European Commission Invests €6m in SPRINTER to Revolutionise Industrial Networks
Deal News | Apr 25, 2025 | UK Tech Funding
The European Commission has launched a €6 million investment in the SPRINTER project, part of the Horizon Europe program, aimed at radically enhancing industrial network communications through optical and wireless technology. This initiative is set to revolutionize the current methods by creating a new industrial internet that uses laser light for high-speed data transmission instead of electricity, promising speeds up to 200 gigabits per second. The project involves high-speed optical transceivers intended to increase efficiency and performance for industries, catering to the demands of Industry 5.0 by providing faster, smarter, and more robust networks. Efstathios Andrianopoulos from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) emphasizes making Europe a leader in industrial photonics to support next-generation automation, robotics, and intelligent systems.
Sectors
- Industrial Photonics
- Telecommunications
- Industrial Automation
Geography
- European Union – The European Commission's investment indicates significant activity related to technological advancements within the EU.
Industry
- Industrial Photonics – The article highlights the SPRINTER project focused on optical technology, pivotal in industrial communication systems.
- Telecommunications – SPRINTER involves advancements in wired and wireless communication technologies, directly impacting the telecommunications sector.
- Industrial Automation – The project supports next-generation automation and robotics by enhancing network performance and efficiency.
Financials
- €6 million – Investment by the European Commission in the SPRINTER project.
- 5.1 million – GBP equivalent of the investment amount.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Commission | Investor | Government | The executive branch of the European Union, investing in technological initiatives. |
| SPRINTER Project | Target | Project | An initiative designed to advance industrial network communications through optical technology. |
| Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) | Research Lead | Research Institution | Leading research institution involved in the SPRINTER project. |