In the continuous evolution of communication technologies, the transition from fifth-generation (5G) to sixth-generation (6G) systems represents a major leap toward a more advanced, interconnected, and complex communication ecosystem. The rapid expansion of digital services and data-intensive applications has led to an unprecedented demand for bandwidth and network capacity. In this context, the advent of 6G is expected to mark a critical milestone, pushing connectivity requirements to entirely new limits. Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequency bands—at the core of this project—are key enablers for meeting these future demands. Their intrinsic characteristics, including extremely high data rates and ultra-low latency, open up transformative possibilities for next-generation wireless systems. In particular, the D-band (110–170 GHz) and G-band (140–220 GHz) targeted in this project offer significant opportunities for spectrum expansion, enabling ultra-high-speed data transmission and supporting emerging applications such as immersive virtual reality and real-time artificial intelligence. The project not only has practical implications, but also promises to contribute significantly to the advancement of scientific research in the field of Sub-THz wireless communications. The active collaboration with technology companies not only validates the industrial relevance of the project, but also ensures a practical perspective to the development of antenna technologies applicable in real-world scenarios.

In this scenario, the proposed project, focused on the development of new techniques for the design, manufacture and measurement of antennas in the Sub-THz bands, emerges as a strategic step to promote the development of future 6G communications. For this reason, it is framed within the modality of “Oriented Research” projects, since its primary objective is to address the specific challenges posed by the D and G frequency bands in the technological field, within the context of 6G communications, both satellite and terrestrial. The D and G frequency bands present unique challenges, but also offer opportunities to improve the spectral and energy efficiency of networks. By developing antennas specifically customized for these bands, the project has the potential to maximize data transmission performance while minimizing energy consumption, thus contributing to a more sustainable deployment of future communication networks.

The project identifies specific problems of the future radiocommunications system in the millimeter and sub-THz band, both in satellite and terrestrial scenarios, and develops some of the most promising technologies. The results of the project will contribute to solve some of the problems identified in the Estrategia Española de Ciencia y Tecnología y de Innovación 2021-2027 (EECTI 2021-2027), and included in the Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación 2021-2023 (PEICTI 2021-2023) and to have an impact not only in the international scientific community but also in the Spanish and international RF/microwave market. Specifically, the project has been oriented to solve the problems belonging to the thematic priority “Mundo Digital, Industria, Espacio y Defensa”, since the project focuses on the development of telecommunication systems for the next generation Internet (IoT), both in the development of the current 5G and in the transition to 6G for ultra-high data rate applications. Furthermore, these solutions also have a potential range of applicability to the defense sector (space observation, surveillance and recognition systems). In addition, the results of the project affect other economic sectors such as intelligent transport systems for sustainable mobility (satellite navigation system and vehicle communications and security), or the management of natural resources (European program and National Earth Observation Plans), both of which are included in the thematic priority “Clima, Energía y Movilidad”. Similarly, the project also contributes to some extent to the “Seguridad Civil para la Sociedad” strategic line, as it develops potentially useful technology for security applications.