National Growth Fund project ‘Future Network Services’ launched
The Future Network Services consortium has received 61 million for the first phase of the development of the next generation of mobile communication networks: 6G. In June, the proposal was conditionally honoured with 203 million from the National Growth Fund. The consortium, consisting of dozens of telecom companies, technical universities and knowledge institutes, can now get started with the objective of developing a strong Dutch 6G ecosystem between 2024-2030. The potential of 6G is promising because it can send data much faster than 5G, with low latency.
Growth fund boosts innovation
The potential of 6G is being realised through innovative network technology and 'smart' semiconductors combined with photonics (data exchange via optical signals).
The Netherlands has world-class knowledge and experience in network innovation, semiconductors and mobile applications. The FNS consortium combines this knowledge and experience to jointly take a decisive position in the development of 6G and the Netherlands' digital infrastructure.
The contribution from the Growth Fund will allow a group of 60 partners to work together to develop 6G. This development contributes to our country's earning power and creates a strong competitive position. The Growth Fund is the only grant instrument that subsidises and encourages major innovations like this. Without this contribution, this large-scale long-term collaboration would not have got off the ground.
Intelligent hardware and software
The Future Network Services Consortium focuses on the development of components, networks and applications for 6G. Unique to this program is its integrated approach. By closely linking technology and applications, the market opportunities for Dutch companies active in radio components, antennas and network software, increase.
Thus, FNS contributes to the competitive position of the Netherlands with a powerful digital infrastructure. This takes into account the build-up of knowledge and expertise needed in academic research, higher vocational education, secondary vocational education and small and medium-sized enterprises to develop 6G innovations.