ENABLE-6G concludes with key innovations in AI, privacy, and network efficiency
The research project ENABLE-6G, funded by NextGeneration EU, has been successfully completed — marking a major milestone in Europe’s path toward 6G technology. Led by the IMDEA Networks Institute, the project has established essential technological foundations for the next generation of mobile networks, focusing on energy-efficient communication, AI-driven analysis, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and privacy-preserving machine learning.
Project partners included Telefónica, NEC Europe, BluSpecs, and PI Lighting. ENABLE-6G comprised two key sub-projects:
- MAP-6G (Machine Learning-based Privacy Preserving Analytics for 6G Mobile Networks), led by Dr. Giustiniano Domenico, Research Associate Professor at IMDEA Networks Institute.
- RISC-6G (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces and Low-power Technologies for Communication and Sensing in 6G Mobile Networks), led by Dr. Joerg Widmer, Research Professor at IMDEA Networks Institute.
A total of 20 technological innovations were developed, representing significant advances in network intelligence, energy efficiency, localization, and data privacy. ENABLE-6G addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing future mobile networks: increasing data demands, sustainability, network security, and trust in AI-based systems.
From Det-RAN to AIChronoLens – Key Technologies for the 6G Era
A standout result from MAP-6G is the Det-RAN framework — a data-driven, real-time attack detection platform for 5G Open RAN. It addresses the lack of integrity protection in the RRC layer by using physical-layer features to verify packet sources. With an AI-based design, the framework demonstrated reliable detection of suspicious activity in distributed network architectures — an important step toward securing software-based, open networks.
In RISC-6G, one of the key outcomes was the development of AIChronoLens, an explainable AI (xAI) tool designed to improve the transparency and interpretability of time-series forecasting models for network management and resource allocation. AIChronoLens makes it possible to distinguish between modeling errors and design flaws, significantly enhancing the reliability and quality of AI-powered systems.
Applied Innovation Meets Research Excellence
In addition to AI innovations, ENABLE-6G produced practical solutions for real-world applications, including:
- a test platform for improved localization in 5G networks,
- wireless sensing algorithms for real-time monitoring in areas such as agriculture,
- optimized federated learning (FL) techniques enabling privacy-friendly edge AI,
- advances in antenna and MIMO technologies to enhance spectral efficiency,
- and wireless energy harvesting via RF signals.
These results send a clear technological — and societal — message: 6G can be powerful, efficient, and responsible.
Spain as a 6G Pioneer in Europe
ENABLE-6G has clearly positioned Spain as a leading hub for 6G research in Europe, aligned with the goals of the EU’s Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). The focus on ethical AI, energy efficiency, and explainable systems demonstrates how technological progress and societal responsibility can go hand in hand.
A Foundation for the Future
The technologies and methodologies developed in ENABLE-6G provide a solid foundation for the next phase of Europe’s wireless infrastructure. With 20 tangible innovations, the project exemplifies how scientific excellence, economic relevance, and European collaboration can be successfully combined.
Learn more about the project here: enable6g.eu
