Munich, Unknown – January 19, 2026 — Munich, Germany – Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden) have secured €25 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space to propel the second phase of the 6G-life project into practical applications. This initiative, known as 6G-life², builds on foundational work started in 2021, shifting focus from machine-to-machine links under current 5G standards to seamless human interactions with devices, robots, and virtual environments.
The funding, spanning four years as part of the national 6G Research Roadmap for 2025–2030, supports the development of secure, resilient networks tailored for tomorrow’s needs. Researchers aim to integrate computing power directly into communication systems, fostering energy-efficient real-time processing for industries. Key applications include digital twins of factories in the industrial metaverse, advanced robotics for care and teleoperations, and precise sensor technologies that enhance human-machine collaboration.
Professor Wolfgang Kellerer, who holds the Chair of Communication Networks at TUM, highlighted the project’s emphasis on reliability and adaptability. “The infrastructure of the future must be powerful, secure, sustainable, flexible, and cost-effective,” he stated. Efforts will extend beyond labs, embedding 6G principles into education and industry partnerships to accelerate knowledge transfer.
A cornerstone of 6G-life² is the creation of a full-scale demonstrator, a testbed to validate technologies and showcase benefits like faster response times and reduced energy use. This hands-on approach will demonstrate how 6G enables immersive experiences, from remote surgeries via care robots to efficient factory simulations. Complementing this, the project prioritises startups to bolster Germany’s technological independence in telecommunications, countering global market dynamics with homegrown innovations.
Launchhub42, a joint incubator established in Dresden in 2024, already nurtures spin-offs in 6G and robotics, linking university research to commercial ventures. Professor Frank Fitzek, from TU Dresden’s Deutsche Telekom Professorship for Communication Networks, praised the alignment with national priorities. “Technological sovereignty and a strong startup ecosystem underpin 6G-life², driving sustainable innovations and high-tech applications crafted in Germany,” he noted.
In parallel, Bavaria’s 6G Future Lab, launched last April and funded by the state Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, reinforces Munich’s role. TUM teams specialising in digital twins, network security, energy efficiency, machine learning, robotics, and connected mobility collaborate closely, sharing testbeds and scenarios. This synergy positions Munich as a nexus for next-generation connectivity, drawing on expertise from institutes like the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence.
These developments coincide with broader momentum in Munich’s tech landscape. Deutsche Telekom and Nvidia plan to activate an AI-focused facility in early 2026, serving manufacturing sectors with advanced computational resources. Google is expanding its Arnulfpost site, transforming a historic Munich building into a 30,000-square-metre hub for 2,000 employees by late 2026, complete with public spaces. Federal Minister Dorothee Bär commended such commitments, noting they align with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda for growth in AI and sustainable energy.
Events like DLD Munich 26, set for 15–17 January 2026 at the House of Communication, will gather leaders to discuss AI, quantum computing, biotech, and energy systems’ societal impacts. The Future of Computing conference on 3 March and FuturePrint TECH on 21–22 January further spotlight Munich’s innovative spirit, from quantum advancements to digital manufacturing.
Deeptech startups amplify this progress. Firms like SaxonQ advance mobile quantum systems, passing key tests with Germany’s space agency, while Black Semiconductor pioneers graphene optics for ultra-efficient chip links, eyeing a 2026 pilot in Aachen. NanoMatter develops next-gen materials to extend semiconductor lifespans amid rising demands from IoT and autonomous tech.
Munich’s ecosystem thrives on public-private harmony, world-class universities, and investor confidence—evidenced by €1.7 billion raised by German deeptech in 2024. These strides promise enhanced industrial productivity, greener operations, and inclusive tech that enriches daily life, cementing the city’s status as a beacon for European progress.
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