Innovating the future: Insights from the one6G Summit in Munich

Martel Innovate is a proud member of the one6G Association and has recently contributed to the organisation of the inaugural in-person one6G Summit held in Munich on November 9-10.

This event successfully gathered prominent individuals from various corners of the globe, such as policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and academia. The summit was marked by a dynamic atmosphere, state-of-the-art technical demonstrations, impactful keynote speeches, and stimulating discussions.

The one6G Association has experienced consistent membership growth, exceeding 100 members in the first half of 2023 and continuing to expand at a rapid rate each month thereafter. This milestone highlights the growing significance of one6G as an inclusive technical organisation, bringing together established and emerging industry stakeholders, along with academic institutions, to collectively influence the trajectory of 6G technology. Martel has recently intensified our commitment and involvement, assuming the role of board member since 2023 through our CTO, Massimo Neri.

The event’s main topics focused on shaping the future landscape of 6G technology, a frontier poised to revolutionise our connectivity and interaction with the world. Of notable significance was the afternoon session on the inaugural day, chaired by our CEO, Dr. Monique Calisti, focusing on the “Industry View on 6G”. This session delved into how 6G has the potential to drive digital transformation across diverse sectors. It provided a platform for influential voices, including representatives from the 5G Automotive Association and the 6G Health Institute, specialising in innovative healthcare technologies. The initial segment brought together industrial stakeholders to explore the enhancement of vertical sectors through 6G, while the subsequent part featured key players in the information and communication technology sector, sustaining the discourse on the transformative impact of global 6G.

Among the various concepts and innovations discussed in both the live event and offline conversations, it’s essential to highlight the following key takeaways:

• 5G Hype Cycle – A learned lesson? A concept that was frequently discussed during the summit in reference to the typical progression of any given technology – from the initial enthusiasm and exaggerated expectations, through a phase of disappointment, and ultimately reaching a stage of practical, productive applications. The 5G industry is currently advancing up the ‘slope of enlightenment’, approaching the ‘plateau of productivity’ where the full potential of the technology becomes evident. The central question raised was whether the insights gained from this cycle with 5G could guide more successful development and rollout phases for 6G.
• Active participation from the entire ecosystem is key. The address by the Head of the Department of Labor and Economic Development at Munich City was particularly noteworthy. Munich, as a city deeply committed to innovation and startups, invests significantly in key strategic areas, especially in communications.
• Selection of pivotal technologies. The event featured several captivating demo exhibitions showcasing innovative technologies like Terahertz communications and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). The success or potential delay of 6G’s commercial viability will likely depend on choosing the right set of key technologies to be included and prioritised in the initial 6G release.
• The significance of satellite communications. The increasing relevance of the NTN component in 6G networks for coverage, service reliability, and seamless connectivity was a key topic. This strategic necessity was underlined by the CTO of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA). At Martel, we are actively engaged in this realm through the EU-funded 6G-NTN project, firmly believing in and supporting such technology.
• Sustainability. The event emphasised the importance of sustainable and efficient lifecycle management in technology. Integrating new innovations into existing systems without replacements is vital for sustainable progress. A compelling presentation on this topic was delivered by the CEO of EuroTube, a Swiss company dedicated to realising hyperloop technology to enhance the sustainability of long-range travel.

At Martel, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between research initiatives and industry players. The one6G Summit went beyond being just a showcase of cutting-edge technology; it served as a convergence of ideas and visions for a connected future. We are delighted to have actively participated in this transformative event, engaging in discussions that spanned from technical potentials to concrete strategies for 6G implementation. The invaluable insights gained reinforce our ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration.

As we enter an era where 6G evolves from an idea to reality, Martel Innovate takes a leading role, poised to contribute to this exciting journey towards a smarter, more connected world.