Martel’s 6G-NTN project has reached its conclusion, with three years of research and innovation delivering key advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud-native technologies, and next-generation network orchestration, and with our organisation contributing to both technological progress and the broader European 6G ecosystem.
6G-NTN was a European research and innovation initiative focused on enabling the seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks for future 6G systems. By developing a three-dimensional (3D) network infrastructure, the project’s aim was to deliver ubiquitous coverage, high data rates, ultra-low latency, and reliable localisation services—key pillars of the European 6G vision.
Within this framework, Martel played a dual and strategic role. On the technical side, Martel Lab contributed to the development of AI-driven orchestration mechanisms for Cloud-native Network Functions (CNFs). In parallel, Martel Media led the Impact Creation work package, driving communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement activities to maximise the project’s reach and influence.
AI-powered resource forecasting for proactive CNF orchestration
A key technical achievement from Martel Lab is the development of an AI-powered resource forecasting component for CNFs, designed to enable proactive orchestration in 6G non-terrestrial networks.
Leveraging advanced Machine Learning models, the component predicts CPU and memory usage ahead of time, allowing orchestration systems to allocate resources proactively. This results in more efficient and reliable network operations while maintaining strict Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.
This approach enables:
- Optimised resource allocation, reducing overprovisioning
- Higher reliability by preventing service degradation
- Dynamic adaptation to fluctuating network conditions
Importantly, this work reflects the native AI paradigm of 6G, where intelligence is embedded directly into the system architecture rather than applied as an external optimisation layer.
To support this, Martel developed a Machine Learning Function Orchestrator, capable of creating, executing, and managing parallel ML pipelines. The solution is fully containerised and reproducible, ensuring scalability, reliability, and efficient resource usage. The component has also been released as open source, available on Martel’s GitHub, contributing to the wider research community.
Leading impact creation across the project
Martel’s contribution went well beyond technology. As leader of the Impact Creation Work Package, Martel Media played a central role in ensuring that the project’s results achieved strong visibility and engagement at the European level.
Under Martel’s strategic guidance, 6G-NTN became one of the most visible initiatives within the SNS JU ecosystem. A standout achievement was the project’s digital growth: the 6G-NTN LinkedIn community surpassed 4,000 followers, a remarkable milestone for a specialized research and innovation project. This high level of engagement ensured a continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers.
Other key impact activities included:
- Designing and executing a bespoke communication and dissemination strategy
- Engaging with key SNS stakeholders and initiatives
- Coordinating participation in major events and conferences
- Positioning 6G-NTN within the broader European 6G landscape
Through these efforts, Martel ensured that the project’s innovations were not only developed, but also effectively communicated, recognised, and adopted within the ecosystem.
Scientific recognition and European visibility
Martel’s work within 6G-NTN has been widely recognised by the research community.
The AI-powered forecasting system was presented at EuCNC 2025 in the session “AI4C2: 6G Network Slicing and Resource Management”, generating strong interest. A related scientific publication, co-authored with the University of Bologna, is available on IEEE Xplore.
The work was further showcased through a live demonstration at the ETSI SNS4SNS event in Sophia Antipolis in February 2026—one of Europe’s flagship events for Smart Networks and Services—offering a hands-on demonstration of AI-driven orchestration capabilities just ahead of the project’s final review.
Ensuring the sustainability of 6G-NTN results
The completion of 6G-NTN marks a transition rather than an endpoint.
Martel is already building on the 6G-NTN results in the UNITY-6G project, launched in January 2025, where research is being extended towards:
- Energy-aware and sustainable network orchestration
- Green AI for 6G infrastructures
- Balancing performance, energy consumption, and renewable energy integration
In parallel, Martel is exploring the potential of TinyML for Ambient IoT, focusing on ultra-low-power Machine Learning to enable intelligent connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach environments.
Looking ahead, the results of 6G-NTN will also be leveraged in the upcoming project 6G-NTN²-NEXUS, where both Martel Lab and Martel Media will continue their involvement—ensuring continuity in both technological innovation and impact creation.
A strong position in the European 6G ecosystem
Through our combined expertise in AI, cloud-native orchestration, and strategic communication, we have reinforced our position as a key contributor to Europe’s 6G vision. Our active involvement in 5G-PPP and SNS-JU initiatives has further enabled cross-project collaboration, knowledge exchange, and alignment with the broader European 6G roadmap—amplifying the long-term impact of our work.
Our achievements in 6G-NTN underscore Martel’s unique dual-strength: the technical rigour of Martel Lab and the strategic influence of Martel Media. By delivering open-source AI innovations and leading high-impact dissemination at flagship events, we have proven that successful innovation requires both technical excellence and a powerful voice. As we look toward the 2030 horizon, we continue to be a trusted partner in the European 6G landscape, driving the digital transformation with intelligence, agility, and a clear vision for the networks of tomorrow.
