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The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency, which is the national funding agency for investing public money into science and research projects, recently announced that 11 telecoms and networking projects had each secured a slice of £13m to help commercialise their work on advanced connectivity technologies (e.g. 6G [mobile broadband], fibre optics and more).
The chosen projects reflect quite a wide variety of connectivity solutions and technologies. For example, some are designed to help the emergency services enhance coordination systems during disasters and large-scale incidents, while others will explore 3D video streaming technology, improve communications between the ground and Earth’s satellites, or support high-speed broadband access to remote locations.
The projects represent the second phase of a competition supporting Advanced Connectivity Technologies (formerly ‘Future Telecoms’), one of the six frontier technologies highlighted in the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, part of the UK government’s new 10-year Industrial Strategy.
Initially launched in 2024, the additional funding for these projects enables them to build on their successful developments and accelerate commercial deployment of next-generation technologies that could form part of 6G networks. The successful applicants will now advance their prototypes toward commercial deployment.
Gary Cutts, Innovate UK Executive Director Digital & Technologies, said:
“This investment is a major milestone for Innovate UK in delivering DSIT’s vision for world-class Advanced Connectivity Technologies. These cutting-edge projects show how targeted innovation funding can unlock transformative technologies, like 6G and optical wireless, bringing real benefits to rural communities, emergency services and the wider UK economy through home-grown innovation.”
We actually meant to write about this a week ago, but must apologise for forgetting about it in amongst a mass of other news reporting. A quick summary of the eleven different projects can be found below.
The 11 UKRI Projects
- Development of a novel network switch to enable next generation ultrahigh speed wireless access solutions led by Novocomms Limited – based in Birmingham.
The project will provide ultra-high speed internet connections to difficult locations (such as a rural location) without the need for installing costly wired or fibre optic infrastructure.
- Mid Infrared Free Space Telecommunications MIST2 led by Fraunhofer Uk Research Limited – based in Glasgow with partners in Yeovil (AV Optics), Preston (BAE Systems), Paignton (Bay Photonics) and Southampton (Covesion)
This project will address the challenges facing systems using light-based communications in challenging environments such as cloud and fog.
- nCOMM+1: A multi-access wireless network for holographic video led by Nephelie Technologies Limited – based in Bristol
This project will speed up the streaming of 3D video wirelessly at scale, enabling people to appear and interact in remote spaces as if physically present. It raises the possibility of a dancer, surgeon, or teacher sharing their presence anywhere in the world, in real time, without flat screens.
- High Optical Power PCSEL Laser for Intersatellite Data Transmit Enhancement (HOPLITE) led by Vector Photonics Limited – based in Glasgow
HOPLITE is developing advanced laser technology to boost Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC), which uses light to send data wirelessly at ultra-fast speeds. This breakthrough could enable faster, more secure internet connections between buildings, campuses, and even satellites, without relying on cables or radio signals.
- TrustNetz led by Nquiringminds Limited – based in Southampton
TrustNetz is a new form of network security. It provides evidence of “trustworthiness” that can be used across networks and network types.
Rather than relying on a single password or certificate, it can use at the device owner, the device manufacture, software and device testing evidence to inform a continuous assessment of security posture. It can even evaluate the trustworthiness of an AI system sitting within the device.
- Integration of AI & Image processing into Microwave Backhaul Alignment led by Acculink Technology Limited – based in Cirencester
This project aims to speed up the introduction of 5G microwave installation using technology that maintains the physical stability and accuracy of connections in unstable environments.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the products are high quality, offering robust and reliable telecoms infrastructure suitable for critical communications.
- VOLTAIRE-B led by Pangolin Industries Ltd – based in Livingstone and Glasgow.
VOLTAIRE-B is creating advanced light sensors that help test and maintain fibre optic networks, which are essential for fast internet. Their new chip design aims to meet growing demand for reliable tools to support future network upgrades and repairs.
- CAPTIVATE 2 led by Alter Technology TUV Nord UK Limited – based in Livingston, Scotland
This project will improve optical communications between satellites. CAPTIVATE2 is helping build the data highways that future spacecraft need while keeping the entire supply chain on British soil.
- Demonstration of Swept Beam Antennas for Coverage and Cell-Edge Capacity Enhancement in an Operational 4G / 5G Cellular Testbed Network led by University of Surrey – This project will use technology to improve the quality of service from mobile cellular operators. It has the potential to decrease the number of deployed cellular masts by maintaining the same level of coverage across a network.
- Illuminate Ph2 led by Archangel Lightworks Ltd – based in Oxford this project will deploy the TERRA-M Optical Ground Station (OGS) to a teleport and conduct an extended test campaign with partners’ Low Earth Orbit optical communications satellites. It will help cement the UK and Archangel Lightworks’ position on the cutting-edge of optical satellite communications technology.
- Project ARANA Phase 2 led by Weaver Labs Limited – based in London and trialling in Milton Keynes – live pilot trials at Stadium MK will bring experience of a cutting-edge private 5G in action, delivered through a unified mobile application built on the Cell-Stack platform. Visitors should be able to interact with a wide range of services in real time during matches.