Vertical: Education
Application: Immersive learning experiences, campus safety enhancement, academic research advancement, edge computing applications, virtual reality training, artificial intelligence integration, real-time collaboration
Ecosystem: Vodafone Romania, Fifth Ingenium
Private Network: 5G
Vodafone Romania has launched the 5G ENRICH project in partnership with the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest and Fifth Ingenium, marking the first 5G Standalone (SA) educational mobile private network deployment in Romania. The initiative creates what officials describe as a living laboratory for innovation within the university environment.
The project received €2.9 million in funding through the European Commission’s CEF Digital program, with €0.7 million in co-financing from project partners. The 5G ENRICH project was one of 53 initiatives selected during the third round of CEF Digital Programme proposals.
The 36-month implementation will integrate virtual reality, artificial intelligence, drones, and real-time video analytics across university facilities. Vodafone Romania will design and implement the 5G SA infrastructure and edge components, contributing expertise in network design, planning, and optimization, along with cloud-based data analytics and sensor system integration.
Fifth Ingenium, an Italian high-tech company founded in 2016, specializes in emerging technologies including Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 5G, IoT, and AI. Their involvement brings specialized expertise in extended reality platforms and immersive technology integration to the educational environment.
The private network will establish new capabilities for campus operations and emergency response systems. Edge computing technology will enable real-time processing of data from drones and video analytics, enhancing educational applications and safety protocols. Students and researchers will access a testing platform for innovative ideas within an ecosystem where advanced technology becomes integral to learning.
University Rector Mihnea Costoiu emphasized the institutional transformation: “Through our strategic partnership with Vodafone Romania and Fifth Ingenium, Politehnica Bucharest becomes a dynamic center of innovation and a benchmark for universities of the future.” The deployment positions the institution as a center for digital education advancement.
The deployment builds upon Vodafone Romania’s existing relationship with Politehnica Bucharest, including the Innovation Hub inaugurated in May 2023. The project timeline extends through 2028, allowing for systematic development and testing while maintaining operational stability for ongoing educational activities.
