AI-native networks
AI embedded into network design and operation, enabling systems to learn, optimize and adapt in real time.
6GEM+ · Ruhr University Bochum · 6 Oct 2026
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
As research, standardization, and industry align around the networks of the 2030s, this workshop asks one practical question: what should 6G become, and how do we turn its ambition into useful technology, architecture, and services?
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Shaping 6G: From Vision to Value
6G is moving from vision to concrete choices about technologies, architectures and services. The question is no longer only what 6G could enable, but what it should become—and where it can create value beyond today’s networks.
Organized within the 6GEM+ transfer hub at Ruhr University Bochum, this one-day, single-track workshop brings together experts from telecom operators, technology vendors, cloud and AI companies, and academia. The aim is to connect perspectives that are too often discussed separately—and turn them into credible directions for research, innovation and international collaboration.
Four questions shaping the discussion
AI-native networks
How will AI reshape the way networks are designed and operated?
Openness and programmability
How open and programmable should future networks become?
Communication and computing
How will communication, computing and cloud capabilities converge?
Services and value
Which new services will genuinely require 6G, and what must the network guarantee to enable them?
Three connected themes
Open, integrated and resilient architectures
Programmable terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks that unite communication, computing and cloud capabilities while remaining dependable under load, failure and attack.
6G services and industrial transfer
Digital twins and other emerging services used to define real network requirements—and create a path from validated research to deployment.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Distinguished Speakers
Leaders from telecom operators, network and technology vendors, cloud and AI companies, and universities across the world.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Workshop Programme Committee
Workshop Programme Co-Chairs
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Aydin SezginChair of Digital Communication SystemsRuhr University Bochum · Germany
Prof. Dr. Tarik TalebChair of Networked Energy-Efficient SystemsRuhr University Bochum · Germany
Local Organizing Chair
Dr. Qize GuoSenior ResearcherRuhr University Bochum · Germany
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Participant registration
Opening & welcome remarks
- Prof. Dr. Günther MeschkeVice-Rector for Research and Transfer, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
Keynote Session I
Chair: Prof. Dr. Ing. Christian Wietfeld, Technical University of Dortmund, Germany
- Keynote 1Dr. Sameh YamanyVIAVI Solutions
- Keynote 2Dr. Rajarajan SivarajRakuten
Coffee break
Technical Session I
6G & Beyond Enablers & Features — Perspectives from Industry
Chair: Prof. Dr. Onur Günlü, Technical University of Dortmund, Germany
- Riccardo PascottoT-Labs, Germany
- Dr. Meryem SimsekNokia Bell Labs, USA
- Dr. Francisco GarciaKeysight Technologies, Belgium
- Mr. Riccardo GuerzoniDOCOMO Euro-Labs, Germany
- Dr. Jose Costa-RequenaCumucore Oy, Finland
Lunch break
Keynote Session II
Chair: Dr. Niels König, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Germany
- Keynote 3Dr. Athul PrasadCloudera Inc., USA
- Keynote 4Dr. Borislav Tadić1&1 Versatel, Germany
- Keynote 5Dr. Helge LüdersTelefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG, Germany
Coffee break
Technical Session II
6G & Beyond Services — Perspectives from Academia and Startups
Chair: Prof. Dr. Ing. Youness Dehbi, HafenCity University Hamburg, Germany
- Prof. Jaeho KimSejong University, South Korea
- Prof. Susana SargentoUniversity of Aveiro, Portugal
- Prof. Manabu TsukadaThe University of Tokyo, Japan
- Prof. Jaeseung SongSejong University, South Korea
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian ZengerRuhr University Bochum & PHYSEC GmbH, Germany
- Dr. David RupprechtMontsecure GmbH, Germany
Social dinnerBy invitation
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Bochum, Germany
Ruhr University Bochum
Venue details
Universitätsstraße 150Building ID44801 BochumGermanyBuilding ID – Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
Google Plus Code:
RUB campus and nearby transport links.
Getting to the venue
- By public transport · Get off at Lennershof
From Bochum Hauptbahnhof (Bochum Central Station), take the U35 towards Hustadt. The usual Ruhr-Universität station is currently closed due to construction work. Do not get off at Gesundheitscampus, even if announcements recommend it for university visitors. Continue to Lennershof, the next station after Ruhr-Universität and the closest stop for Building ID. Follow the signs towards Building ID; additional workshop signs will guide you along the route.
- By car · Free parking next to Building ID
Park at Parkhaus Ost Ruhr-Universität Bochum, immediately next to Building ID. Google Plus Code: C7W9+W6 Bochum. Navigation address: Am Hochschulcampus, 44801 Bochum. The Plus Code is more precise than the street address.
View parking on Google Maps - Important · South Entrance, Level 04
Walk up the stairs and use the South Entrance on Level 04. Please avoid the South Entrance on Level 05 and the North Entrance on Level 04, as these make it considerably more difficult to reach the workshop venue. Workshop signs around the building will guide you from the entrance to the meeting room.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Accommodation
Suggested by the organizers and listed in no particular order. All three hotels are within walking distance of Bochum Hauptbahnhof, about fifteen minutes by U35 to campus. Booking is on you — none are reserved for the workshop.
- Mercure Hotel Bochum CityWebsiteMassenbergstraße 19–21, 44787 Bochum
- Holiday Inn Express BochumWebsiteViktoriastraße 14b, 44787 Bochum
- B&B Hotel Bochum Hbf-NordWebsiteKurt-Schumacher-Platz 13–15, 44787 BochumA second B&B sits at Hbf-Süd; the organizers recommend this one.
All three are within walking distance of Bochum Hauptbahnhof.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Registration
Attendance is free, but capacity is limited. Secure your place early—registration will close once all seats are taken.
Open the registration formAlso attending the 6GEM+ General Assembly?
The workshop registration covers 6 October only. The General Assembly runs on 7–8 October 2026 and requires separate registration plus the session-planning form.