A year of innovation
The Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership for Research and Leadership in Wireless Networks has transformed Canadian telecommunications research, uniting top academic minds with industry experts to tackle some of today’s most pressing technological challenges. Now in its fourth year, this collaboration has become a national model for innovation, talent development and research excellence.
Our 2023-2024 Impact Report captures the partnership’s growth —highlighting key milestones in 5G, AI, and network sustainability—and outlines our roadmap to shape a connected future. Together, we’re setting new standards for what academic-industry partnerships can achieve.
This year was packed with highlights, from the onboarding of incredible academics to the launch of new and exciting projects. Some of our notable achievements include:
- The TechTalks Ericsson-Carleton Symposium
The third annual TechTalks Ericsson-Carleton Symposium was a highlight of the year, underscoring our progress and providing a platform to celebrate the breakthroughs of over 20 researchers working with Ericsson experts on applied research projects. The symposium featured groundbreaking work in 5G network advancements, covering areas like smart radio debugging, virtual network function placement and 5G-powered drone control. By connecting the next generation of ICT professionals with industry-leading research, we’re fostering a pipeline of talent that will continue to propel Canada’s telecommunications sector forward.
- Ericsson-Carleton 5G Drone Lab
A hallmark event of the year was the inauguration of our 5G Drone Lab, an advanced research facility housed within the Ericsson-Carleton Mobile Wireless Lab. As the only place in Canada where graduate students and researchers have access to a private standalone 5G network, this lab allows us to stay on the cutting edge of 5G applications and develop solutions for real-world challenges from delivering packages to exploring environments unsafe to humans. The new lab is further fueling our research abilities and giving the next generation of talent access to technologies that are shaping the future.
- Our research program
Our research with Carleton continues to flourish, with over 64 graduate students engaged in forward-thinking research that’s breaking ground in the fields of AI, machine learning and even quantum 6G technologies. This year, we have seen 24 accepted publications, with 10 pending publications and even two pending invention disclosures.
- Talent development
Our talent development program has seen strides this year as we held a specialized 5G course, fostered work opportunities, and hosted guest lectures. Over 89 students have completed the 5G course thus far, hearing from 16 Ericsson guest lectures about the inspiring future of the industry. Students also have ample opportunity to apply their knowledge, with over 660 co-op work terms completed by Carleton students at Ericsson between 2020 and 2024. Ericsson has also recruited many students, a practice that we will continue as we keep working with exceptional researchers.
A partnership for the future
The growth of the Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership for Research and Leadership in Wireless Networks has been an incredible journey, underscoring the importance of strong, mutual relationships between industry and academia. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to drive meaningful advancements in sustainable network research, while developing a diverse pool of talent that will help shape Canada’s future.
Since the early days of this partnership, we’ve pursued ambitious goals: fostering industry-ready talent, developing state-of-the-art facilities, and elevating awareness around the transformative power of 5G and beyond. Every year brings new milestones, further validating our shared vision.
What’s next?
As we look toward 2025, our commitment to this groundbreaking partnership remains steadfast. We’re prepared to tackle fresh challenges, expand our research into the possibilities of 5G and 6G, and continue pushing the envelope on what is possible with wireless technology. With every new project and partnership, we’re not just advancing telecommunications, we’re creating opportunities for students to work on solutions that address some of the industry’s most pressing questions.
Academic partnerships are essential for driving our industry forward and ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of technological innovation. I eagerly await the opportunities the next year will bring and the groundbreaking work that will continue to emerge from this partnership.
Read the 2023-2024 impact report.
