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MNI Summit 12–13 May 2026

MNIS AGENDA

Mobile Network Innovation Summit brings together innovators, investors and network operators to understand current and future innovation opportunities within the mobile network sector.

The event combines top level insight from keynote speakers with expertly moderated panel sessions. Our unique huddles offer a chance to interact in-depth with companies leading mobile network technology innovation, the technology investment community and technology leaders within mobile network operators.

DAY 1: MAY 12th, 2026

08.30
Registration & coffee
09.30

  • Introduction to MNIS and innovation hot topics
  • Who is innovating in mobile network technology?
  • Is the mobile network a good target for investment?
  • Results of pre-event industry survey
09.40 - 10.05

In conversation with Gabriela Styf Sjöman, Managing Director Research and Networks Strategy, BT Group.

The Mobile Network Editor Keith Dyer and Gabriela Sjöman discuss BT's approach to fostering and commercialising innovation in the mobile network.

10.05 - 10.30

VMO2's Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, will share how VMO2 is deploying innovative technologies to build the UK’s Biggest and Most Reliable Mobile Network.

Break
11:00

Olaf Swantee is one of the most highly respected CEOs in the industry, having supported and harnessed innovation to build market leadership at EE and at Sunrise. 

11.15

Tracing the innovation journey for cellular-satellite networks. 

11.35

Four companies leading in NTN technology development showcase their innovation.

12.05

This panel will respond to the Innovator Insights, and explore how network innovation has driven cellular-satellite technology, and where innovation requirements remain. How have companies been able to leverage innovation and R&D into commercial delivery? What are the ongoing investment opportunities?

12.40
Networking lunch
Innovation stream 2: Meeting the energy challenge
13.40

  • How is innovation helping to reduce energy usage and increase efficiency? 
  • How can new materials enable more energy efficient infrastructure?
  • What are the opportunities for harnessing AI?
  • What is the energy impact of running AI workloads in the network?
14.00

Are operators serious about green network investment? Hear from those innovating to make networks more efficient, through the application of new energy technologies, materials and AI applications.

14.30

  • Mobile operators leading green network and Net Zero programmes
  • Credentialed investors in green technology
15.05
Break
15.20

Innovation Huddles are designed to give a deeper, expert-led insight into our key Innovation Streams. 

NTN Huddle

In depth session to understand the opportunities, roadblocks and route ahead for innovation in cellular NTN. 

Experts: Sector-leading Analyst - Leader in cellular NTN R&D - Satellite Comms - Mobile Network Operator programme leader

The energy challenge huddle

In depth session to understand the opportunities, roadblocks and route ahead for innovation in green and energy-efficient, sustainable networks.

Experts: Sector-leading Analyst - Research lead - Infrastructure provider - Mobile Network Operator

16.30
Networking reception

DAY 2: 13 May, 2026

The mobile network innovation funding journey

09.00
Registration & coffee
09.30

  • Introduction to typical funding journeys

  • Sources of funding for mobile network-focussed innovation

  • Notable successes and exits 

09.50

Understanding network technology investment priorities from within and outside the telco space. Are there returns to be made? Where, and who is making them? Identifying deals and opportunities.

Panel: Nick Kingsbury, Partner, Amadeus Capital. Sam Tabbara, CEO, Paradise Mobile.

10.30

Start-up to exit playbook from those in the mobile network ecosystem

  • Case studies from experienced innovators
  • The investment journey
  • Navigating telco procurement
  • Open Q&A
11.10
Break
Innovation Stream 3: Innovating towards the AI-native network
11.30

What do we mean by the AI-native network?

  • Innovation so far, and future challenges
  • To 6G or not to 6G?
  • The AI-RAN vision
  • An inflection point for new entrants?
11.50

Four companies leading in network AI technology development showcase their innovation.

12.20

No area has had as much focus on it in the network space as AI - from network automation and zero touch operations to new air interface capabilities. But where are the investment opportunities, and where is AI-driven network innovation coming from?

Panel: MNO - Hyperscaler - Investor - Technology OEM

13:00
Networking lunch
Innovation stream 4: Quantum Communications
14.00

Understanding Quantum Communications, the technology and the opportunities.

14.20

Four companies leading in Quantum Communications technology development showcase their innovation.

14.50

Hear from those pushing advances in Quantum Communications, and the use cases that Quantum applications could enable 

Panel: MNO research lead - Investor view - Quantum Comms R&D leader) - Technology leader

 

15.25
Break
15.45

Innovation Huddles are designed to give a deeper, expert-led insight into our key Innovation Streams. 

Our huddles are uniquely formatted to give attendees a chance to ask our experts questions in an informal but in-depth environment.

The AI-native network

Understand the opportunities and route ahead for innovation in developing AI-powered networks, from RAN to core to NetOps.

Experts: Analyst - MNO - Start-up to scale-up - R&D leader

Quantum Communications

Understand the opportunities and route ahead for innovation in green and energy-efficient, sustainable networks.

Experts: Industry Alliance lead - MNO R&D lead - Start-up to scale-up - R&D leader

16.55
Event Close

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