GSMA Foundry and ESA Unveil €100M Funding for AI and 6G at MWC26

Major Investment to Drive 6G and AI Innovations

In a groundbreaking announcement made during the Mobile World Congress (MWC26) in Barcelona, the GSMA Foundry, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), unveiled a significant funding initiative worth up to €100 million. This funding aims to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, and the development of 5G/6G hubs, essentially pushing boundaries for the future of connectivity.

Goals of the Funding Initiative

This new collaboration builds upon the successful partnership established between GSMA Foundry and ESA in 2024. The aim is not just to push forward technology but also to commercialize hybrid network solutions, making satellite and terrestrial integrations seamless and efficient. The funding focuses on four strategic pillars:

1. AI x NTN: Innovations integrating AI to optimize spectrum management and traffic flow across multi-orbit satellite and terrestrial networks.
2. Direct-to-Device (D2D): Initiatives that facilitate direct connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices, ensuring global reach without dependence on traditional networks.
3. 5G/6G Hubs: Establishing collaborative platforms for operators and developers to innovate hybrid network infrastructures together.
4. 6G Innovation: Emphasizing advanced technologies like edge intelligence, with a commitment to fostering the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks.

Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Resilience, Navigation, and Connectivity, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "Our Member States' unwavering support has allowed this collaboration to thrive. We are collectively marking a crucial moment for Europe’s space and telecommunications industries. Providing access to funding for AI, NTN, and D2D initiatives prepares us for a seamless global 6G infrastructure."

Showcase at MWC26

The ESA and GSMA Foundry held a showcase at MWC26, demonstrating the potential of satellite-mobile convergence. This exhibit featured fifteen live demonstrations ranging from D2D connectivity to AI-driven networks and early innovations in 6G, highlighting how hybrid architectures can enhance coverage and resilience for new services.

Participation from major companies like Accedo, Nokia RXRM, and Microamp adds to the vitality of the demonstrations, illustrating the extensive collaboration around these initiatives. The live showcases will also include demonstrations of ESA's exploration of the Moon, highlighting advanced connectivity applications in new frontiers of space.

Panel Discussions and Future Prospects

The event will host several key discussions, including one with ESA’s Laurent Jaffart and GSMA’s Chief Technology Officer Alex Sinclair regarding the implications of the €100M funding. Engineers and developers will also come together to debate the practical applications of NTNs, setting the stage for the next steps on the road to 6G.

Celebrating Innovation in Connectivity

The GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards held during the MWC26 recognized key players contributing to these advancements. Notable winners included AWTG for Fixed Mobile Convergence solutions, Keysight Sateliot for 6G innovations, and Lasting Software for pioneering network development in Romania. This recognition underscores the collaborative spirit that's essential for driving transformative changes in connectivity.

The GSMA and ESA showcase the crucial role that innovative funding and partnerships play in paving the way towards a future where connectivity is truly universal and integrated across multiple platforms. As technology evolves, initiatives like these will continue to break new ground in providing crucial infrastructure and fostering collaboration among various industries to address global connectivity challenges.