Accelerating Technological Innovation, Validation, and Industrial Deployment
Date: 2026-07-21Data Source: Next-Generation Communications Technology Development Office.
Strategy 2: Build Testbeds and Accelerate Technology R&D and Validation
In 2025, this strategy focused on six areas:
• 6G core technology R&D
• Satellite communications integrated terrestrial–non-terrestrial network (TN–NTN) validation
• International testbed collaboration
• Standards and cybersecurity verification
• Development of satellite ground equipment
• Industrial supply chain capabilities
Key programs listed as below:
| # |
Project |
Execution Ministry |
| 1 |
Chip-Driven Industrial Innovation Program—6G Communications Innovation Project (hereafter the Chip-Based 6G Project)
|
Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) |
| 2 |
6G Industry Early-Stage R&D Program
|
| 3 |
6G International R&D Collaboration and Testbed Program |
| 4 |
Low Earth Orbit Communications Satellite Program |
Taiwan Space Agency (TASA)
|
| 5 |
Space Industry Development and Talent Cultivation Program |
| 6 |
Key Technologies for Next-Generation Communication Systems under the Space Infrastructure Engineering and Applied Research Capacity Development Program |
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
|
Overall, 2025 emphasized four priorities: technology prototypes, system validation, international collaboration, and industrial adoption. These efforts established Taiwan's domestic R&D and testing capabilities in 6G, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). They also laid the foundation for program integration, expanded testbeds, and broader industry deployment beginning in 2026.
I. Develop Indigenous 6G Chips and Base Station Technologies to Strengthen Domestic R&D Capabilities
(1) Advance 6G RF, Baseband, and Base Station Hardware and Software Technologies (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA)
Through the Chip-Based 6G Project, the Department of Industrial Technology focused on key technologies for 6G chips, hardware platforms, software, and network architecture. The program aims to close Taiwan's technology gaps in RF front ends, baseband processors, and open-architecture base station systems.
In 2025, the project completed the tape-out of a single-chip RF front end operating in the FR3 band (7.1–8.4 GHz) and developed a prototype massive MIMO antenna module. These achievements established the technical foundation for integrated RF front-end and antenna technologies in future mid-band and upper mid-band 6G systems.
For baseband and Open RAN technologies, the project validated an O-RAN radio unit (RU) accelerator IP and Low-PHY functions supporting 400 MHz bandwidth. It also completed the architecture design, FPGA verification, and tape-out of a RISC-V multi-core baseband processor. These results strengthened Taiwan's ability to design key 6G base station components and subsystems, supporting the transition from contract manufacturing toward indigenous chips, modules, and system integration.
At IEEE Globecom 2025, Taiwan introduced its first domestically developed gallium arsenide (GaAs) RF front-end chip for the 6G FR3 band. The project also demonstrated a high-density quad-polarized antenna that integrates the RF front end into a 6G massive MIMO antenna system. Compared with conventional 5G 3.5 GHz antennas, the new design delivers nearly five times the data throughput within the same antenna footprint. These achievements highlight Taiwan's growing capabilities in 6G RF and antenna integration and demonstrate strong collaboration across the domestic 6G supply chain.
(2) Strengthen 6G Base Station Software and AI-Native Networking Capabilities (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA)
The Department of Industrial Technology also expanded software capabilities for 6G base stations, intelligent network orchestration, and AI-native networking technologies.
In 2025, the project upgraded the central unit (CU) of an AI-native massive MIMO base station, increasing throughput to 10 Gbps. It also completed an intent-based networking software framework that uses large language models (LLMs) and prompt engineering to identify radio access network (RAN) intents defined in 3GPP specifications, achieving an intent recognition accuracy of 90%.
The project further developed a proactive RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) interference mitigation technology. Field validation showed that it improved data throughput for cell-edge users by more than 20%.
Together, these achievements strengthened Taiwan's software capabilities for 6G base stations while advancing key technologies such as AI-RAN, intent-based network management, near-real-time intelligent controllers, and autonomous network operations. These technologies will play an essential role in building intelligent, programmable, and energy-efficient 6G networks.
(3) Support Academic Research on Advanced 6G Technologies (Department of Engineering and Technologies, NSTC)
Under the Key Technologies for Next-Generation Communication Systems initiative within the Space Infrastructure Engineering and Applied Research Capacity Development Program, the Department of Engineering and Technologies supported academic research on advanced 6G technologies.
In 2025, the program organized research teams from five leading universities to conduct research on immersive communications and sensing, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, AI-enabled communications, digital twins for LEO satellite communications, and integrated hardware and software for high-altitude platforms. These efforts support Taiwan's early technology development before international 6G standards are finalized.
In parallel, the Advanced Academic Research on 6G component of the 6G Industry Early-Stage R&D Program funded university research in FR3 multi-antenna technologies, high-speed optical networking, and Open RAN architectures. Working closely with research institutes supported by the Department of Industrial Technology, participating teams developed Pre-6G prototype systems and end-to-end proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and AI-native networking. These technologies will guide future development of baseband and RF chipsets for terrestrial networks and satellite payloads while strengthening Taiwan's indigenous 6G technology ecosystem.
Research teams also established industry-academia partnerships with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan Mobile, Starwing Technology, the Hon Hai Research Institute, Tron Future Tech, and Far EasTone Telecommunications. Together, they advanced proof-of-concept demonstrations, technology prototypes, and real-world application trials. These collaborations help align academic research with industry needs while supporting talent development, patent generation, and participation in international standards. They also strengthen Taiwan's long-term R&D capabilities and technological leadership in 6G.
II. Build 6G Testbeds and Validation Environments to Support System-Level Verification
(1) Establish ISAC, Energy-Efficient Networking, and Multi-Dimensional Network Test Laboratories (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA)
Through the 6G International R&D Collaboration and Testbed Program, the Department of Industrial Technology expanded Taiwan's 6G testbed from individual technology research to a comprehensive validation environment.
In 2025, the program established Taiwan's first Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) test laboratory. The team reviewed international literature, industry white papers, and 3GPP specifications, then developed test items and performance metrics for ISAC network elements. The program also established an energy-efficient network element laboratory that provides automated testing for beamforming, spectrum utilization, and energy performance, and completed a validation report for the energy-efficient networking testbed.
In addition, the program built a multi-dimensional network and spatial testing environment to support connected devices such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The platform enables network validation across multiple dimensions, including mobility and spatial deployment scenarios.
These laboratories and testing procedures provide a strong foundation for future 6G technology validation, international interoperability testing, and commercial deployment. They also strengthen Taiwan's expertise in ISAC, energy-efficient communications, and intelligent network testing.
(2) Strengthen Standards Testing and Cybersecurity Capabilities for Heterogeneous 6G Network Elements (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA; Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection)
Under the Chip-Based 6G Project, Taiwan continued to strengthen standards compliance and cybersecurity verification for integrated 6G chip systems.
In 2025, the project completed a planning report and draft technical specifications for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing procedures for user terminals (UTs) operating in heterogeneous network environments. It also supported pilot EMC testing of heterogeneous network products developed by Taiwanese companies.
The project further drafted the General Security Assurance Requirements for 6G O-RAN Small Cells and the Technical Specifications for Zero Trust Network Architecture. Additional work included translating and localizing post-quantum cryptography references, evaluating technology trends for O-RAN small cells, and studying zero trust network architectures.
These efforts established Taiwan's initial testing procedures, technical specifications, and validation capabilities for key 6G technologies, including Open RAN, heterogeneous network elements, small cells, zero trust networking, and post-quantum cryptography. They also provide a pathway for Taiwanese 6G products to align with 3GPP, O-RAN, and international cybersecurity standards, reducing both technical and regulatory barriers to entering global markets.
III. Advance LEO Satellite and Domestic Ground Equipment Development to Strengthen Integrated Terrestrial–Non-Terrestrial Network Technologies
(1) Complete the Critical Design of the B5G-1A Satellite and Develop Indigenous Key Components (Taiwan Space Agency)
Through the Low Earth Orbit Communications Satellite Program, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) continued to build Taiwan's capabilities in indigenous LEO communications satellite development and on-orbit validation.
In 2025, the program completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the B5G-1A satellite and its subsystems. Among the 14 satellite subsystems, eight were developed entirely in Taiwan, while two achieved more than 50% domestic development. The project also completed the CDRs for the satellite control system and network communications system, as well as the launch service interface verification review.
The program successfully developed five flight-model satellite components, including an S-band helical antenna, an S-band patch antenna, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a star tracker, and a magnetometer. Engineering validation models were also completed for the onboard computer and the power control unit.
These achievements establish a solid domestic technology base for LEO satellite subsystems, critical satellite components, ground control systems, and satellite communications networks. They also lay the groundwork for future on-orbit validation and commercialization of Taiwan's communications satellites.
(2) Complete the ITRI Communications Payload Engineering Model (TASA and ITRI)
For communications payload development, the project completed hardware, software, and module testing for the communications payload engineering model developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in 2025. The engineering model successfully passed ITRI's internal design review. The project also completed interface verification and basic data exchange validation between the ITRI Satellite Network Operating System (SNOS) and TASA's satellite control system.
Following recommendations from the Satellite Communications System Review Board (SRB), future payload development will shift to a new design jointly developed by TASA and domestic industry. The new payload will adopt a multi-beam, high-throughput, and dual-mode architecture that better aligns with current international practices.
Although the ITRI engineering model will not be adopted for flight implementation, it delivered several important outcomes. First, it strengthened Taiwan's capabilities in communications payload system design. Second, it established a prototype satellite network control system and verified its compatibility with the satellite control system at the data exchange layer. Third, the engineering experience and technical lessons learned during development provide valuable guidance for future optimization of Taiwan's indigenous communications payload architecture.
(3) Support Domestic Development of Ka-Band Ground Terminal Systems (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA; Taiwan Space Agency)
To strengthen Taiwan's satellite ground equipment industry, the program supported companies such as Compal Electronics and TMY Technology in developing complete domestically designed Ka-band ground terminal systems. These efforts move Taiwan's satellite ground equipment industry beyond individual component development toward complete system integration.
In 2025, the project integrated communications modules with the Open Antenna Management Interface Protocol (OpenAMIP), improving interoperability among products from different vendors while reducing system integration costs. The team also completed end-to-end outdoor communication tests between the ground terminal and a simulated satellite payload over distances of up to two kilometers, demonstrating reliable terrestrial-to-satellite communications capability.
These achievements demonstrate significant progress in Taiwan's ability to design, integrate, and validate complete satellite ground terminal systems. They also improve interoperability and lower integration costs for domestically developed equipment.
Looking ahead, combining international baseband technologies, multi-orbit satellite connectivity, globally recognized testing standards, and real-world application scenarios will further strengthen the competitiveness of Taiwan's ground equipment and create more opportunities to enter the global satellite supply chain and satellite communications service market.
IV. Strengthen the Satellite Manufacturing, Testing, and Cybersecurity Ecosystem to Expand Industry Participation
(1) Launch a Communications Satellite Manufacturing Platform (Taiwan Space Agency)
Under the Space Industry Development and Talent Cultivation Program, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) launched the Communications Satellite Manufacturing Platform to strengthen Taiwan's capabilities in satellite manufacturing and system integration.
In 2025, the platform supported two Taiwanese companies in the design of LEO communications satellite systems and confirmed that their system architectures met program requirements. This work established the foundation for developing end-to-end capabilities in satellite manufacturing, system integration, and verification.
The program also initiated several supporting platforms, including a standardized CubeSat platform, a low-altitude UAV flight test platform, a compact antenna test range, and an engineering validation platform for satellites and communications payloads. Together, these facilities support in-flight validation in representative space environments, early functional testing of small payloads and satellite components, high-gain antenna pattern measurements, and engineering verification of satellite and payload hardware.
These shared platforms fill the gap between laboratory testing and flight demonstration for Taiwan's space industry. They also help suppliers move beyond individual components toward complete system integration.
(2) Develop Ka-Band LEO RF Chipsets and Expand Technology Transfer (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA)
For satellite ground communications equipment, Taiwan completed the country's first domestically developed Ka-band RF chipset for LEO satellite communications in 2025 and began pilot production with a full-mask wafer process. The chipset supports the 17.7–20.2 GHz receive (RX) band and the 27.5–30 GHz transmit (TX) band, with integrated phase and gain control.
The development team also integrated the RF chipset with a scalable 1,024-element phased-array antenna module and successfully completed over-the-air (OTA) RF performance and beam-tracking validation in an outdoor environment. These results demonstrate Taiwan's early capability to develop core RF front-end technologies for LEO satellite ground terminals.
Beyond technology development, the RF front-end technology has been licensed to four Taiwanese companies and has attracted eight industry investment projects totaling NT$279 million. The project also partnered with display manufacturers and RF module suppliers to develop phased-array antenna modules and ground station antenna systems. These collaborations help traditional ICT and electronics manufacturers enter the LEO satellite market while strengthening Taiwan's domestic supply chain and international competitiveness in satellite ground equipment.
(3) Establish Cybersecurity Guidelines and Testing Practices for Satellite Ground Stations (Department of Cyber Security, Ministry of Digital Affairs; Taiwan Space Agency)
To strengthen cybersecurity for satellite communications, the program published Taiwan's first industry guideline for satellite ground station cybersecurity. The guideline provides practical security and testing requirements for ground station operators, owners, and service providers.
The program also revised the Satellite User Terminal Cybersecurity Standards and Testing Specifications, originally released in 2024, to reflect industry feedback and evolving technology requirements.
In 2025, the program assisted companies in completing cybersecurity testing for two satellite user terminals and trained a cumulative total of 230 professionals in satellite cybersecurity assessment.
Beyond standards and testing, the program developed a draft reference architecture for satellite cybersecurity, reviewed international security guidelines, analyzed representative cyberattack scenarios and mitigation measures, and organized satellite cybersecurity workshops and industry outreach events.
Together, these efforts establish a trusted cybersecurity framework alongside Taiwan's satellite technology development. They also support future deployment of international satellite constellations, secure ground station operations, and compliance with cybersecurity requirements for global satellite markets.
(4) Expand Industry Participation in Satellite Product Development and Global Supply Chains (Industrial Development Administration, MOEA)
To strengthen Taiwan's satellite supply chain, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) provided industry guidance and financial incentives to support R&D in satellite ground systems, satellite subsystems, and key components. These efforts led to projects such as multi-orbit satellite terminals and integrated smart maritime multi-orbit satellite communications ground systems.
The program also helped BWant become Taiwan's first testing laboratory officially recognized by the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) for international compliance testing. This milestone enhances the global competitiveness of Taiwanese satellite terminals and shortens product time-to-market.
To increase international visibility, TASA promoted Taiwan's satellite industry through the Taiwan Space Industry Map and the Taiwan Space Pavilion. Together with the Industrial Development Administration, TASA led 18 Taiwanese companies to exhibit 45 domestically developed solutions at Satellite 2025. The delegation also arranged business meetings with international companies, including Amazon Kuiper, Airbus Defence and Space, and Eutelsat Group, resulting in multiple cooperation opportunities and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
These efforts increased the international visibility of Taiwan's satellite communications industry while connecting Taiwan's R&D, testing, and manufacturing capabilities with global market opportunities.
V. Advance International Standards, Patent Development, and Spectrum Planning to Strengthen Taiwan's Global 6G Participation
(1) Promote 6G Standard-Essential Patents and AI-Assisted Patent Validity Analysis (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA; Taiwan Intellectual Property Office)
To strengthen Taiwan's influence in 6G standards and intellectual property (IP), the Chip-Based 6G Project advanced both standard-essential patent (SEP) development and AI-assisted patent validity analysis.
In 2025, the project completed and launched the beta version of an AI-based patent validity platform. Based on expert reviews and user feedback, the project also prepared an evaluation report to guide future improvements. The platform uses AI to search prior art and identify similar patents, helping reviewers assess patent validity more efficiently while supporting IP development in Taiwan's communications sector.
The project also filed multiple patents related to energy-efficient networking, 6G communications, and other enabling technologies, strengthening Taiwan's IP portfolio for future 6G standardization.
Although these efforts represent early-stage preparation, they provide an important foundation for Taiwan's future participation in 3GPP, O-RAN, and discussions on standard-essential patents. They also support Taiwan's transition from technology development to greater influence in international standards and intellectual property.
(2) Expand Contributions to International 6G Standards and Patent Development (Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA)
The 6G International R&D Collaboration and Testbed Program also incorporated patent development into its international collaboration and testbed activities.
In 2025, the program filed 44 patent applications related to 3GPP technologies and four patents related to O-RAN. These patents focus on technologies applicable to both 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and 6G, including Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), energy-efficient networking, and intelligent multi-dimensional networking.
By combining international testbed collaboration, joint technology validation, and standards-oriented research, the program transforms research outcomes into technical proposals and intellectual property with greater potential for international standardization.
This approach extends research beyond laboratory demonstrations by supporting standard-essential patents, technical white papers, testing specifications, and international validation activities. More importantly, it positions Taiwan not only as a manufacturing partner in the global supply chain but also as an active contributor to international standards and technology governance.
(3) Advance 6G Spectrum Planning and International Spectrum Studies (Department of Resource Management, Ministry of Digital Affairs)
Through the 6G Industry Early-Stage R&D Program, the Department of Resource Management continued planning for future 6G spectrum use.
In 2025, the program completed two key studies: Strategies for Addressing the Impact of WRC-27 on Taiwan's Mobile Communications Market and Taiwan's 6G Spectrum Planning Framework. These studies reviewed candidate spectrum bands identified after WRC-23, assessed existing domestic spectrum users, and gathered feedback from government, industry, academia, and research organizations through a series of stakeholder workshops. Discussions focused on the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) mechanism for the 6 GHz band, candidate 6G spectrum, and planning for the upper 6 GHz (U6) band.
The program also completed interference studies for the FR3 spectrum (7–24 GHz), identifying major interference scenarios, defining interference thresholds, and establishing investigation procedures.
These efforts help Taiwan prepare for future 6G spectrum allocation, spectrum sharing, interference management, and international spectrum policy developments. They also provide the foundation for future 6G trials, commercial deployment, and integrated terrestrial–non-terrestrial network (TN–NTN) services.
VI. 2026 Priorities: Integrate Programs to Accelerate 6G, Satellite Communications, and Testbed Development
(1) 6G Communications Industry Innovation Program: Integrate Chip-Based 6G, Early-Stage R&D, and Academic Research
Beginning in 2026, the Chip-Based 6G Project will be renamed the 6G Communications Industry Innovation Program. The program will be transferred from the Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program and incorporated into this national initiative. It will also integrate selected activities from the 6G Industry Early-Stage R&D Program and advanced academic research supported by the National Science and Technology Council. (Expected 2026 deliverables are provided in Appendix 2.)
The integrated program will focus on 6G RF and baseband technologies, AI-RAN, ISAC, satellite user terminals, NTN access technologies, and standard-essential patents. Its goal is to move Taiwan's indigenous 6G technologies from prototype development to system-level validation.
Bringing these activities together reduces overlap among individual projects and creates a unified framework that combines chips, base stations, software, academic research, and standards development. This approach also improves policy coordination and supports long-term performance tracking, including indigenous technology development, domestic base station capabilities, patent portfolios, and deployment of national testbeds.
(2) Low Earth Orbit Communications Satellite Program: Integrate Space Industry Development and Talent Cultivation
Starting in 2026, satellite-related activities under the Space Industry Development and Talent Cultivation Program will be consolidated into the Low Earth Orbit Communications Satellite Program.
The integrated program will continue advancing LEO satellite system design, optimized indigenous communications payloads, satellite cybersecurity testing, industrial supply chain development, international marketing, and workforce development.
This integration combines previously separate initiatives under a single program, creating a complete development framework that spans satellite platforms, communications payloads, ground equipment, testing services, cybersecurity standards, and talent cultivation.
The new structure will better demonstrate Taiwan's overall progress in LEO communications satellites while giving industry a clearer view of the government's long-term roadmap for satellite systems, ground equipment, cybersecurity verification, and international market development.
(3) Next-Generation Communications International Collaboration, Testbed, and Validation Platform: Expand TN, NTN, and Multi-Orbit Testing Capabilities
Beginning in 2026, activities under the 6G International R&D Collaboration and Testbed Program will transition to the Next-Generation Communications International Collaboration, Testbed, and Validation Platform Program. The new program will expand Taiwan's capabilities in terrestrial networks (TN), non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and satellite communications testing.
Key priorities include expanding international 6G collaboration, building next-generation communications test networks, establishing validation platforms that support international multi-orbit satellite links, and strengthening testing capabilities for heterogeneous 6G network elements, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and cybersecurity.
The program will serve as Taiwan's primary platform for connecting domestic technologies with international testbeds. It will support validation of Taiwan-developed 6G technologies in overseas test environments while providing industry with access to multi-orbit satellite links, NTN testing facilities, and digital twin platforms that closely replicate real-world operating conditions.
These capabilities will enhance the international credibility of Taiwan's 6G and satellite communications technologies and support future product commercialization and global market deployment.