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.
- 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
