GSMA Foundry and the European Space Agency (ESA) have announced up to €100 million in new funding to accelerate innovation at the intersection of space and mobile technologies. Revealed at MWC26 in Barcelona, the ESA-backed initiative aims to advance artificial intelligence for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, 5G and 6G hubs, and early-stage 6G innovation. The funding marks a significant step forward in scaling hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks and supporting seamless global connectivity through closer integration of space and telecom infrastructures.
Building on their partnership established in 2024, the two organisations are focusing on fast-tracking the commercialisation of hybrid networks. The initiative targets four strategic pillars: leveraging AI to dynamically manage spectrum and traffic across multi-orbit satellite and terrestrial systems; supporting standards-based D2D pilots that connect smartphones and IoT devices directly via satellite; establishing collaborative 5G and 6G testbeds for operators and developers; and driving early 6G technologies such as edge intelligence and advanced IoT solutions, where satellite-terrestrial convergence will play a central role.
ESA leadership emphasized that strong backing from Member States has enabled this collaboration, positioning Europe at a pivotal moment in the convergence of space and telecommunications sectors. GSMA leadership highlighted that hybrid networks are no longer theoretical concepts but commercially viable solutions capable of expanding connectivity to remote and underserved regions, strengthening resilience, and supporting digital transformation across industries.
A key highlight at MWC26 is the ESA and GSMA Foundry NTN Showcase in the New Frontiers zone, featuring fifteen live demonstrations that illustrate real-world applications of space-to-mobile integration. These demonstrations cover D2D connectivity, NTN orchestration, AI-driven network management, and early 6G developments. Participating companies include Accedo, Autodiscovery, AWTG, Celeste, Filtronic, Keysight & Sateliot, Lasting Software, MediaTek & Rohde & Schwarz, Microamp, MinWave Technologies, NextWorks, Nokia RXRM, OQ Technology, Photon Industries and Qoherent.
ESA is also presenting live satellite demonstrations, including a LUNA-themed showcase that highlights Europe’s ambitions for lunar exploration. The demonstration features advanced connectivity, robotics, mixed reality and satellite communications technologies that could support remote control of lunar landers, rovers and robotic systems from Earth or the International Space Station. A mixed-reality model of ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander further illustrates how high-resolution 360-degree video streaming and satellite-linked systems could enable seamless collaboration across Earth-Moon distances.
During the event, senior ESA and GSMA leaders are participating in panel discussions outlining the roadmap toward 6G and the growing role of satellite systems in sustainable and real-world deployments. The conversations focus on how hybrid networks can enhance resilience, expand coverage and enable new enterprise and consumer services.
The announcement also coincided with the GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards, which recognised breakthrough contributions across the ecosystem. Winners included AWTG for fixed mobile convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks; Keysight and Sateliot for 6G innovation; Lasting Software for advancing 5G and 6G hubs in Romania; NextWorks for integrating NTN into mobile core architectures and Open Gateway APIs; and OQ Technologies and Celeste for achievements in D2D connectivity.
Together, the €100 million funding commitment and the live demonstrations at MWC26 signal a decisive shift toward commercially deployable hybrid networks. By combining ESA’s space expertise with the mobile industry’s global reach, the initiative aims to accelerate AI-driven connectivity, strengthen digital resilience, and lay the foundation for a seamless and globally integrated 6G future.
