5TONIC
5TONIC (now NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory in Madrid that provides pre-commercial 5G and 6G test infrastructure to telecom vendors, academic institutions, and vertical-sector companies for validation and joint project development across Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersMadrid, Spain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What 5TONIC does
5TONIC (now NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory founded in 2015 by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks Institute and co-located at IMDEA Networks' premises in Leganés, Madrid. The laboratory provides pre-commercial 5G and emerging 6G test infrastructure to industry and academic members, enabling interoperability testing, technology validation, and vertical-sector use case development across telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, media/entertainment, security, and smart cities. Core technical assets include an Ericsson-powered 5G Standalone network (N78 band), Multi-access Edge Computing integration via Capgemini Engineering's ENSCONCE platform and Intel OpenNESS, end-to-end automated network slicing, a Quantum Key Distribution testbed, and a 6G-XR immersive services infrastructure. Members include Telefónica, IMDEA Networks, Ericsson, UC3M, InterDigital, Capgemini Engineering, Intel, and CommScope, with more than 50 additional collaborators across vertical sectors.
The laboratory operates a non-profit, membership-based business model. Recurring revenue is generated through member fees and in-kind contributions, supplemented by competitive EU research grants under H2020, Horizon Europe, and the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU), plus Spanish government programs (UNICO R&D, NextGenerationEU). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; collaboration is governed by flexible collaborator agreements for time-bounded projects with IPR protections. Go-to-market is event- and community-led: the lab hosts workshops, showcases at venues such as Movistar Arena and Espacio Fundación Telefónica, and participates in pan-European 5G PPP and SNS-JU project consortiums to disseminate capabilities and recruit new members and vertical partners. In 2025 the laboratory rebranded to NEXTONIC to reflect its evolution toward 6G, quantum communications, and AI-assisted network optimization.
5TONIC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 5TONIC
- Legal name
- NEXTONIC
- Website
- https://www.5tonic.org/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- 5TONIC (now NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory in Madrid that provides pre-commercial 5G and 6G test infrastructure to telecom vendors, academic institutions, and vertical-sector companies for validation and joint project development across Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
5TONIC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Telecommunications Research
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 5G Core Virtualization & Service-Based Architecture (SBA) (HDAIAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Telco Cloud & Edge for NaaS (Distributed Cloud, MEC, Edge CNFs) (HDAIAIAE), Virtualized EPC/5GC Core (vEPC/v5GC) (HDAFANAD)
Keywords
Where 5TONIC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Madrid
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
5TONIC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Research Collaboration Services: 5TONIC operates as an open innovation laboratory providing infrastructure and expertise for collaborative research projects. The laboratory facilitates joint development between industry members (Telefónica, Ericsson, IMDEA Networks) and academic partners, funded through membership fees and public research grants from European Union programs (H2020, Horizon Europe, SNS-JU) and Spanish government initiatives (UNICO R&D, NextGenerationEU).
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
5TONIC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
5TONIC (rebranded as NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks that provides shared 5G and 6G infrastructure for industry and academia to collaborate on research projects. The lab operates end-to-end 5G Standalone network infrastructure, multi-access edge computing platforms, network slicing capabilities, quantum communications testbeds, and XR/6G experimental infrastructure, enabling members and collaborators to validate pre-commercial technologies and develop vertical-industry use cases.
Product overview
5TONIC (now NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory serving as a platform for testing and validating 5G and emerging 6G technologies. Founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks in 2015, the lab offers access to 5G Standalone network infrastructure, Multiaccess Edge Computing platform integration, and Network Slicing capabilities. The core offering is the laboratory facility itself, which provides industry and academic members access to testbeds for developing use cases across verticals including health, manufacturing, automotive, tourism, and entertainment. The lab also operates a Quantum Communications Testbed for quantum key distribution research and a 6G-XR infrastructure for immersive extended reality services. Members include Ericsson, Intel, CommScope, UC3M, InterDigital, and Capgemini Engineering, with various collaborators contributing specialized technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 5TONIC / NEXTONIC Open Innovation Laboratory An open research and innovation laboratory providing shared infrastructure for industry and academia to collaborate on 5G and 6G research, test and validate technological components, and develop use cases for vertical industries including health, manufacturing, automotive, tourism, and entertainment.
- 5G Standalone (SA) Network Infrastructure End-to-end 5G Standalone network deployment featuring Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core and Radio Access Network, supporting both SA and NSA architecture options in N78 band (3600-3800 MHz), providing independent 5G capability without reliance on existing 4G infrastructure for validation of pre-commercial technologies.
- 5G Multiaccess Edge Computing (MEC) Platform Integration Integration of 5G SA core network with Multiaccess Edge Computing platform (Capgemini ENSCONCE, Intel OpenNESS/OpenVINO) enabling third-party developers to launch customized Edge applications with real-time dynamic network optimization for safety, connected cars, gaming, and IoT use cases.
- Network Slicing as a Service End-to-end automated network slicing solution enabling dynamic radio resource partitioning and full slicing lifecycle management, providing dedicated network slices for diverse consumer and enterprise use cases with automated deployment and configuration capabilities.
- Quantum Communications Testbed Advanced quantum communications testbed combining Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with cloud-native architectures and SDN software-defined networking for secure end-to-end key distribution and quantum network digital-twin simulation.
- 6G-XR Immersive Services Infrastructure Experimental research infrastructure for next-generation XR (Extended Reality) services enabling holographic communications, distributed XR collaboration, and AI-assisted network optimization as part of European efforts to strengthen leadership in 6G technologies.
Quantifiable outcome
- Network slicing onboarding configured and deployed in less than 35 minutes
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use 5TONIC
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
5TONIC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability10 records
Feature5 records
5TONIC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and founding.
- Yerba Buena VR (YBVR)minorStart-up focused on VR/AR experiences for sports and tourism. Collaborator in European projects (5G-Induce, TrialsNet) to demonstrate 360-degree video streaming over 5G networks. Has offices in Madrid and Silicon Valley.
- NEC Laboratories EuropecoreJoined as official collaborator to further research in 5G & 6G networks. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, bringing expertise in AI, data science, edge computing, and IoT platforms. Collaboration runs until August 2025.
- GMVminorSpanish company providing solutions for telematics and automotive software. Collaborating on ERASMO project for autonomous driving positioning systems. Testing 5G-based functionalities of onboard units at 5TONIC.
- VisionableminorBritish healthcare technology company developing Smart Ambulance solution. Testing connected healthcare applications on 5G SA network at 5TONIC.
- IntelcoreCore member providing processor technology (Intel Xeon Scalable), OpenNESS toolkit, and OpenVINO technologies for edge computing and AI workloads.
- Capgemini EngineeringcoreCore member providing edge computing platform (ENSCONCE) and engineering services. Contributed to pioneering integration between 5G SA network and edge platform.
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)coreAcademic member providing research expertise in telecommunications and telematics. Coordinates European projects including 6G-DATADRIVEN and 5G TRANSFORMER. UC3M professors serve as vice presidents of 5TONIC.
- InterDigitalcoreCore member contributing wireless technology research. Participates in European projects and provides expertise in 5G/6G network technologies.
- CommScopecoreCore member providing OneCell technology for mimicking 5G networks within the laboratory. Contributed to network infrastructure deployments.
- TelefónicafoundingFounding member of 5TONIC. Provides spectrum, network infrastructure expertise, and coordinates joint research projects. Key partner in deploying 5G SA networks and validating enterprise use cases at the laboratory.
- IMDEA Networks InstitutefoundingFounding academic member co-located at the laboratory facilities in Leganés, Madrid. Provides research expertise and hosts the main laboratory premises.
- EricssoncoreCore member providing 5G radio and core solutions. Activated 5G Standalone at the lab and provides technology for network slicing demonstrations. Key technology partner for 5G SA deployments.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
5TONIC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- i2CAT Foundation: Barcelona-based open research foundation focused on 5G/6G, edge, and immersive technologies. Closely comparable as a Spanish non-profit research lab with industry-academia members and EU project participation, directly competing for the same EU funding streams.
- CTTC (Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya): Catalonia-based telecom R&D center operating 5G/6G testbeds and participating in EU projects. Comparable as a regionally focused, member-funded telecom research lab pursuing similar vertical industry use cases and EU program participation.
- 6G Flagship (University of Oulu): Finnish national 6G research program hosted at University of Oulu. Closely comparable as a flagship open research initiative on next-generation networks, with similar industry-academia membership model and global mindshare leadership in 6G research.
- 5GIC (5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey): UK-based 5G/6G research centre at University of Surrey with industry consortium members (including operators and vendors). Comparable as an academic-anchored testbed running 5G/6G validation projects and collaborating with major telecom vendors on end-to-end experiments.
- IMEC: Belgium-based leading R&D center with significant telecom and 6G programs. Comparable as a large-scale, industry-funded research hub running advanced wireless testbeds and securing major EU program leadership in next-generation networks.
- CEA-Leti: France-based applied research institute with strong 5G/6G, RF, and quantum communications programs. Comparable as a publicly funded European research institute operating advanced telecom testbeds and partnering with industry on next-generation wireless validation.
Broad incumbents
- Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI): German applied research institute with broad telecom, photonics, and AI capabilities including 5G/6G. Comparable as a larger, broadly diversified incumbent research organization with overlapping 5G/6G validation work but a wider mandate beyond telecom.
- Nokia Bell Labs: Global industrial research arm of Nokia, a major telecom vendor. Comparable as a large vendor-led research organization working on 5G/6G, network slicing, and AI-native networks; overlaps with 5TONIC's research themes but operates at vastly greater scale and as part of a vendor portfolio.
- InterDigital: US-based wireless R&D and licensing company with deep 5G/6G research and core member of 5TONIC. Comparable as an industry peer pursuing fundamental wireless research and standardization, but operating as a commercial IP/licensing business rather than an open lab.
Regional players
- BT Applied Research (Adastral Park): UK-based operator-led telecom research facility running 5G/6G testbeds and vertical industry trials. Comparable as an operator-anchored research lab with EU project participation, but primarily serving UK geography rather than the Southern European footprint 5TONIC addresses.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
5TONIC social profiles
Digital presence5TONIC compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
5TONIC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
5TONIC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
5TONIC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
5TONIC M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 5TONIC
What does 5TONIC do?
5TONIC (rebranded as NEXTONIC) is an open research and innovation laboratory founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks that provides shared 5G and 6G infrastructure for industry and academia to collaborate on research projects. The lab operates end-to-end 5G Standalone network infrastructure, multi-access edge computing platforms, network slicing capabilities, quantum communications testbeds, and XR/6G experimental infrastructure, enabling members and collaborators to validate pre-commercial technologies and develop vertical-industry use cases.
Is 5TONIC a public or private company?
5TONIC is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was 5TONIC founded?
5TONIC was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is 5TONIC based?
5TONIC is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does 5TONIC make money?
One revenue line is on record: research Collaboration Services.
Who are 5TONIC's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are i2CAT Foundation, CTTC (Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya), 6G Flagship (University of Oulu), 5GIC (5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey), IMEC and CEA-Leti. Broad incumbents are Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), Nokia Bell Labs and InterDigital. BT Applied Research (Adastral Park) is listed as a regional player.
Does 5TONIC have an API?
No public API is recorded for 5TONIC.
What industry is 5TONIC in?
5TONIC's product category is Telecommunications Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAIAC, 5G Core Virtualization & Service-Based Architecture (SBA), with a secondary code of HDAIAIAE, Telco Cloud & Edge for NaaS (Distributed Cloud, MEC, Edge CNFs). Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8734.