phine.tech: revolutionising 5G development with a Virtual Lab

Phine.tech, a Vienna-based startup, is at the forefront of redefining 5G development. Established in April 2023, the company has swiftly carved out its niche in the industry, offering innovative solutions through its Virtual 5G Lab. The tool is poised to simplify and accelerate 5G use case development, especially in robotics and manufacturing.

The company’s founders, Stefan Spettel, Lukas Rotheneder and Kevin Wilhelm, bring extensive experience in software engineering and telecommunications. Their approach stems from combining open-source expertise with a practical understanding of the challenges faced by industries seeking to integrate 5G into their operations.

The concept: a digital twin for 5G

Phine.tech’s Virtual 5G Lab stands out as a developer-friendly platform that brings a fully functional 5G standalone (SA) network directly to users’ browsers. Traditional 5G development often requires extensive physical hardware setups, which can take months to establish and incur substantial costs. Phine.tech’s solution cuts through these barriers, enabling setup within seconds and offering accessibility from anywhere.

“It’s essentially a digital twin of a 5G network. This allows robotics engineers and manufacturers to experiment with and validate use cases during the development phase without the need for expensive hardware,” highlighted Stefan Spettel, CEO and Co-Founder of phine.tech.

By leveraging open-source innovation, phine.tech integrates cutting-edge technology into its platform, reducing costs and complexity while supporting a wide range of applications.

Virtual 5G Lab by phine.tech

A path to growth through the Venture Building Programme

The journey to building this platform was bolstered by the EIT Manufacturing Venture Building Programme. Stefan highlights the role the programme played in refining the company’s business model and enhancing its investment readiness.

In addition to the strategic support, phine.tech was able to participate in EIT Manufacturing’s initiative, where they were evaluated and successfully received funding through the EIT Manufacturing’s investment call. This opportunity not only provided essential financial backing but also further connected the company with the broader EIT Manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative played a key role in bridging the gap between 5G technology providers and manufacturing companies eager to innovate, serving as a vital catalyst for both business development and funding.

Tangible benefits for manufacturers

Manufacturers face critical decisions about adopting new communication technologies like 5G. Phine.tech‘s solution provides a clear path for exploring these possibilities. By offering a platform to simulate 5G environments, manufacturers can assess the feasibility of 5G investments in their specific settings.

The Virtual 5G Lab has already attracted interest across Central Europe, with active engagements in Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Looking ahead, phine.tech plans to expand further, particularly into high-growth markets like Asia and Africa, where 5G adoption is accelerating.

“Our vision is to be the first name people think of when it comes to 5G use case development, not just in robotics but also in verticals like automotive, aerospace, and logistics,” emphasised Stefan Spettel, CEO and Co-Founder of phine.tech.

Phine.tech proves how collaboration and support from initiatives like the Venture Building Programme can catalyse growth and innovation. As the company continues to scale, it invites manufacturing and technology stakeholders to explore its transformative platform and join in unlocking the full potential of 5G.