6G-VERSUS

What 6G-VERSUS does

6G-VERSUS is a Horizon Europe-funded research consortium (Grant Agreement No 101192633) operating under the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). The project coordinates 34 partners from 10 European countries, including 10 industry partners, 13 academic/research organizations, 2 NGOs, and 9 SMEs, to conduct 6G technology trials across six pilot sites in Bulgaria, Finland, France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. It is coordinated by the University of Oulu (Finland) with technical management by ICCS/I-SENSE Group (Greece).

The project's core technical contribution is a layered, modular reference architecture that introduces a novel triplet framework—Vertical App (V-App), Network App (N-App), and AI-assisted App (AI-App)—for transforming conventional use cases into 6G-native applications. This architecture supports intent-based operations, AI-driven network slicing optimization (using Temporal Graph Networks), cognitive coordination for trust management, and real-time adaptive resource management. Six pilot programs validate the architecture across vertical industries including wildfire detection, maritime port logistics, agricultural innovation, and search-and-rescue operations.

6G-VERSUS does not operate a commercial business model. It is funded as a public-sector research grant distributed across consortium partners over a 36-month period (January 2025–December 2027). The project's outputs are disseminated through open-access research publications, a Moodle-based Training Programme (launched May 2026 with four modules totaling 60 hours), and a Venture Accelerator programme supporting 25 EU-based startups and SMEs. There are no commercial products, pricing models, or revenue-generating activities.

Name

6G-VERSUS

Legal name

6G-VERSUS

Website

https://6g-versus.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

6G-VERSUS is an EU-funded Horizon Europe research consortium coordinating 34 partners across 10 countries to conduct 6G technology trials for sustainable vertical industries. It operates six pilot testbeds and develops a V-App/AI-App/N-App reference architecture, with no commercial revenue model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

6G Telecommunications Research

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

vRAN & Open RAN Platforms (CU/DU, RIC, xApps/rApps) (HDAIAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms) (HDAEAKAL)

Keywords

• 6G research trials
• Telecommunications research
• Network slicing
• 5G 6G testbeds
• Vertical industry pilots

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

6G-VERSUS is a Horizon Europe-funded research project that conducts 6G technology trials across six European pilot locations (Bulgaria, Finland, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain), operating a unified platform that combines a 6G Vertical Trials Platform, a modular Training Programme, and a Venture Accelerator for EU startups. It introduces a novel methodology transforming use cases into 6G applications through a V-App, AI-App, and N-App triplet framework underpinned by a modular layered reference architecture. The project demonstrates the sustainable, economic, and societal impact of 6G technology in vertical industries such as search-and-rescue, maritime logistics, and agriculture.

Product overview

6G-VERSUS is a Horizon Europe research project (not a commercial product company) that operates a unified platform for 6G vertical trials for sustainability. The project combines three core components: the 6G Vertical Trials Platform (conducting pilots across six European countries), the Training Programme (a four-module Moodle-based learning pathway), and the Venture Accelerator (supporting EU startups). The Reference Architecture framework underpins all activities, enabling the transformation of use cases into 6G applications through the V-App, AI-app, and N-App triplet methodology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 6G-VERSUS Venture Accelerator: A 10-week acceleration programme for 25 EU-based startups and SMEs developing solutions leveraging emerging 6G technologies for sustainability and business applications.
• 6G-VERSUS Training Programme

Products and services

• 6G Vertical Trials Platform A research platform conducting 6G trials and pilots across six European countries (Bulgaria, Finland, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain) to test advanced 5G/6G technologies in vertical sectors including search and rescue, maritime logistics, and agriculture.
• 6G-VERSUS Training Programme A modular learning initiative delivered through Moodle with four mini-courses (M1: 5G Fundamentals, M2: Evolution towards 6G, M3: 6G Use Cases and Trials, M4: Innovation and Entrepreneurship) totaling 60 hours of content for capacity building in sustainable 5G/6G innovation, experimentation, and impact.
• 6G-VERSUS Venture Accelerator A 10-week acceleration programme for 25 EU-based startups and SMEs developing solutions leveraging 6G technologies for sustainability and business applications. Includes workshops, mentoring, prototyping, validation, and investment readiness support.
• 6G-VERSUS Reference Architecture A layered and modular reference architecture framework supporting transformation of conventional applications into 6G-native services with programmability, AI-driven intelligence, and energy efficiency. Supports intent-based operations and real-time workload-aware allocation through the V-App, AI-App, N-App triplet methodology.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sustainable 6G technology deployment across six European countries demonstrating reduced environmental impact
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• University of OulucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Project coordinator and kick-off meeting host. Leading the overall project direction and consortium management for the 36-month research initiative.
• Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner6G-VERSUS is funded by the SNS JU under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The project is part of the EU's strategic 6G research ecosystem, contributing to standardization efforts and the European 6G roadmap. The SNS JU provides co-funding and strategic oversight for the project's alignment with European 6G objectives.
• Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT Aveiro)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPortuguese consortium host, leading Portuguese pilot activities including maritime port logistics trials at Port of Aveiro.
• NCSR DemokritoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek consortium host, leading Greek pilot activities focused on wildfire detection and search-and-rescue use cases.
• NokiacoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner contributing to 6G infrastructure and testbed capabilities. Featured at 5G FORUM alongside university partners.
• TelefónicacoreTechnology or IntegrationTelecommunications partner providing network infrastructure expertise and hosting booths at 5G FORUM.
• KeysightcoreTechnology or IntegrationTest and measurement technology provider supporting 6G trial validation and performance assessment.
• University of Málaga (UMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish pilot lead, hosting agricultural innovation trials at IHSM La Mayora (UMA-CSIC) and presenting at 5G FORUM.
• CSICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish National Research Council contributing research expertise, co-hosting pilot activities at La Mayora.
• University of Cyprus (KIOS Research Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation center contributing to the project and hosting ecosystem visits including Connect Europe delegation.
• University of BradfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK academic partner contributing to Greek pilot activities, including BBC media coverage on wildfire detection technology.
• ICCS (Institute of Communication and Computer Systems)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek technical partner providing technical management through I-SENSE Group, presenting at international symposiums.
• HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing infrastructure capabilities for 6G testbed implementations.
• ThalescoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner contributing security and defense-related communication expertise to the consortium.
• Altice LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationResearch and innovation lab of Altice Portugal, contributing to Portuguese pilot and network technology development.
• OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization)coreTechnology or IntegrationGreek telecommunications operator contributing network infrastructure for pilot activities.
• EURECOMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean research institute specializing in digital security and communications, contributing to the French pilot.
• Kingston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university contributing research expertise to the consortium's sustainability and circularity impact assessment.
• Hellenic Rescue Team of Attica (HRTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGO partner contributing search-and-rescue operational expertise to Greek pilot, presenting at conferences as keynote speaker.
• ENVOLVEcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInnovation ecosystem partner co-organizing Skill up Forum and introducing the Venture Accelerator program to SMEs.
• 8BELLScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology company contributing to consortium's research and innovation activities.
• GreenCityzencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability-focused partner contributing to the project's circularity and environmental impact assessment.
• A1 Digital / A1coreTechnology or IntegrationAustrian telecommunications provider contributing to the consortium's European network infrastructure.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Ericsson: Leads the Hexa-X-II flagship and runs major European 6G research programmes. Comparable as a broad telecom incumbent and key driver of European 6G R&D.
• Samsung Research: Operates Samsung's 6G research forum and global 6G White Paper programme. Comparable as a broad incumbent pursuing 6G vision, architecture, and use-case research outside the EU ecosystem.
• Nokia: Core technology partner in the 6G-VERSUS consortium and a global incumbent in telecom equipment. Comparable as a leading commercial vendor driving 6G research, standards, and productization across Europe.

Others

• Keysight Technologies: Test and measurement technology partner in the 6G-VERSUS consortium. Comparable as an enabler of 6G trial validation and measurement infrastructure across multiple global 6G initiatives.
• 6G-IA: European 6G Industry Association representing the private-side membership of the SNS JU. Acts as the ecosystem umbrella under which 6G-VERSUS and projects like Hexa-X-II are structured.

Direct peers

• CENTRIC: Horizon Europe SNS JU project developing AI-native air-interface and 6G radio technologies. Comparable as another multi-partner European 6G research initiative under the same funding stream.
• 6G-SANDBOX: EU-funded Horizon Europe project focused on 6G experimental testbeds and trial validation across multiple European sites. Directly comparable as a parallel EU 6G trials initiative targeting vertical industries.
• ONE6G: European 6G research initiative supported by Horizon Europe. Operates multiple testbed activities and use-case pilots similar to 6G-VERSUS's pan-European vertical trials.
• Hexa-X-II: Ericsson-led European 6G flagship research project under Horizon Europe SNS JU. Operates as a multi-partner consortium with similar goals of defining 6G system architecture, use cases, and trials across Europe, making it the closest peer to 6G-VERSUS.

Regional players

• Next G Alliance: North American 6G initiative hosted by ATIS, focused on defining the next-generation wireless agenda for the U.S. Comparable as a regional counterpart driving 6G research priorities and policy alignment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/6G_VERSUS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/6g-versus
• Facebookfacebook.com/6gversus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about 6G-VERSUS