15 July 2026 | Barcelona, Spain

Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) has been involved in delivering next‑generation connectivity to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC)

with a secure, high‑performance private network. The network supports UPC’s new 6G LabNet UPC, an autonomous experimental platform connecting two university campuses. This ecosystem combines advanced 5G and fibre technology, enabling researchers, students, start‑ups, industry partners, companies and public administrations to prototype, test, and validate next‑generation solutions within an operational 5G+/future‑6G real‑world testbed. 

Delivering ultra‑low‑latency and highly reliable connectivity, the lab plays a key role in accelerating 6G innovation and AI integration, while already supporting high‑impact use cases such as: 

• 6G‑EWOC assisted driving 
• Autonomous vehicles 
• AI‑driven precision agriculture at Agròpolis (Viladecans) 
• Drone‑based communications 
• Industry 4.0 automation 
• Robotics 
• Real‑time video applications 
• Augmented reality  

The network connects UPC’s Diagonal Nord Campus in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat Campus in Castelldefels via 32 km of fibre‑optic cable provided by the Government of Catalonia. Both campuses operate as intelligent transmission and reception nodes equipped with antennas up to 26 GHz and AI‑enabled data processing, creating a seamless, high‑performance research environment. 

Through this deployment, UPC is setting a new benchmark for efficiency, resilience, and security in university connectivity. It is creating new employment opportunities and attracting talent; enhancing UPC's position in Spain's educational landscape. The project also supports The Digital Spain Agenda 2030, a strategic plan aimed at driving the digital transformation of Spain's economy and society. Start-ups and technology vendors are encouraged to approach UPC to explore testing opportunities.  

Julio Gonzalez, Sales Director Spain, said: “We bring a unique expertise in deploying dedicated advanced 5G and fibre technology private networks. Our proven track record in smart campuses and private 5G made us a natural partner for UPC’s ambitious vision. Together, we are creating a future‑ready research environment that not only accelerates 6G and AI innovation but also provides a clear blueprint for how digital transformation can be successfully achieved across higher education in Spain and beyond.” 

José A. Lázaro, Principal Investigator of the project at UPC, said: “UPC’s private network 6G LabNet UPC deployed by Boldyn with Nokia technologies has significantly strengthened our research and operational capabilities. It is enabling pioneering work in artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles while transforming how we experiment and operate. This network provides a critical platform for developing and validating next‑generation devices, services, and vertical applications within the 5G/6G and AI framework.” 

Cristina Cervelló, Principal Investigator of the project at UPC, added: “This private 5G/6G AI native network forms a large multi-technology open platform on a controlled environment. This scenario, which encompasses the Drone-Lab and Agropolis, enables the development of 6G AI native verticals, creating exceptional opportunities for practical training and open innovation for research,  businesses and government. We are proud to be among the first higher education institutions in Spain to adopt this transformative technology.” 

Anna Umbert, Principal Investigator of the project at UPC, added: “Beyond research, the 6G LabNet UPC strengthens collaboration between academia and industry through Challenge Project-based courses at UPC’s Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) and the Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering (EETAC). Start-ups and established companies bring real industrial challenges to our students, who work alongside academic experts to develop innovative, practical solutions. This approach provides students with hands-on experience while enabling companies to explore new ideas, accelerate innovation, and connect with future talent.” 

The initiative received €4 million in funding from the European Horizon 2020 programme, channelled through the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service via the UNICO I+D 6G initiative.