February 2025 (including completion of Participant’s exit interviews)
What is the duration of developing and applying products for this programme?
SME product development and application of products will be for the duration of this programme which ends on 31st January 2025.
- For Theme 1, TAP participants will have access to an emulated Open RAN deployment using a RIC tester
- For Theme 2, Digital Catapult will provide access to an energy consumption monitoring test platform
- The O-DU/CU products will always be 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, Innovation Practice and the Marcomms teams will be leading its delivery.
Who can apply to join the programme?
The SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme has been designed for startups, scale-ups, SMEs and international businesses that are operating in the UK. Academic spin-outs are invited to apply to TAP.
Participants will carry out their own research to develop and implement solutions and algorithms relevant to address the two Open RAN energy efficiency challenges presented under the following two Themes:
- Theme 1: RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes
- Theme 2: Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores
The requirements for applications to the SONIC Labs programme are:
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have developed a viable energy efficiency product for their business/industry and will be able to show how they will benefit from the Programme
- Applicants must be eligible to receive £7,800 in State Assistance (see Competition Terms for further details)
- Applicants must have a business bank account for any payments to be made.
- For Theme 1, Applicants must be a UK operating company small and medium sized or academic spin-outs
- For Theme 2, Applicants must be Providers of O-DU and O-CU software that have undertaken activity in the UK, or have interests to undertake activities in the UK.
- Applicants are not considered a high-risk Participant (as defined by the National Cyber Security Centre, or otherwise under applicable law)
Requirements for Theme 1: RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes
Applicants developing xApps and rApps for Theme 1:
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have the technical capabilities to develop an xApp/rApp for an end-user
- Applicants must have adequate technical resources to take part in development, integration, testing and porting processes as well as other resources to take part in knowledge sharing and dissemination activities
Requirements for Theme 2: Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores
Applicants providing O-DU and O-CU software for Theme 2:
- Applicants must have adequate technical resources to take part in integration, testing and optimisation as well as other resources to take part in knowledge sharing and dissemination activities
- O-DU and O-CU software will be deployed and integrated with an energy consumption monitoring and test platform
- O-DU and O-CU software providers shall be able to incorporate the feedback from the test platform and incorporate, and implement it in the product to showcase energy gains
General Requirements:
- Participate in one onboarding session and technical kick-off at the start of the Programme
- Participants should indicate the hardware and compute requirements within 2 days after selection confirmation to allow lead time to order accelerator and network cards
- Participants will be required to answer the onboarding form; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) form; and the monitoring progress forms to feed information into the Benefits Realisation framework
- Participants should be willing to be physically present as required by the programme to fulfil some of the technical objectives at the relevant test sites in London
- Participants will work with the DC Technical staff throughout the technical journey of this Programme
- Participants will allow Digital Catapult to use the integrated assets on its SONIC Labs Programme as part of the agreement
- Participants are expected to help the DC technical staff if and when required with their product integration and configuration
- Participants will support the Digital Catapult Technology and Innovation Practice teams in the weekly capture of technical and non-technical lessons learnt from the Programme, participate in exit interviews and other requirement gathering activities
- Participants will have at least one representative take part in periodic meetings and all knowledge sharing (Community of Practice) sessions throughout the Programme
- During the broader SONIC Labs programme, it is anticipated that a showcase event will take place in Digital Catapult’s office and parties will use reasonable endeavours to attend, present and demonstrate their solutions
- Participants agree to be visibly (name and logo) 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, Participants shall use their reasonable endeavours to answer specific questions from Digital Catapult relating to its growth and progress to assist Digital Catapult in demonstrating the impact of its activities
- This shall include:
- (i) participation in an annual telephone conversation of one hour, and
- (ii) participation in a biannual survey issued by Digital Catapult
Participants who are exploring and developing xApps and rApps for Theme 1: RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes, would also commit to the following:
- Should aim to prove out with emulated CU/DU/RU, if supported by Participants, otherwise shall be proven with RIC tester which shall simulate CU/DU/RU/UE/Core
- Are expected to develop/enhance apps (xApps/rApps) during the TAP
Participants who are participating for Theme 2: Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores and providing software for O-DU and O-CU, would also have the following commitments:
- Should provide support to integrate the O-DU and O-CU with the O-RU and Core Simulator in Energy consumption monitoring and test platform
- Should utilise UE/RU Emulator with built-in channel emulation to generate ETSI traffic profiles for low, medium, and busy-hour levels
- Should provide support for benchmarking Energy Consumption of the O-DU/O-CU under established and repeatable traffic conditions
- Should provide support for Optimising energy-saving gains based on the characterisation tests using variations in Uncore Frequency Scaling technique, Voltage-Frequency control states (P-state), Traffic profiles and C-State
Product’s Auxiliary Items
The start-ups/SMEs and O-DU and O-CU software providers participating in SONIC Labs will provide any auxiliary items necessary for the correct functioning and interfacing of the product in the programme. This includes items such as:
- Any installation manual or guide for the product
- Accelerator cards for the O-DU deployment
- O-DU and O-CU software that can be deployed on COTS servers
- Software licences for O-DU and O-CU for the duration of the TAP programme
At what Technology Readiness Stage does my product need to be at in order to apply for the TAP?
For Theme 1: RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes
Participants will be developing and enhancing xApps and rApps during the TAP and should aim to prove out with emulated CU/DU/RU, if supported by vendors, otherwise shall be proven with RIC tester which shall simulate CU/DU/RU/UE/Core.
For Theme 2: Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores
The products must comply with the suitability criteria required for Open RAN gNB systems of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7-9 for more mature products where they interface to developing products and solutions.
Can SMEs/scale-ups opt on which use case they focus on?
Yes, Participants can provide their preference for the use case challenge that they want to focus on during the TAP programme.
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 demonstrate that you are operating in the UK and are a registered company in a country. Please note we do not accept high-risk Participants.
Does my organisation need to be UK based?
No, your organisation does not need to be based in the UK but must operate and currently sell products and, or Open RAN products in the UK or can demonstrate that it has plans to sell solutions for Open RAN energy efficiency challenges.
Will we need to travel to the UK for the programme?
Due to the international nature of the TAP, 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 Participants 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 Category 1 and Category 2 participants?
Category 1 are participants who are NOT applying for bespoke business support and the associated minimum financial assistance.
Category 2 are participants who are applying for bespoke business support and meet the specific competition terms associated with minimum financial assistance.
What are the benefits of joining the Bespoke Support Stream (Category 2)?
The Bespoke Support Stream is an additional stream for those that would like to access tailored support in commercialising their Open RAN products in the UK. You will still take part in the full technical stream of the programme, but will also be able to access:
- 1:1 investment support and introductions to key investors from Digital Catapult’s Investment Readiness team
- Access to Digital Catapult’s best-in-class mentorship support covering a variety of business and technical experience
- Additional sessions with the Participant’s leadership team to determine current technological, commercial and strategic needs
- Tailored technical and business workshops to develop and improve the Participant’s products and wider organisation’s business
Please note that applying to join the Bespoke Support Stream does not affect your application process. The best products will be chosen for the TAP regardless if they apply to this stream. Anyone applying to the Bespoke Support Stream must have £7,800 of Subsidy aid available to access this support.
What is the total State Assistance that my company can receive?
This is only relevant in case you are applying to the Bespoke Support Stream (Category 2). The total State Assistance received or due to be received by an individual Participant (including any associated companies e.g. subsidiaries), originating from a United Kingdom source, must not exceed £315,000, or €200,000 (approximately £165,000) for Northern Ireland Companies (or any other company subject to the Northern Ireland Protocol), each in aggregate across the Participant’s current fiscal year (as at the Agreement Date) and the previous two fiscal years. The Bespoke Support Stream has been assessed as providing £9,500 for participants. Therefore applicants must have at least the assessed value available from their subsidy aid allowance. See here to check what qualifies as State Assistance.
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 down-selected to the interview phase of the programme between the 9th to the 19th of April 2024. Applicants will be notified on whether or not they have been accepted to the SONIC Labs programme by 14th May 2024.
What is the scoring criteria for the programme?
There is separate selection criteria for the Theme 1 and Theme 2
There are 3 criteria upon which applicants will be assessed for Theme 1: RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes:
1. Technology innovativeness (50%)
- For Theme 1: Applicants can clearly identify innovative energy efficiency use cases for xApps and rApps software development
2. Commitment of the Team (30%)
- Able to commit to 8-10 hours a week for the programme
- The team is equipped and experienced to collaborate with Digital Catapult engineers on Open RAN activities (installation/configuration/troubleshooting), and has appropriate technology skills and resources to participate in other programme activities including knowledge sharing and dissemination
- Has appropriate technology skills and resources to participate in other programme activities including knowledge sharing and dissemination
3. Business Capability (20%)
- 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
There are 5 criteria upon which all applicants will be assessed for Theme 2: Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores:
1. Technology relevance and suitability (55%):
- Applicants can provide the software for O-DU and O-CU and support deployment on the COTS servers
- Products should have a high Technology Readiness level to easily plug and play
2. Expertise and commitment of the team (30%)
- The team is equipped and experienced to collaborate with Digital Catapult engineers on Open RAN energy efficiency activities, including installation/configuration/troubleshooting, and have the appropriate technology skills and resources to participate in other programme activities including knowledge sharing and dissemination
3. Business capability (5%):
- 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
4. Product market fit in the UK (Pass/Fail):
- The company has sufficiently demonstrated its intention to the satisfaction of Digital Catapult, or is already commercialising their O-DU/CU product in the UK
5. Innovativeness of the product (novelty features) (10%):
- Product will be assessed based on differentiated features from other similar products and what innovative features it has or will have as part of this programme
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 TAP energy efficiency challenge requirements.
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 TAP you can re-apply or opt to have your application re-considered for future cohorts and TAPs.
xApp and rApp developers will receive a contribution of £30,000 to support the company towards the eight-month programme, including the development, integration, testing and experimentation project costs for their product.
O-DU, O-CU software providers will receive £20,000 per product in the TAP to support the companies towards the eight-month programme, including the development, integration, testing and experimentation project costs for their product.
Each TAP member will receive tranches of this amount according to delivery milestones during the programme.
What if my application is not successful to join as a Participant?
If you are not successful for TAP you can re-apply or opt to have your application re-considered for any potential future cohorts or TAPs. 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 in 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 contribution for Participants developing xApp/rApp in the TAP
- £20,000 contribution for O-DU and O-CU products with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7-9
- 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
- Community of practice events to share learnings and gain insights
- Receive brand exposure on all Digital Catapult and SONIC platforms by being part of the programme
If taking part in the bespoke business support stream (Category 2):
- 1:1 investment support and introductions to key investors from Digital Catapult’s Investment Readiness team
- Access to Digital Catapult’s best-in-class mentorship support covering a variety of business and technical experience
- Additional sessions with the Participant’s leadership team to determine current technological, commercial and strategic needs
- Tailored technical and business workshops to develop and improve the Participant’s products and wider organisation’s business
How can I benefit from the programme?
Programme participants receive the following benefits beyond developing energy efficiency solutions for Open RAN challenges:
- £30,000 for xApp and rApp developed on the programme, to support your organisation during the eight-month programme
- A contribution of up to £20,000 per indoor O-DU and O-CU with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7-9 provided to the programme
- 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
Note: Please note that SONIC Labs is not a certification lab and will not be able to provide end-to-end commercial and conformance certification at the end of the programme and any badging. However, it will help innovators accelerate technology development to prepare for further testing and certification.
What are the differences between this TAP programme and the Cohort programmes offered by SONIC Labs?
This is the first Technology Access Programme which SONIC Labs is running. It has a specific challenge which is to identify solutions which address the energy efficiency Themes described above.
