The 6G platform connects German development initiatives and serves as a point of contact for the public regarding 6G.
Communication systems are the central nervous system of a digital economy and society. In order to be able to shape the digital future, it is crucial for Germany to be able to act with technological sovereignty. In order to act in a sovereign manner, it is important for Germany and Europe to play a key role in shaping technology development and not just to use technology. In shaping the technological foundations of 6G, it is crucial that Germany takes a strong role to act at the forefront of the international research. Central to this is, in particular, strengthening the networking and cooperation of all relevant players.
The goal of the project „Platform for Future Communication Technologies and 6G (6G Platform)“ is both to make scientific contributions to the content design of 6G and to ensure the scientific-organizational support of the processes that are necessary for the successful implementation of the German-European 6G program. To this end, harmonization with international regulation and standardization will be promoted, and opportunities for participation by society and industry will be created. Accordingly, the platform ensures that user groups that are not actively involved in mobile communications research can also contribute to the identification of 6G leading applications and requirements. The focus is on ensuring efficient harmonization of visions and concepts with the aim of defining a uniform German position. This takes into account that the definition of 6G is a dynamic process.
The scientific contributions of the 6G Platform deal in particular with issues of high social relevance. In addition to internal science communication within the framework of the 6G initiative, the 6G platform is also aimed at recipients outside the scientific community. Space for dialog is created, through which broad sections of the population, from those with an affinity for technology to groups less interested in technology, are to be reached. In this way, the broadest possible participation in the innovation potential of 6G is generated in society at an early stage, which will also benefit the economy in the long term. Overall, the 6G platform is making an important contribution to the development of a 6G ecosystem and thus to advancing Germany’s technological sovereignty in future 6G technologies.
The 6G Platform
The 6G Platform brings together key initiatives for 6G development in Germany. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Its mandate is to connect German stakeholders in the 6G field, thereby facilitating the transfer of research. Furthermore, it serves as a point of contact for the general public and represents the German position on 6G technologies within international contexts.
Transfer Hubs
To advance 6G research and the subsequent transition of its results toward market readiness, the BMFTR supports so-called „transfer hubs“. These hubs are an essential component of the German 6G initiative and consist of consortia comprising universities and scientific research institutes. The 6G Platform is tasked with coordinating these consortia and orchestrating their collective presence. There are four such transfer hubs: xG-RIC, 6G-life, 6GEM+, and Open6GHub+.
Industry Projects
Industry projects bridge the gap between 6G research and the perspective of end-users. This ensures that specific practical requirements – such as those concerning energy efficiency, security, or standardization – are integrated into the new technology from the earliest stages of development. The BMFTR funds these projects, which involve partners from both science and industry. The 6G Platform incorporates these projects into its networking activities, thereby anchoring them firmly within the German 6G ecosystem.
Berlin 6G Conference
Since 2023, the 6G Platform has hosted the Berlin 6G Conference. This annual conference serves as a key component for the 6G Platform, fostering exchange within the 6G sector regarding significant research outcomes and pioneering development issues. It is recognized as a leading, internationally noted event for the German 6G industry. The conference is supported by the BMFTR. Furthermore, the 6G Platform participates in other international conferences – such as the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona – thereby introducing the German and European perspective on 6G to international professional circles.