How Open RAN can open the door to innovation

Join us for this webinar to discover more about SONIC Labs – a cutting edge interoperability lab, as well as the opportunity to learn how Open RAN can unlock innovation to drive the future of network optimisation. 

You can expect insightful discussions from speakers across the ecosystem on how the Radio access network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC) provides exciting innovation opportunities to drive efficiencies in telecoms, such as network optimisation through the application of artificial intelligence (AI). You can also learn more about the integration journey of disaggregated RAN functions, as tested in our SONIC Labs. 

This online event is also an opportunity to understand how to get involved in future cohorts of SONIC Labs and contribute to the UK’s 5G diversification strategy. 

This event will provide attendees with the opportunity to:

• Learn about specific challenges of integration and interoperability of disaggregated and software-centric Open RAN network solutions and multi-vendor implementation.
• Learn about early technical insights around interoperability and end to end Open RAN performance testing in SONIC Labs.
• Discover the technical journey and products of the first companies collaborating in the SONIC Labs facility. 
• Understand the innovation opportunities around AI/ML, automation and RIC in Open RAN.
• Understand how to get involved in the subsequent phases of SONIC Labs. 

This event focuses on 5G networks, diversification and open networks, and in particular it will be of interest to:

• Companies with Open RAN products, solutions and services in development who seek integration with others.
• Startups and scaleups developing early-stage Open RAN products looking for ways to mature and improve their offers and find routes to market.
• Companies looking to collaborate on Open RAN, 5G integration and interoperability with SONIC Labs and with each other.
• Mobile Network Operators.
• Innovators and start ups working with artificial intelligence and machine learning. 
• Universities and Research Centres that are developing Open RAN solutions or exploring new technologies to enhance network automation and optimisation.
• RIC developers interested in exploring new opportunities enabled by AI and ML.
• Open RAN system integrators.

15:00 – Introduction and welcome

Linda Ligios, Senior Innovation Partner – Digital Catapult

15:05 Overview of SONIC Labs – a cutting edge interoperability lab

Dritan Kaleshi, Director of Technology 5G and Co-Director of SONIC Labs – Digital Catapult

Simon Burley, Programme Director, Connectivity – Ofcom

15:15 – The SONIC Labs integration journey

Charles Turyagyenda, Lead 5G Technologist – Digital Catapult

15:20 – Panel 1: Insights from SONIC Labs testbed users

• Chair: Amrit Heer, Senior Technology Relationship Manager – Digital Catapult
• Dario Fertonani, CTO – Phluido
• Aniruddha Kulkarni, Managing Director – Effnet AB
• Yogesh Pandey, Europe Emerging Comms – Capgemini
• Stephen Patrick, Director – Cablefree
• Aleksandra Checko-Jelonek PhD, Product Manager – IS Wireless
• Padraig McNamara, COO and Co-founder – Benetel

16:10 – Panel 2: Open RAN innovation opportunities – exploring AI, network optimisation and RIC

• Chair: Gary Trotman, Senior Strategic Technology Partnerships Manager – Digital Catapult
• Ari Uskudar, Senior Product Line Manager, RAN Intelligence Automation – VMware
• Stefano Cantarelli, CMO and Executive Vice President – Mavenir
• Richard MacKenzie – Distinguished Engineer at BT, Co-chair RAN Intelligence & Automation (RIA) – Telecom Infra Project
• Murali Ranganathan – Connectivity Technology & Ecosystem Development – Meta and Technical Lead – RAN Intelligence & Automation (RIA) – Telecom Infra Project
• Ayan Ghosh, Technical Design Authority, 5G Testbeds and Trials – DCMS

16:55 – Next steps and closing notes

Linda Ligios, Senior Innovation Partner – Digital Catapult

17:00 – End

We also have a unique opportunity for pioneering individuals and companies to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be applied to the telecom sector to develop new ground-breaking applications.

The workshop will foster the development of ideas in a neutral convening space, providing a launch pad for innovators to help them to connect with other companies and eventually develop their ideas further.

Click here to find out more and express your interest in attending.

Please note, attendance for this workshop is limited and Digital Catapult will follow-up with organisations to confirm participation with a formal invitation.

For more information about the programme, please visit https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/how-we-can-help/what-we-offer/programme/sonic/