Innovation Projects
IMNEXT
IMNEXT
Infrastructure Modernization for Next-Generation Advanced Telecommunications
IMNEXT was born with the strategic objective of researching and developing the enabling technologies that will shape mobile communication networks Beyond 5G (B5G) and the future 6G. Faced with the challenge set by the European Union’s 2030 Digital Decade, the project addresses the modernization of telecommunications infrastructures from a threefold perspective: ubiquitous connectivity to close the digital divide, end-to-end cybersecurity, and sustainable efficiency.
The Three Technological Pillars of the Project.
- Sustainable Coverage Extension: Transparent integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) via satellite to provide connectivity to remote areas and mobile private networks (MPN), while also exploring new frequency bands (FR3 and sub-THz) proposed for 6G.
- Intelligent Cybersecurity: Development of proactive mechanisms against threats in the network core (5G Core) by combining Machine Learning and programmatic rules, along with shielding logical security through advanced Network Slicing and radio interference detection using Artificial Intelligence.
- Deployment and Maintenance Optimization: Use of drones equipped with advanced sensors and multimodal AI (3D fusion and RF spectrum) to perform automated infrastructure pre-audits, minimizing field labor risks, human error margins, and logistical emissions.
Consortium
The project is driven by a balanced and complementary consortium of four companies covering the entire industry value chain:
- GSERTEL (Project Coordinator): Specialist in measurement instrumentation, who will lead radio spectrum monitoring and the creation of hybrid probes.
- Optare Solutions: Telecommunications consultancy and integrator that will contribute its expertise in network slicing, secure deployment of AI models at the edge, and satellite integration.
- Campos Telecom: Leader in mobile network deployment and maintenance, responsible for spatial data capture and aerial robotics applied to infrastructure.
- InproTech (Inprosec Auto): Cybersecurity firm that will develop anomaly detection platforms and asset inventory management in the control and user plane.
To maximize scientific and innovative rigor, the consortium relies on the support and subcontracting of two research organizations of national reference: the Telecommunications Technological Center of Galicia (GRADIANT) and the Industrial Technological Center of Castilla-La Mancha (ITECAM).
Optare’s research seeks to enhance the value of advanced mobile private networks (MPN) in industrial and logistical environments under a highly secure and resilient approach. Its specific challenges are:
- TN-NTN Integration (Terrestrial-Satellite): To investigate the mechanisms that allow terrestrial network segments to be seamlessly interconnected with satellite links. Its focus is on the critical analysis of the impact of satellite latency on the timing of control elements and the perceived quality of service (QoS).
- Network Slice Security: To design adaptive authentication, access control, and encryption policies for each logical network slice based on the level of criticality or traffic type, ensuring total end-to-end isolation.
- LLM Models at the Edge: To investigate a cyber-secure mechanism to deploy and update Large Language Models (LLMs) directly at the edge of the network, in a coordinated manner across multiple private 5G locations.
IMNEXT researches and develops advanced and sustainable technologies for the modernization of infrastructures towards future B5G and 6G networks. The project is structured into three pillars: coverage extension through terrestrial-satellite integration, advanced cybersecurity, and deployment optimization using AI-powered drones. It is driven by a consortium of four companies (GSERTEL, OPTARE, CAMPOS, and IMPOTECH) and two technological centers (GRADIANT and ITECAM). Its final validation will be carried out through a collaborative testbed and three laboratory proofs of concept.
Within the IMNEXT project, a grant of €191,347.50 has been awarded to Optare Solutions for its execution associated with file EXP – 00177638 / ITC-20251188 under the call for proposals for the INNTERCONECTA STEP 2025 call.
