Germany’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action has provided five-year funding for a new project focused on microelectronic and communication technologies to support 6G networks.
Robert Habeck, federal minister for economic affairs and climate action, said: “As a key technology, microelectronics plays a central role in climate protection, energy efficiency and economic growth.
“Independent access to microelectronics components is more important than ever for the transformation of the economy and for the security of supply of Germany and Europe.”
The project, from Swedish networking and telecommunications company Ericsson, aims to drive improvements in semiconductor technology and help build a foundation for the company, and European partners, to develop the technology needed for 6G multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radios.
The Rosenheim R&D site in Germany will serve as headquarters for the project, with Ericsson Antenna Technology Germany GmbH leading it.
What’s more, the research will fall under the European Union’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI ME/CT) on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI-ME/CT) initiative.
This initiative involves 14 EU member states and will provide up to €8.1bn (£7bn) in funding to support R&D projects focused on microelectronics and communication technologies, with the aim of enabling the evolution of semiconductor technologies across Europe.
Ericsson is among 56 companies taking part in IPCEI-ME/CT. The initiative also aims to produce green digital technologies using energy-efficient and resource-saving electronic systems and manufacturing methods.
The scope of this project includes a focus on early technology development of large-scale 6G MIMO radios, which the company hopes will strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem and develop a European value chain in this area.
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