On February 9–11, 2026, UNITY-6G partner CTTC participated in the ETSI AI and Data Conference 2026, held at the ETSI headquarters in Sophia Antipolis, France. The event, now in its third edition, brought together leading experts from industry, academia, and standardisation bodies to explore the evolving intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Data management technologies, with a strong focus on their role in future network systems.
This year’s conference expanded its scope beyond AI alone to include data-centric architectures, standardisation efforts supporting the EU AI Act and EU Data Act, and emerging topics such as Agentic AI, highlighting ETSI’s growing role in shaping the European AI and data ecosystem.
UNITY-6G contribution: semantic communications for NTN integration
UNITY-6G was represented by Amedeo Giuliani (CTTC) who delivered a poster presentation titled “SEM-NTN: Enabling Semantic Communications in O-RAN-Integrated Satellite Networks.”
The SEM-NTN concept explores how semantic communication techniques can enhance the efficiency and intelligence of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) when integrated with Open RAN architectures. Instead of transmitting raw data, semantic communication focuses on conveying meaning-relevant information, enabling:
- More efficient use of satellite and wireless spectrum resources
- Reduced communication overhead in NTN environments
- Improved integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network domains
- Enhanced support for AI-driven network optimisation and orchestration
This approach aligns closely with UNITY-6G objectives on intelligent, distributed, and AI-native 6G architectures, where network efficiency and semantic-aware processing are key enablers for scalable future systems.
ETSI AI and Data Conference: shaping standardization and innovation
The ETSI AI and Data Conference 2026 provided a key forum for discussing how standardisation can support emerging AI-driven technologies in line with European policy frameworks. The event featured:
- Presentations on AI and data standardization in support of the EU AI Act and EU Data Act
- Dedicated sessions on Agentic AI, covering both industrial and regulatory perspectives
- Discussions on AI applications in networks, digital systems, and vertical industries
- 18 demonstrations and posters showcasing cutting-edge research and innovation
The conference also enabled direct interaction between ETSI members and non-members, fostering collaboration and identifying gaps for future standardization efforts.
Contributing to AI-native 6G and NTN evolution
UNITY-6G participation in ETSI AI and Data Conference 2026 reinforced the project’s contribution to the development of AI-native, semantic-aware communication systems for future 6G networks. In particular, the SEM-NTN work highlighted the importance of integrating AI, semantics, and Open RAN principles into satellite and hybrid network environments.
By engaging with the ETSI community, UNITY-6G continues to support the evolution of intelligent and efficient non-terrestrial network architectures, contributing to the broader European vision for data-driven and AI-enabled next-generation connectivity.
