Last Thursday 29 May, the DigiAdvance project hosted its latest workshop, this time delving into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of telecommunications. Organized by project partner Inova-Ria, the event took place in Aveiro and attracted over 40 participants from across the academic, industrial, and public sectors.
The session offered expert insights into the future of telecommunications, blending historical perspectives with cutting-edge innovation and critical discussions on the challenges ahead.
The workshop kicked off with Pedro Carvalho from Altice Labs, who took the audience on a journey through the historical evolution of telecommunications. His talk highlighted major technological milestones and emphasized Altice Labs’ influential role in shaping the sector’s innovation landscape.
Next, Sérgio Tavares from HFA illustrated how telecommunications are deeply integrated into various industries — from automation to aerospace. He showcased critical fiber optic components such as ONTs, OLTs, and XFP NG-PON2 modules, shedding light on the complex infrastructure behind modern connectivity.
António Teixeira of PICadvanced followed with a compelling presentation on the current state and future roadmap of Passive Optical Networks (PON). He focused on the industry’s shift toward 25G and 50G technologies and discussed how Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are poised to transform network performance through greater efficiency, scalability, and miniaturization.
Offering a broader, forward-looking lens, Professor Nuno Borges Carvalho from the University of Aveiro’s Department of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics (DETI) tackled pressing technological gaps and energy challenges posed by rising global connectivity demands. His talk explored the social and ethical implications of digital transformation, from sustainability and data protection to ensuring digital inclusion.
The workshop concluded with a powerful reflection from Mário Campolargo, who stressed the need for conscious, responsible, and sustainable technology use in an age of increasing hyperconnectivity. His message resonated with the broader mission of DigiAdvance: to empower European SMEs by bridging the digital skills gap and fostering responsible innovation.
This engaging and insightful session was part of a broader series of workshops hosted by DigiAdvance and led by project partners Inova-Ria and the University of Aveiro. Through these events, the project continues to promote valuable exchanges between industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
Stay tuned — the next workshop will be announced soon!