Nokia has been named the overall project leader for Hexa-X, the European Commission’s 6G flagship initiative. The project's goals include creating 6G use cases and scenarios, making fundamental 6G technologies and defining a new architecture for an intelligent fabric that integrates key 6G technology enablers. Nokia will work closely on the project with a strong consortium of European partners.
The Hexa-X project was awarded funding from the European Commission under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Stakeholders represent the full value-chain of future connectivity products, ranging from network vendors, communication service providers, verticals, and technology providers, as well as European communications research institutes.
Nokia is leading the 6G joint research and pre-standardisation process. Nokia Bell Labs is already researching the fundamental technologies that will comprise 6G. The company expects 6G systems to launch commercially by 2030, following the typical 10-year cycle between generations.
Nokia Bell Labs, together with the Hexa-X consortium, identified six research challenges that need to be addressed to lay the technical foundation for 6G wireless systems. These include connecting intelligence, a network of networks, sustainability, global service coverage, extreme experience, and trustworthiness.
In addition to Hexa-X, Nokia is actively involved in other European 6G research initiatives such as 6Genesis, a national 6G programme funded by the Academy of Finland and led by the University of Oulu, and Horizon Europe Smart Networks and Services, which aims to secure European leadership for the development and deployment of next generation network technologies and services, while accelerating European industry digitisation.
The Hexa-X project will start on 1 January, with a planned duration of 2.5 years.
