At the 20th anniversary edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC), the UNITY-6G project took a prominent role in the “IQ Era” discussions, demonstrating how artificial intelligence and decentralized trust will define the next generation of connectivity. The project’s presence was anchored by the high-level presentation delivered by UNITY-6G Project Coordinator Engin Zeydan (CTTC) and three distinct demonstrations that bridged the gap between theoretical 6G research and industrial application.
End-to-End Orchestration and Cloud-Native Slicing
Jorge Baranda from CTTC presented a Demo, which illustrated the complete orchestration of a distributed 5G cloud-native mobile network from the ground up. This demonstration highlighted the synergy between transport automation and mobile core functions, utilizing an open-source stack including Open5GS, srsRAN, ETSI Open Source MANO (OSM), and ETSI TeraFlowSDN (TFS).
A key technical milestone of the demo was the O-RAN integration, where a cloud-based Distributed Unit (DU) communicated with a Radio Unit (RU) via the O-RAN Split 7.2 interface. By enabling on-demand activation of core functions and dynamic transport configuration, the system proved it could route traffic differently based on active network slices, ensuring dedicated resources for diverse 6G use cases.
Decentralized Trust in Multi-Operator Environments
Addressing the critical need for security in shared networks, Farhana Javed (CTTC) showcased a Demo focused on a decentralized trust layer for Federated Learning (FL). As 6G moves toward collaborative AI models trained across different administrative domains, maintaining data integrity is paramount.
The demo utilized Blockchain Smart Contracts and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to evaluate the reputation of distributed FL clients. This immutable tracking system allows for:
- Audit Trails: Recording training contributions and data quality metrics.
- Reputation Scoring: Dynamically calculating client trustworthiness to inform model aggregation.
- Byzantine Fault Detection: Identifying and flagging malicious behavior to protect the integrity of the collective AI model.
The Rise of Agentic AI for Network Autonomy
Godfrey Kibalya and Angelos Antonopoulos from Nearby Computing presented a Demo, shifting the focus toward fully autonomous service management. Utilizing the NearbyOne platform, the team demonstrated an Agentic AI framework designed to handle the growing complexity of end-to-end orchestration.
The framework employs a collaborative multi-agent architecture where specialized agents—including Intent, Observability, Planning, and Action agents—work together to translate natural language commands into executable API actions. This “intent-driven” approach allows users to express service requirements simply, while the system manages the underlying closed-loop automation, a significant step toward self-managing 6G networks.
Collaborative Ecosystem and Visibility
Beyond the technical demonstrations, UNITY-6G maintained a high level of visibility throughout the Fira Gran Via. The project’s outreach was driven by a coordinated effort from partners including CTTC, Nearby Computing, Hispasat, SRS, Keysight, Martel, and DLR, who utilized a mix of static displays and active networking to engage attendees.
While the coordinator’s booth provided a visual anchor with a dedicated project roll-up, other partners integrated UNITY-6G brochures, branded bookmarks, and videos into their own exhibition spaces. This was further complemented by “on-the-move” outreach, where partners without fixed booths carried project materials to facilitate direct discussions with stakeholders across the venue. This multi-channel approach ensured that UNITY-6G remained a consistent point of interest for a wide range of industry professionals.
The collective contributions at MWC Barcelona 2026 reinforce the project’s goal of delivering a secure, energy-efficient, and highly automated network fabric that supports the future of European industrial leadership.
