6GEMcubator

Research incubator for transferring innovative communication technologies into application

Motivation and Goals

 

Future communication technologies such as 6G mobile communications technologies will have a positive impact on many areas of application, for example in logistics, production, rescue robotics and autonomous driving as well as healthcare. This creates significant added value for Germany as an industrial location and our society.

With StartUpConnect, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has established a powerful start-up and innovation ecosystem in the area of ​​future communication technologies. The funding measure supports the rapid and targeted transfer of future-oriented research ideas into innovative startups.

The start-up incubator “6GEMcubator” with advice centers in Aachen, Bochum and Dortmund was set up for North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond. In addition to advice, the individual locations also offer services in the areas of coaching, mentoring and networking.

This is intended to make a significant contribution to the competitiveness and technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe in the area of ​​future communication systems.

PANGOLIN Networks

The ongoing digital transformation of industry and economy requires reliable wireless networks that meet high demands for flexibility and performance. While traditional Wi-Fi technologies are increasingly reaching their limits, private mobile networks – known as campus networks – have proven to be a powerful and scalable alternative. However, the introduction and widespread implementation of campus networks are currently hindered by high investment costs and an unclear cost structure during ongoing operations. To fully unlock their potential, costs must be further reduced and operations optimized. Under the motto “creating sustainable network value with high performance and availability for private operators”, the PANGOLIN project aims to overcome these obstacles in the introduction and implementation of campus networks, particularly by a network companion that integrates the STING, DRaGon, and HELIOS concepts from CNI, TU Dortmund University.

 

Project Goal

The core mission of PANGOLIN is to overcome the current challenges in the adoption and implementation of campus networks. To achieve this, the project is developing an intelligent network companion solution capable of continuously monitoring key network metrics and optimizing performance through AI-driven methods. In addition, the integration of custom-designed components will enable an energy-optimized mixture of network components that significantly reduces power consumption compared to conventional systems. As part of the project, the technical feasibility of this solution will be demonstrated in real-world environments.

 

Innovation and Vision

The outcomes of PANGOLIN will empower wireless industrial networks to adapt flexibly and efficiently to the business needs of campus network operators. By minimizing both operational costs and energy consumption, the solution not only enhances the economic viability of campus networks but also contributes to environmental sustainability. At the same time, it boosts network performance and ensures stability and security. With this innovative approach, PANGOLIN supports companies in staying competitive in an increasingly digital world.

6G-ROTAM - Resource-Optimized Training of large voice models in 6G networks for Applications with sensitive Medical data

The start-up 6G-ROTAM, resource-optimized training of large language models in 6G networks for applications with sensitive medical data, has set itself the task of closing gaps in medical care using networked AI systems.
A new type of distributed communication platform is being developed in which two parties can communicate securely in an AI-supported consultation chat. The project is researching how LLM can be trained in a federated approach based on 6G technologies in a data-efficient manner. Among other things, compression techniques to reduce the model size and swarm learning algorithms are being investigated. The distributed communication platform should comply with the high data protection standards of the healthcare sector and be evaluated using a specific application example from the field of psychotherapy.

The solutions aimed at in the project for the integration of 6G networks and federated learning not only advance the convergence of AI and 6G, but also address a socially highly relevant field with the preparation of a concrete application scenario from psychotherapy. The solutions developed in the project can help to cover gaps in medical care and thus improve the quality of life of citizens.

ITAR - Innovative Test procedures for radio systems
based on Augmented Reality technologies

The start-up ITAR, short for “Innovative Test procedures for radio systems based on Augmented Reality technologies”, is revolutionizing the control of wireless systems by integrating an augmented reality interface (XR). Currently, network operators only control their operations via automated processes or local technicians, which limits the analysis of radio data on site.
The ITAR interface enables customization and reconfiguration, improves industrial radio coverage testing in complex environments and provides visualization tools for the measurement industry. Robots with embedded AI agents interact seamlessly with their environment, supported by XR headsets with object recognition for optimal performance. The innovative system configuration combines digital and physical wireless parameters and enables real-time immersive performance visualization.

NovoFlect

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) from NovoFlect are aimed for advanced communications such as 6G communications and Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS).
NovoFlect develops active Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) for the targeted adaptation of electromagnetic waves. This technology enables optimized signal distribution and improves the efficiency of wireless communication systems.
Applications of NovoFlect's RIS technology can be found in 6G mobile communications and in the field of Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS). By flexibly adapting wave propagation, RIS helps to increase network capacity, reduce interference and improve signal quality.
NovoFlect's research and development focuses on innovative material technologies, adaptive control concepts and energy-efficient solutions to support future communication infrastructures.

StartUpConnect


The BMBF's StartUpConnect funding measure is divided into two funding phases.

Phase 1 is aimed at those interested in starting a business at universities and non-university research institutions.
The aim is to prove the technical feasibility of a start-up idea.
•    Grant: up to 800.000 Euro
•    Duration: up to 12 months

Phase 2 focuses on pre-competitive research and development work that ensures rapid market launch unterstützen.
•    Grant: up to 800.000 Euro
•   Duration: up to 24 Monate

The selection process takes place on a quarterly basis.


More Information

Contact

 


Do you have questions about StartUpConnect or would you like to apply for funding?
Contact us at info@6gemcubator.de

 

 

Project Coordination

RWTH
Aachen

Coordinator
Ruhr-University Bochum

Coordinator

Partners

Cube 5
Bochum

Contact
RWTH Innovation
Aachen

Contact
University
Duisburg-Essen

Contact
TU Concept
Dortmund

Contact