SONIC Labs -Technology Access Programme

Open RAN Energy Efficiency Challenge

SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme (TAP) is an 8-month structured programme developed by Digital Catapult in collaboration with Ofcom, running from June 2024 to January 2025. This programme is funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and aims to facilitate experimentation, unlock innovation and help accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology in the UK industry. 

Participating companies in this programme will build solutions to accelerate the diversification and adoption of Open RAN products in the UK market and carry out their own research to develop and implement solutions and algorithms relevant to address the two Open RAN energy efficiencies challenges presented under the following two Themes:  

•  RIC enabled Advanced Sleep Modes
• Optimising CU/DU Power utilisation of server CPU cores 

Who should apply?

This programme is designed for UK operating startups, SMEs, and companies who want to demonstrate that they have developed a viable energy efficiency product for their business and the industry. If you have taken part in a previous SONIC Labs programme, you are eligible to apply again as long as you meet the relevant criteria outlined on the website.

Requirements

All applicants must have adequate technical resources to engage in development, integration, testing, and porting processes, as well as other resources for participation in knowledge-sharing and dissemination activities. Additionally, applicants must have a UK business bank account for payments, be a UK operating company, or prove they are a company that has an establishment in the UK and conducts all activities within the UK. Applicants must not be considered high-risk vendors (as defined by the National Cyber Security Centre, or otherwise under applicable law).

Benefits

Successful applicants will:

• Receive development support through education, training and workshops
• Have access to Digital Catapult’s commercially-neutral, multi-tenancy open network testbed
• Be exposed to potential clients and key players of the Open RAN ecosystem
• Have the opportunity to share learnings and collaborate with other innovators on key Open RAN challenges
• Have the opportunity to continuously engage with the programme
• Have regular sessions with your leadership team
• Networking events, roundtables and introductions to Programme Industry Partners
• Become part of the TAP Alumni upon successful completion of the programme
• Have access to additional commercialisation support through a bespoke support stream

Key Dates

19 February 2024 - Applications open

27 March 2024 - Applications close

9 - 19 April - Selected applicants invited to interview

14 May 2024 - Final participants confirmed and will be notified

10 June 2024 - Programme launched