6G Field Labs and Innovation in Northern Netherlands
In the FNS partner interviews, we feature a partner every week. Our partners give insight into the developments and innovations within their company and their role in 6G Future Network Services.
In April 2024, we spoke with Josca van Dam, ICCS program manager since autumn 2023, to discuss ICCS’s objectives and involvement in the Future Networks and Services (FNS) program. ICCSprovides expertise and support in connectivity, AI and sensor technology. As the successor to the 5Groningen program, ICCS is dedicated to creating a smarter and more connected region.
From 5Groningen to ICCS
Hanze University Groningen (per April 2024: the Hanze) participates with ICCS in the FNS program is based on strategic choices and motivations arising from its strategic policy plan. The Hanze has been committed to Digital Transformation for years, including through participation in the 5Groningen Programme. As ERDF living lab 5Groningen's spokesperson, the Hanze has successfully connected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organizations to educational institutions, facilitated student projects using 5G technology, and addressed societal issues. The success of 5Groningen paved the way for the creation of ICCS. "Building on the expertise and experience gained from 5Groningen, ICCS is now focusing on 6G and other advanced communication technologies," Josca explains. "Our scope has expanded beyond Groningen to cover a larger part of the Northern Netherlands."
ICCS Partners
Besides the Hanze, the University of Groningen, TNO, Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur and Economic Board Groningen are the consortium partners within ICCS. The corporate partners are Bytesnet, VodafoneZiggo, VMware and KPN.
Participation in the Future Network Services Program
By participating in the FNS program, ICCS aims to reinforce its role within the regional innovation ecosystem, particularly in developing smart grids and 6G applications. Over the years, ICCS has accumulated extensive knowledge through collaborations with various stakeholders, making it a crucial player in the digital transformation landscape. "5Groningen was a living lab for about seven years, led by Peter Rake from Economic Board Groningen. Peter has since joined TNO with the start of the FNS program, ensuring a seamless transition and continued collaboration," Josca notes.
Program Lines and Work Packages FNS
ICCS is part of Program Line 4 and more specifically Work Package 4.1. "We are one of the field labs in the National 6G testbed, built on a foundational ICT infrastructure. Here, prototypes and demonstrators of intelligent components and software modules are connected and tested in conjunction with high-value applications," says Josca. This setup provides unique facilities for knowledge institutions and entrepreneurs, fostering joint innovations and accelerating the scale-up process."
In addition to providing the field lab, ICCS is also active in informing and attracting SMEs in the Northern Netherlands. Companies and enterprises in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe have the opportunity to work with ICCS to improve their operations and innovate their products with the application of the latest communication technology.
The ICCS Field Lab
Located on the Zernike Campus in Groningen, the ICCS field lab is a hub for connectivity solutions, offering advice on the most appropriate communication technologies. ICCS aims to bring together innovative companies to explore and perfect 6G innovations. "Our focus is not just on the technology itself but on practical applications," Josca emphasizes. The field lab provides a collaborative environment where experimentation and knowledge sharing are paramount. By partnering with various educational and research institutions, as well as industrial entities, ICCS pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with the latest communication technologies.
Collaboration with TU Delft's Do IoT Field Lab
ICCS also collaborates with TU Delft's Do IoT Field Lab, which accelerates innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT). "These two field labs form the foundation, and our goal is to establish more field labs across the Netherlands to create a comprehensive 6G testbed. Each lab will have unique selling points to ensure diverse and complementary research and development," says Josca.
Looking Ahead
In partnership with Hanze University and other leading consortium members, ICCS is poised to make significant advancements in communication technology and 6G development in the coming years. "Engaging SMEs in pilot projects remains a challenge, as it has been for the past eight years, largely because the full potential of 6G technology is still being explored," Josca concludes. "However, we are excited about the future and confident that, together with our consortium partners, we will achieve great things."
For more information on ICCS and its field lab projects, visit ICCS Website.