£4m boost for 5G research in Wales

Wales is set to become a global leader in 5G technology following the announcement of a new Digital Centre of Excellence, supported by nearly £4m EU funds.

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Centre of Excellence at Bangor University will provide highly specialised research into digital communication systems like mobile phones, WiFi hubs and modern manufacturing lines. Improvements in DSP are a cost-effective way of speeding up networks, dramatically improving the way that mobile phones, devices and network architecture work.

The DSP Centre of Excellence will look at ways to use existing fibre technology in the 5G network to improve capacity, flexibility, functionality and services.

Counsel General and Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles, who is responsible for EU funding in Wales, said: “Fast, flexible, adaptable digital systems, tailored to the needs of the user, are essential in today’s time-sensitive culture, and are vital to our nation’s development as we continue to boost productivity in the Welsh economy.

“The DSP Centre of Excellence puts Wales at the very heart of innovation in this key economic sector, and positions Bangor University at the top of the ICT research industry. Collaboration between top academics from Wales and world-wide institutions, high profile international companies and Welsh and UK SMEs, will lead to ground-breaking, world class research, resulting in cutting-edge solutions to advance the global 5G economy.

“EU funding continues to drive progress in R&D, science, infrastructure and skills in Wales, as well as promoting economic growth and creating new jobs. We’ve been clear that we want this funding to continue, to enable Wales to carry on leading research into new technology systems capable of running on low power, and to progress towards a more equal, more prosperous, and greener Wales.”

In addition to the EU funding, Bangor University is leading the project by contributing £1,672,984 funding, with additional funding of £349,262 from private sector partners.

Professor Iwan Davies, Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor commented:

“This is a fine example of the excellent research conducted at our University. It illustrates how research conducted by academics of international standing feeds into innovation and contributes to economic and social impact in our wider world. In particular, the DSP Centre puts research innovation and collaboration at its heart. With academic, international and Welsh partners, the DSP Centre has the potential to promote the creation of a “DSP Economic Zone” along the A55 to bring transformative economic benefits to North Wales.”

Publication date: 17 October 2019