The Netherlands strengthens its 6G position to secure future economic growth and digital sovereignty

In this phase, to which participating companies are contributing an additional €72 million, the focus shifts to converting research into concrete 6G technologies, products and services. Over the past two years, FNS developed knowledge, prototypes and tests for 6G applications. From 2030 onwards, 6G will form a core part of the digital infrastructure, the backbone of the Dutch digital economy. By investing today, the Netherlands and Europe strengthen their strategic autonomy and competitive edge.

Backbone of the future digital economy

6G will transmit data faster and connect far more devices than 5G, while adding sensing capabilities. Radio signals will be able to detect objects through their reflections, similar to radar, opening new possibilities for transport and logistics. Mobile networks on the ground will also be more tightly integrated with satellite communications. Reliability, predictability and resilience will rise significantly, enabling applications such as wireless factories and real‑time control of energy systems.

Prototypes developed and tested in real‑world settings

In phase 1, the FNS program produced several component prototypes. The team in Eindhoven demonstrated a wireless optical link spanning 4.6 kilometres and achieving a world‑record speed of 5.7 terabits per second. NXP developed the first Wi‑Int chips, a new international standard that acts as a wireless USB connection. Partners also built Oakestra, an AI‑driven tool for automated mobile‑network control.

The consortium tested multiple real‑world applications: drones carrying urgent medical goods, a wireless factory where machines communicate without cables, connected medical equipment in an operating theatre, and smart traffic detection at a Rotterdam junction. Partners also established the National 6G Testbed, an infrastructure of five regional testing sites in Groningen, Amersfoort, The Hague, Delft and Eindhoven, where companies can trial their 6G innovations.

Focus on economic impact

In phase 2, partners will turn the program’s knowledge into economic value. More than 100 SMEs have already signed up to run pilots within the National 6G Testbed, developing and testing wireless innovations. A new 6G Business Board, comprising representatives from participating companies, will steer innovation and value creation. Fast‑growing young companies will receive additional support to secure funding. Fifteen new companies will join the consortium.

International cooperation will intensify, particularly with Finland, Sweden and Germany, and beyond Europe with Japan and Taiwan. A further ambitious goal: building the first fully wireless factory in the Netherlands, setting a new global benchmark for the manufacturing industry.

About Future Network Services (FNS)

FNS is one of the National Growth Fund projects and launched in 2024 with €61 million allocated for the first phase. An additional €142 million has now been awarded for phase 2, based on an enhanced program plan. The consortium includes chip developers, telecom companies, suppliers and research institutes. Phase 2 focuses on three areas: 6G network chips; software and artificial intelligence for 6G; and practical applications in sectors where the Netherlands is strong, such as healthcare, energy, mobility and logistics. Partners include universities such as TU Delft and TU/e, leading telecom and semiconductor manufacturers, mobile operators, ICT companies and promising Dutch SMEs, startups and scale‑ups.