Creating the 5G network: apply for funding
Businesses can apply for a share of £1 million for international partnerships that will help develop 5G internet connectivity.
£1 million is available for projects developing future 5G connectivity.
Although 90% of UK households have access to the internet, 2.7 million homes remain unconnected.
Smartphones, which are the most widely-used means of accessing the internet, could provide the solution, connecting the entire country through the fifth generation wireless (5G) network.
A share of £1 million is available through Innovate UK and the CELTIC-NEXT programme for UK businesses looking to partner with international companies on 5G research and development (R&D) projects.
The CELTIC programme is part of the EUREKA network that aims to boost international partnerships in market-driven R&D.
Improving the user experience
The programme aims to help UK organisations become involved in the international development of 5G.
Projects must follow one of the following themes:
- innovative 5G infrastructure technologies that make use of artificial intelligence (AI) in network operation or multi-access edge computing – cloud-based services on the perimeter of networks
- applications that use 5G networks for new or improved user experiences, including features in satellite networks or services integrating satellites
Within this, projects must focus on one or more:
- AI in network operation
- multi-access edge computing
- Internet of Things
- tactile internet
- mission-critical applications
- infotainment – material intended to both entertain and inform – mobile services such as advanced media streaming
- immersive content in industrial environments
Projects can have total eligible costs between £400,000 and £2 million, and organisations are advised to aim for grants around £500,000. Projects must start between October and December 2019 and last between 12 to 24 months.
Competition information
- the competition opens on 1 April 2019, and the closing date is at midday on 29 May 2019
- UK-based organisations of any size are eligible to apply
- applicants must partner with at least 1 UK-based micro or small or medium-sized enterprise, and the project must involve at least 1 organisation from a EUREKA country
- a briefing event will be held in London on 2 April 2019 where organisations can find out more about the competition and applying