Madrid, May 23, 2025. – IMDEA Networks, in collaboration with the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) and 5TONIC, organised on May 22nd the Cluster 4 Horizon Europe information day. This event has been made possible thanks to the support of the INCREASE-HE project, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) and the State Research Agency (AEI). This initiative aims to strengthen IMDEA Networks’ participation in Horizon Europe, acting as a driving force to promote the involvement of Spanish organisations, especially companies, in the Framework Programme.

The opening was chaired by the Director of IMDEA Networks, Albert Banchs. The conference, led by CDTI experts, offered strategic keys to successfully address the upcoming calls of the new Work Programme 2025 of Horizon Europe, focused on Cluster 4 and the SNS-JU initiative, considered among the most relevant in the field of R&D&I for the European ICT sector. In addition, the new EU initiative 3C Networks, designed to promote innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures through public-private partnerships, was presented. At the end of the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to receive personalised advice from the CDTI for the preparation of proposals within the framework of the calls addressed during the event.

During the second part of the day, 5TONIC, the open laboratory for research and innovation in new technologies, founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks, highlighted the key role of public-private collaboration for driving digital innovation, presenting two new use cases developed and validated at its facilities.

Laboratory representatives, with the support of industrial and academic partners, showcased how this collaboration can be translated into concrete and applicable technological solutions. The demonstrations also underlined the relevance of test and innovation environments such as 5TONIC, which experiments and validates technologies before implementation in real scenarios.

The first use case, presented by Ericsson, demonstrated the application of private 5G networks in millimetre bands at the Movistar Arena during the Movistar Estudiantes vs. Super Agropal Palencia and Real Madrid vs. Baskonia. Three innovative applications were carried out in the fields of security, transport and tourism: Smart Crowd Monitoring, which ensured security at events with AI and advanced sensors; Mass Casualty Incident, which coordinated emergency cases with smart wristbands; and Immersive Fan Engagement, an immersive experience with Virtual Reality to improve the interaction and experience of fans.

The second case, by Universidad Carlos III of Madrid, presented multi-domain and multi-technology solutions for deterministic and low-latency communication networks in industrial environments. The main objective was to design advanced network infrastructures with integrated technologies such as 5G, WiFi or industrial Ethernet to ensure highly reliable, predictable connectivity with minimum latency for critical applications such as industrial robotics, real-time machine control or autonomous systems; marking a significant advance towards the development of industry 5.0.

Carlos Jesús Bernardos, vice president of 5TONIC and full professor at UC3M, said: «This event represents an exceptional opportunity to show the true value of public-private collaboration. Thanks to these synergies, we were able to advance innovation in 5G networks and continue developing solutions that bring us closer to the next generations of connectivity. In addition, the participation of companies in conferences and calls like these, contributes to the creation of the research and innovation ecosystem that 5TONIC wants. Thus, the future of a smart, sustainable and connected society begins».