Germany Strengthens Its 6G Strategy: 6G Platform Enters Second, Transfer-Oriented Funding Phase

6G is considered a key technology for the future. The Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is decisively driving its development forward. With the 6G Platform, it has established a central entity to connect and strengthen national 6G research and to secure Germany’s competitiveness at the international level. To continue this work and to guide four recently launched 6G Transfer Hubs, which serve as drivers for a market-ready 6G innovation ecosystem, the BMFTR is now funding the second phase of the 6G Platform. The 6G Platform is coordinated at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. 

The next generation of mobile communications will form the backbone of the ongoing digitalization of industry, business, and society. The goal is to introduce innovations into international standards at an early stage and thereby sustainably secure the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe. The 6G Platform brings together stakeholders from research, industry, and government. It serves as a strategic link between research, application, and international standardization. The 6G Platform is closely connected with the national 6G Transfer Hubs (xG-RIC, 6G-Life, 6GEM+ & Open6GHub+) for secure and resilient communication systems. 

Strong Role in International Standards
The objective of the platform is to develop joint positions for international 6G development, represent German initiatives externally in a coordinated manner, and increase the global visibility of German expertise. A particular focus lies on shaping global 6G standards. In this way, technological developments “Made in Germany” are intended to be incorporated into international specifications at an early stage. This is crucial, as mobile communication standards are defined globally in international bodies and play a decisive role in shaping future markets and value creation. 

Networking, Dialogue, and Talent Development
The 6G Platform actively promotes exchange between national and international partners through events, dialogue formats, and targeted outreach activities. One highlight is the Berlin 6G Conference, which serves as an international stage for German research and strengthens cooperation across borders. Another key focus lies on the promotion of skilled professionals: the platform specifically supports competence building and the networking of young talents along the entire innovation chain. 

Strong Consortium with Leading Partners
The second phase of the 6G Platform is coordinated by Professor Hans D. Schotten, who heads the Chair of Radio Communication and Navigation at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau as well as the Intelligent Networks research group at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). 

“The closely interconnected 6G research under the umbrella of the 6G Platform is the decisive lever for positioning Germany as a strong player in the international environment, unlocking the innovation potential of the future mobile communications standard for industry and society, and ultimately securing the future of German industry. Together, we are advancing exchange with international partners, creating an innovation network for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, and educating specialized experts.” 

New members of the consortium include the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute as well as the Technical University of Berlin under the leadership of Slawomir Stanczak. Fraunhofer HHI contributes extensive expertise in the research, development, and standardization of modern communication systems, thereby strengthening the international competitiveness of the platform. 

“For the success of 6G, it is essential that we contribute scientific excellence to international standardization processes at an early stage and in a coordinated manner. Only then can innovations from Germany and Europe truly achieve global impact. The second phase of the 6G Platform specifically strengthens the networking between research, industry, and standardization bodies, thereby creating the foundation for strategic positioning within key organizations such as 3GPP, ITU, and ETSI. At the same time, science communication plays a central role: we must communicate technological developments in an understandable way and actively strengthen dialogue with industry, politics, and society. The combination of standardization and science communication is a decisive factor in increasing the international visibility of German 6G research.” 

Contribution to Germany’s High-Tech Agenda
The 6G Platform is closely aligned with the national research roadmap for secure and resilient communication systems and makes a key contribution to implementing Germany’s High-Tech Agenda. Together with the 6G Transfer Hubs, it forms a key structure for innovation, value creation, and technological independence. For the second phase, the BMFTR is providing funding of around 8 million euros for the period from 2026 to 2030. The official project launch took place on May 1, 2026. 

About RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau
RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), with around 15,000 students and 1,600 researchers, is the technical university of the federal state. As a center of internationally leading research and an academic talent hub for business and science, it offers excellent conditions for study and research. 

Its academic spectrum includes engineering sciences, natural and environmental sciences, educational and social sciences, mathematics and computer science, psychology, as well as research-based teacher education for all school types. Through research and teaching that are often interdisciplinary, RPTU develops solutions for societal challenges such as climate change and the energy transition. At the same time, it creates the foundations for accelerating digitalization and digital transformation. 

RPTU also benefits from its strong networks. In Kaiserslautern, renowned research institutions such as two Fraunhofer Institutes, the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are located in close proximity to the university. Together with these institutions, the technical university advances application-oriented research through intensive collaborations. 

About Fraunhofer HHI
The Fraunhofer HHI (Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute) is a globally leading research institute shaping the digital future. It drives innovations in the fields of video, AI, computer vision, photonics, and wireless communications - with technologies that significantly impact science, industry, and society. 

For a wide range of application areas - including healthcare, agriculture, critical infrastructures, disaster management, energy, mobility, and more - Fraunhofer HHI develops practical solutions with societal impact.