Hexa-X-II: Transforming the industry through innovation
The European Commission (EC) announced today the establishment of Hexa-X-II, the second phase of the EC’s flagship 6G initiative. This new phase will see the Hexa-X partner list grow to 44 organisations tasked with developing the pre-standardized platform and system view that will serve as the foundation for many future 6G standardisation inputs.
The EC has awarded funding to the Hexa-X-II project as part of the first call of the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU). This is a significant step toward bringing key stakeholders in Europe together. Both Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II aim to establish Europe as a 6G leader.
Hexa-X-II encompasses the entire value chain for future connectivity solutions. Its members include network vendors and communication service providers, as well as verticals and technology providers and the most prestigious European communications research institutes.
With the help of innovations from Hexa-X, the Hexa-X-II consortium will work to solve the following challenges:
- Sustainability
Hexa-X-II will research technologies that contribute to a zero-carbon footprint and limit energy and material consumption. - Inclusion
Hexa-X-II aims to provide connectivity to people in developing countries as well as underprivileged members of developed societies. - Trustworthiness
Hexa-X-II will ensure data transparency, security and privacy, as well as network robustness.
Following its leadership of the first Hexa-X project, Nokia will be the project leader for Hexa-X-II. Ericsson is appointed technical manager for Hexa-X-II. Orange, Telecom Italia, TU Dresden, University of Oulu, IMEC, and Atos will assist in the coordination of various work packages, including radio evolution and innovation, future devices and flexible infrastructure, smart network management and values, and requirements and ecosystem.
The Hexa-XII project is set to begin on January 1st, 2023. It is an ambitious task that is expected to take 2.5 years.