Program Overview

Introduction to the Future Communications Research and Development Programme

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) invested close to S$70 million to future-proof Singapore's communications and connectivity capabilities, through the launch of the Future Communications Research and Development Programme (FCP) in 2021.

Programme Overview

The FCP is supported under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) efforts, where Communications and Connectivity is one of the key technology focus areas in the Smart Nation and Digital Economy (SNDE) domain. As host institution, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary research efforts across the RIE ecosystem, with Research Institutes (RIs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and other RIE efforts.

Programme Objectives

The first four years of the programme comprised of:

• Development of Future Communications Connectivity Lab at SUTD and Future Communications Translation Lab at SIT.
• Grant calls for R&D and translation of future communications technologies.
• Support for local talent pursuing research in communications and connectivity.
• International Partnership for future communications technologies such as 6G.

Future Plans

Building on these achievements, FCP will continue to:

• Deepening our research capabilities for Singapore, including security, network orchestration, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
• Strengthening Singapore's position as a leading innovation hub for communications and connectivity technologies through enhanced engagement with local stakeholders, overseas companies, and global organisations.
• Continue to offer world-class R&D, testing and integration services to catalyse ecosystem growth and innovation.

Research Areas

The programme focuses on various research areas, including:

• Security
• Network orchestration
• Non-terrestrial networks (NTN)
• Future communications technologies such as 6G

Facilities

The programme has established several facilities, including:

• Future Communications Connectivity Lab (FCCLab) at SUTD
• Future Communications Translation Lab (FCTLab) at SIT
• AI-RAN Alliance-Endorsed Lab at SUTD
• Cyber5G Testbed
• Connected Smart Mobility (COSMO) Testbed at NTU

Collaborations

The programme collaborates with various partners, including:

• Research Institutes (RIs)
• Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs)
• Local stakeholders
• Overseas companies
• Global organisations

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the programme include:

• The launch of a joint research laboratory with MediaTek, a global fabless semiconductor leader, with a total investment of S$34M.
• The hosting of the BEACON Project Workshop to showcase UK–Singapore R&D collaboration in intent-driven advanced connectivity services.
• The demonstration of various technologies at MWC Barcelona 2026, including an Edge AI-controlled humanoid demo spotlighted by NVIDIA.