Rural or isolated communities across the UK can look forward to accessing improved 5G connectivity without the need for expensive infrastructure installation.
Enhanced disaster response coordination
Emergency services will particularly benefit from enhanced coordination systems during disasters and large-scale incidents.
One project focuses specifically on improving connectivity for emergency response, disaster relief and command-and-control situations, enabling faster and more effective emergency service coordination.
3D video calling
Another, nCOMM+1, explores 3D video streaming technology that promises transformation across multiple sectors, think Zoom or Teams video calls but in 3D.
The high-quality 3D content will be streamed and rendered instantly, creating a lifelike virtual presence for:
- education
- remote collaboration
- healthcare
- digital arts
- e-commerce
- immersive entertainment applications
Sending data using light
Space connectivity also features among the innovations, improving communications between the ground and Earth’s satellites.
This will enable us to send data quickly using light, vital for future 5G, 6G, and satellite internet.
CAPTIVATE2 is helping build these data highways while keeping the entire supply chain on British soil.
Bridging the digital divide
Awarded a share of £13 million in government funding, these 11 pioneering telecoms projects are focused on bridging the digital divide.
These projects represent the second phase of a competition supporting Advanced Connectivity Technologies (formerly Future Telecoms).
One of the six frontier technologies highlighted in the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, part of the Industrial Strategy.
The projects support innovations that will:
- strengthen phone signals at major events
- enable instant 3D video streaming
- transmit information using light
Improving digital connectivity
Initially launched in 2024, the additional funding for these projects enables them to build on their successful developments and accelerate commercial deployment of next-generation technologies.
The innovations directly support the UK government’s Industrial Strategy and mission to kickstart economic growth by improving digital connectivity for homes and businesses nationwide.
Growing domestic technology
The projects demonstrate the UK’s commitment to leading global telecommunications development while growing domestic technology ecosystems.
By advancing UK-based telecoms innovation, these projects will create high-skilled jobs and position Britain at the forefront of the telecommunications revolution that will define the next decade of digital connectivity.
The successful applicants will now advance their prototypes towards commercial deployment, ensuring UK communities benefit from world-leading connectivity solutions developed on home soil.
Further information
Project list
Development of a novel network switch to enable next generation ultrahigh speed wireless access solutions
Led by Novocomms Limited
Based in Birmingham, this project will provide ultra-high speed internet connections to difficult locations (such as a rural location) without the need for installing costly wired or fibre optic infrastructure.
Mid Infrared Free Space Telecommunications (MIST2)
Led by Fraunhofer UK Research Limited
This project will address the challenges facing systems using light-based communications in challenging environments such as cloud and fog.
Based in Glasgow, the MIST2 project has partners in:
- Yeovil (AV Optics)
- Preston (BAE Systems)
- Paignton (Bay Photonics)
- Southampton (Covesion)
nCOMM+1: a multi-access wireless network for holographic video
Led by Nephelie Technologies Limited
Based in Bristol, this project will speed up the streaming of 3D video wirelessly at scale, enabling people to appear and interact in remote spaces as if physically present.
It raises the possibility of a dancer, surgeon, or teacher sharing their presence anywhere in the world, in real time, without flat screens.
High Optical Power PCSEL Laser for Intersatellite Data Transmit Enhancement (HOPLITE)
Led by Vector Photonics Limited
Based in Glasgow, HOPLITE is developing advanced laser technology to boost free space optical communications, which uses light to send data wirelessly at ultra-fast speeds.
This breakthrough could enable faster, more secure internet connections between buildings, campuses, and even satellites, without relying on cables or radio signals.
TrustNetz
Led by Nquiringminds Limited
Based in Southampton, TrustNetz is a new form of network security.
Rather than relying on a single password or certificate, it can use the device owner, the device manufacture, software and device testing evidence to inform a continuous assessment of security.
It can even evaluate the trustworthiness of an artificial intelligence (AI) system sitting within the device.
Integration of AI and Image processing into Microwave Backhaul Alignment
Led by Acculink Technology Limited
Based in Cirencester, this project aims to speed up the introduction of 5G microwave installation using technology that maintains the physical stability and accuracy of connections in unstable environments.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the products are high quality, offering robust and reliable telecoms infrastructure suitable for critical communications.
VOLTAIRE-B
Led by Pangolin Industries Ltd
Based in Livingstone and Glasgow, VOLTAIRE-B is creating advanced light sensors that help test and maintain fibre optic networks, which are essential for fast internet.
Their new chip design aims to meet growing demand for reliable tools to support future network upgrades and repairs.
CAPTIVATE 2
Led by Alter Technology TUV Nord UK Limited
Based in Livingston, this project will improve optical communications between satellites.
CAPTIVATE2 is helping build the data highways that future spacecraft need while keeping the entire supply chain on British soil.
Demonstration of Swept Beam Antennas for Coverage and Cell-Edge Capacity Enhancement in an Operational 4G or 5G Cellular Testbed Network
Led by University of Surrey
This project will use technology to improve the quality of service from mobile cellular operators.
It has the potential to decrease the number of deployed cellular masts by maintaining the same level of coverage across a network.
Illuminate Ph2
Led by Archangel Lightworks Ltd
Based in Oxford, this project will deploy the TERRA-M Optical Ground Station to a teleport and conduct an extended test campaign with partners’ Low Earth Orbit optical communications satellites.
It will help cement the UK and Archangel Lightworks’ position on the cutting-edge of optical satellite communications technology.
Project ARANA Phase 2
Led by Weaver Labs Limited
This project is based in London and trialling in Milton Keynes with live pilot trials at Stadium MK in February to March 2026.
It will bring experience to the cutting-edge showcase of private 5G in action, delivered through a unified mobile application built on the Cell-Stack platform.
Visitors should be able to interact with a wide range of services in real time during matches, all running seamlessly over the same network, including:
- high-quality live video streaming from the pitch
- AI-generated team performance insights
- player statistics
- interactive chatbots
- immersive 3D mapping of the stadium