INTERNET INSTITUTE, COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS AND CONSULTING LTD

Their core work

Internet Institute is a Slovenian SME specializing in 5G network infrastructure software — particularly in network function virtualization (NFV), mobile edge computing (MEC), and management/orchestration (MANO) platforms. They build the middleware and orchestration layers that allow vertical industries like automotive, logistics, and manufacturing to run applications on top of 5G networks. Their practical contribution centers on developing SDKs, network application (NetApp) toolkits, and experimentation platforms that let other companies test and deploy 5G-powered services without deep telecom expertise.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

From 2017 to 2020, Internet Institute focused on foundational 5G infrastructure: virtualization, SDN, NFV, and edge computing platforms (MATILDA, Int5Gent). Starting in 2020-2021, their work shifted decisively toward application-layer tools — NetApp SDKs, experimentation platforms, DevOps pipelines, and multi-domain orchestration (5GASP, EVOLVED-5G, 5G-INDUCE). The trajectory is clear: they moved from building the 5G plumbing to building the developer tools that let industry sectors actually use it.

They are positioning as a 5G application enablement company — expect future work on developer toolkits, vertical-specific NetApp marketplaces, and industry deployment support rather than core network R&D.

How they like to work

Internet Institute operates exclusively as a consortium participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for a specialized SME contributing focused technical components rather than driving research agendas. With 108 unique partners across 19 countries in just 7 projects, they work in large consortia (averaging ~15 partners per project) and appear comfortable integrating into diverse, multi-national teams. Their consistent role across all projects suggests they are a reliable, known quantity in the 5G research ecosystem — the kind of partner coordinators bring in when they need proven orchestration and MEC expertise.

With 108 unique consortium partners across 19 countries from just 7 projects, Internet Institute has built a remarkably wide European network concentrated in the 5G/telecom R&D community. Their reach spans most of the EU, reflecting the pan-European nature of 5G infrastructure projects.

What sets them apart

Internet Institute occupies a specific niche: they are one of few Slovenian SMEs with deep, continuous involvement in EU 5G orchestration research since 2017. Their combination of MANO, MEC, and NetApp development expertise makes them a practical integration partner — they don't just research 5G concepts, they build the software tools that bridge telecom infrastructure and vertical applications. For consortium builders, they offer a rare profile: an agile SME with seven consecutive 5G Innovation Action projects, meaning they understand both the technology and the EU project delivery process.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 5G-IANA
  Focuses on a highly specific niche — virtualizing automotive network functions directly on vehicles (OBUs/RSUs) with on-vehicle MANO, which is an unusual and forward-looking application of 5G.
• Int5Gent
  Their largest funded project (EUR 385,525) covering the full 5G stack from physical layer to service layer, including work on THz transceivers and mmWave — their most technically ambitious involvement.
• EVOLVED-5G
  Centered on CAPIF and network programmability APIs — directly contributing to 3GPP-aligned standards for how third-party applications interact with 5G networks.