SPC Special Sessions
Invited Talk 1
The Tri-hybrid MIMO Architecture: From Theory to Prototype
Prof. Chan-Byoung Chae
Underwood Distinguished Professor, Yonsei University
Abstract
MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology has greatly improved data rates and how efficiently we use the wireless spectrum. But as we add more antennas and move to higher frequencies, issues like power consumption and hardware complexity start to become major challenges. In this talk, I will introduce a new design called the tri-hybrid MIMO architecture. This approach combines digital and analog beamforming with energy-efficient reconfigurable antennas. I will first explain what reconfigurable antennas are and why they are useful. Then, I will describe the tri-hybrid system and show how it helps reduce power use and improve performance. I will also share an early prototype of this design that uses dynamic metasurface antennas as an example. Finally, I will also talk about what challenges remain—like how to design these arrays and how to fine-tune antenna settings. This new architecture opens up exciting research opportunities that bring together electromagnetics, circuits, and signal processing in future wireless systems.
Biography
Dr. Chae is an Underwood Distinguished Professor at Yonsei University, Korea. Before joining Yonsei, he was with Bell Laboratories, NJ, USA (2009- 2011) and Harvard University, MA, USA (2008-2009. He received his Ph.D. degree in ECE from UT Austin, USA in 2008. Prior to joining UT, he was with the Telecommunications R&D Center, Samsung Electronics, Korea (2001-2005).
Dr. Chae was a recipient of the KICS Haedong Scholar Award in 2023, the CES Innovation Awards in 2023, four best demo awards from the IEEE ICC (2022), IEEE WCNC (2020), IEEE DySPAN (2018), IEEE INFOCOM (2015), the Best Young Engineer Award from the National Academy of Engineering of Korea in 2019, the IEEE/KICS JCN Best Paper Award in 2018, the IEIE/IEEE Joint Award in 2014, the IEEE SPMag Best Paper Award in 2013, the IEEE ComSoc AP Outstanding Young Researcher Award in 2012, and the IEEE VTS Dan. E. Noble Fellowship Award in 2008.
He has held several editorial positions, including EiC of the IEEE T-MBMC, Senior Editor of the IEEE WCL, and Editor of the IEEE CommMag, IEEE TWC. He was an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer (2020-2023) and is an IEEE VTS Distinguished Lecturer (2024-2025).
Dr. Chae was a recipient of the KICS Haedong Scholar Award in 2023, the CES Innovation Awards in 2023, four best demo awards from the IEEE ICC (2022), IEEE WCNC (2020), IEEE DySPAN (2018), IEEE INFOCOM (2015), the Best Young Engineer Award from the National Academy of Engineering of Korea in 2019, the IEEE/KICS JCN Best Paper Award in 2018, the IEIE/IEEE Joint Award in 2014, the IEEE SPMag Best Paper Award in 2013, the IEEE ComSoc AP Outstanding Young Researcher Award in 2012, and the IEEE VTS Dan. E. Noble Fellowship Award in 2008.
He has held several editorial positions, including EiC of the IEEE T-MBMC, Senior Editor of the IEEE WCL, and Editor of the IEEE CommMag, IEEE TWC. He was an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer (2020-2023) and is an IEEE VTS Distinguished Lecturer (2024-2025).
Invited Talk 2
Pragmatic Communications
Dr. Deniz Gunduz
Professor, Imperial College London
Abstract
Pragmatic communications is an emerging communication paradigm, in which the goal of the transmitter is to help the receiver to take the right actions at the right time to maximize a shared reward function over a certain time horizon. The transmitted signal and its impact on the receiver depends on the environment state (or, the noisy observations thereof). In this talk, I will first show how this formulation unifies and generalizes many well-studied communication problems, including source coding, channel coding, joint source-channel coding, as well as those aiming to optimize age of information or other similar metrics. I will then show some recent results for various novel pragmatic communication problems, and highlight some open problems.
Biography
Deniz Gündüz is a Professor of Information Processing in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at Imperial College London, UK, where he also serves as the deputy head of the Intelligent Systems and Networks Group. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, and an elected member of the IEEE Signal Processing for Communications and Networking (SPCOM) and Machine Learning for Signal Processing (MLSP) Technical Committees. He serves as an area editor for the IEEE Transactions on Information Theory. He is the recipient of the IEEE Communications Society - Communication Theory Technical Committee (CTTC) Early Achievement Award in 2017, Starting (2016), Consolidator (2022) and Proof-of-Concept (2023) Grants of the European Research Council (ERC), and has co-authored several award-winning papers, most recently the IEEE Communications Society - Young Author Best Paper Award (2022), and IEEE International Conference on Communications Best Paper Award (2023). He received the Imperial College London - President's Award for Excellence in Research Supervision in 2023.
Invited Talk 3
Fundamentals and Trends of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) Technologies for 6G
Prof. Kaewon Choi
Professor, Sungkyunkwan University
Abstract
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is an emerging key technology for next-generation 6G networks that combines radar and RF-based positioning technologies with wireless communication into a unified system. This talk will begin by introducing the fundamental concepts and global research trends of ISAC. It will then delve into the theoretical foundations of ISAC, with a particular focus on OFDM-based radar systems that serve as the backbone of ISAC, along with their associated signal processing techniques. Furthermore, we will explore practical implementations and experimental systems that integrate OFDM-based communication and radar, and discuss the potential of combining ISAC with artificial intelligence technologies.
Biography
Kae Won Choi received his B.S. in Civil, Urban, and Geosystem Engineering and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Seoul National University in 2001, 2003, and 2007, respectively. He began his professional career at Samsung Electronics in the Telecommunication Business Division from 2008 to 2009. He then worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Manitoba, Canada, from 2009 to 2010. From 2010 to 2016, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at Sungkyunkwan University, where he is currently a Professor in the College of Information and Communication Engineering. His research interests span machine learning, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, radar signal processing, RF energy transfer, cellular communication, and radio resource management.
Invited Talk 4
6G Non-Terrestrial Networks for Ubiquitous Connectivity
Prof. Aryan Kaushik
Associate Professor, Manchester Met, UK
Abstract
Prof. Kaushik will present on the wireless evolution towards latest IMT-2030/6G framework, trends, challenges, standardization aspects, new spectrum opportunities, and related use cases. In particular we will discuss about achieving the “ubiquitous" 6G services for connecting the unconnected through utilization of non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and effective integration of terrestrial networks with NTN, along with key synergies of NTN with key 6G technologies such as integrated sensing and communications, improving energy efficiency and minimizing latency using artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) such as deep reinforcement learning and federated learning, semantic communications, electromagnetic signal and information theory (ESIT), etc., leading to 6G innovation beyond just communications. These synergies also lead to vital use cases such as for public safety, mission-critical services, and 6G-empowered robotics.
Biography
Prof. Aryan Kaushik is currently an Associate Professor at Manchester Met, UK, since 2024. Previously he has been with University of Sussex (2021-24), University College London (2020-21), University of Edinburgh (2015-19), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2014-15), and held visiting appointments at Imperial College London (2019-20), University of Bologna (2024), University of Luxembourg (2018), Athena RC (2020), and Beihang University (2017-19, 2022). He has been External Assessor (Academic Promotion) at University of Hertfordshire (2025), External Assessor at University of Mauritius (2025), External PhD Examiner internationally such as at NIT Jalandhar (2025) and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (2023). He has been an Invited Panel Member at the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) ICT Prioritisation Panel in 2023, UK EPSRC Proposals Reviewer since 2023, French National Research Agency (ANR) Proposal Reviewer in 2025, Core Member of the IEEE P1955 Standard on 6G-Empowering Robotics, Chair of IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT, Co-Chair of IEEE SIG on AITNTN, Founding Member of the IEEE SIG on FAS, Elections Committee Member for the IEEE ComSoc UK & Ireland Chapter, Editor of 5 books by Elsevier and Wiley on variety of topics such as ISAC, NTN, ESIT, Intelligent Metasurfaces and Digital Twins/Imaging, and several journals such as IEEE Transactions on Communications, IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, IEEE OJCOMS (Best Editor Award 2024 and 2023), IEEE Communications Letters (Exemplary Editor 2024 and 2023), IEEE IoT Magazine, IEEE CTN, and several special issues such as in IEEE Wireless Communications, IEEE Network, etc. He is also the host of the IEEE Communications Society Technology News Podcasts Series. He has been invited/keynote and tutorial speaker for 110+ academic and industry events, and conferences globally such as at IEEE ICC 2024-25, IEEE GLOBECOM 2023-24, etc., and chairing in Organizing and Technical Program Committees of 14+ flagship IEEE conferences such as IEEE ICC 2024-26, etc., and has been General Chair of 30+ workshops and special sessions such as at IEEE ICC 2024-25, IEEE GLOBECOM 2023-25, etc.
Invited Talk 5
Satellite Non-Terrestrial Networks: past present and future challenges
Dr. Riccardo De Gaudenzi
Freelance consultant
Abstract
Satellite networks have played a key role in supporting the creation of global communication networks, video transmission, and completing terrestrial networks for uncovered areas. Although the greatest commercial success has been in the field of transmission and professional applications, there is growing interest and investment related to the provision of complementary fixed broadband and narrowband services via satellite. This presentation will provide an overview of the evolution of satellite communication systems and technological trends covering the different commercial applications. Starting with the most important satellite applications, market aspects, system architectures and key technologies, the following satellite communication systems will be covered: Non-geostationary narrowband mobile constellation systems and related challenges (Iridium, Globalstar, AST Mobile, Apple, Beidou 3, Lynk, Starlink). Geostationary mobile satellite communication systems (Inmarsat, Thuraya, Solaris/Echostar, Inmarsat Global Xpress) High-capacity geostationary satellite communication systems and related challenges (Eutelsat Konnect VHTS, Viasat 2-3, Jupiter 3) Non-geostationary broadband (mega) constellation systems and related challenges (SES O3B, OneWeb, Space X Starlink, Amazon Kuiper) Some insights will be provided to illustrate the lessons learned and key challenges ahead.
Biography
Riccardo De Gaudenzi (Fellow IEEE) received his Doctor Engineer degree (cum Laude) in electronic engineering from the University of Pisa, Italy in 1985, a PhD from the Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands in 1999 and a Communication Engineering Master Degree ad honorem from University of Parma in 2021. He is currently a freelance consultant and University lecturer. In 1988, he joined ESA’s Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherlands where he has been covering several technical and managerial positions inside the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. As last position, he has been the Head of the ESA’s Electrical Department from 2018 until December 2023. He actively contributed to the development and the demonstration of the ETSI S-UMTS Family A, S-MIM, DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, DVB-RCS2 and DVB-SH standards. He has published more than 140 scientific papers and owns more than 30 patents. He is co-recipient of the 2003 and 2008 Jack Neubauer Memorial Award Best Paper from the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society. He has been awarded the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 2022 Aerospace Communications Award.
Invited Talk 6
Building Quantum-Resilient Networks with Quantum-Safe Technologies
Mr. Sangyun Uhm
CEO, Id Quantique Ltd.
Abstract
As quantum computing advances, the threat to classical cryptographic systems becomes imminent. This presentation by ID Quantique outlines real-world strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure using quantum-safe technologies. It introduces a dual approach combining Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), enabling defense-in-depth against both current and future cyber threats.
The telecom company showcases Nationwide Quantum-Safe Network, designed to protect financial institutions, healthcare systems, and national data infrastructure. This end-to-end solution leverages QRNG, QKD, and PQC to deliver trusted security from the network to the application layer.
The presentation highlights phased enterprise adoption strategies, pilot programs, and collaborations with industry and government stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of cryptographic agility, ecosystem partnerships, and long-term preparedness.
With regulatory momentum and national initiatives accelerating, the session underscores the urgency for enterprises and governments to begin their quantum-safe migration today—before quantum attacks
The telecom company showcases Nationwide Quantum-Safe Network, designed to protect financial institutions, healthcare systems, and national data infrastructure. This end-to-end solution leverages QRNG, QKD, and PQC to deliver trusted security from the network to the application layer.
The presentation highlights phased enterprise adoption strategies, pilot programs, and collaborations with industry and government stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of cryptographic agility, ecosystem partnerships, and long-term preparedness.
With regulatory momentum and national initiatives accelerating, the session underscores the urgency for enterprises and governments to begin their quantum-safe migration today—before quantum attacks
Biography
Mr. Sangyun Uhm is the CEO of ID Quantique Korea and a leading figure in the field of quantum-safe security. With over 25 years of experience in the IT & Security industry, he has played a pivotal role in advancing quantum technologies in South Korea.
He led the development and commercialization of quantum random number generator (QRNG) chips, notably implemented in the Galaxy Quantum smartphone series. Under his leadership, Korea successfully deployed over 2,000 km of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, establishing a robust foundation for secure communications. Notably, his team achieved the world’s first national security certification for QKD technology, positioning Korea at the forefront of quantum security innovation.
In addition to his work at IDQ, He also serves as a government advisor, contributing to national strategies on quantum technology and helping shape long-term policy directions. He actively promotes international collaboration and workforce development to strengthen the global quantum ecosystem. Through industry partnerships, public-private initiatives, and participation in key quantum missions, he continues to drive Korea’s leadership in quantum communication and cybersecurity. His work bridges cutting-edge research with commercial implementation, helping ensure that quantum technologies are ready for real-world deployment in critical infrastructure and beyond.
He led the development and commercialization of quantum random number generator (QRNG) chips, notably implemented in the Galaxy Quantum smartphone series. Under his leadership, Korea successfully deployed over 2,000 km of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, establishing a robust foundation for secure communications. Notably, his team achieved the world’s first national security certification for QKD technology, positioning Korea at the forefront of quantum security innovation.
In addition to his work at IDQ, He also serves as a government advisor, contributing to national strategies on quantum technology and helping shape long-term policy directions. He actively promotes international collaboration and workforce development to strengthen the global quantum ecosystem. Through industry partnerships, public-private initiatives, and participation in key quantum missions, he continues to drive Korea’s leadership in quantum communication and cybersecurity. His work bridges cutting-edge research with commercial implementation, helping ensure that quantum technologies are ready for real-world deployment in critical infrastructure and beyond.
Invited Talk 7
Quantum Computing Meets Networking: The Infrastructure of a Quantum-Enabled Economy
Mr. Philip Farah
VP, Sales and Strategic Partnerships, IonQ
Abstract
The intersection of quantum computing and quantum networking is paving the way for a transformative quantum-enabled economy.
IonQ, a recognized leader in quantum innovation, is uniquely positioned at this convergence, bringing together capabilities across quantum computing, secure quantum networking (through IDQuantique, Qubitekk, and lightsynq), and satellite communications (via Capella Space).
In this session, we will explore how these technologies are unlocking powerful new use cases—from ultra-secure communications using quantum key distribution (QKD) to distributed and blind quantum computing, quantum sensor-to-quantum computer pipelines, quantum time synchronization, and quantum-enhanced satellite image processing. These advancements not only promise breakthroughs in cybersecurity, computing, and sensing, but also redefine the infrastructure needed for a resilient and intelligent digital economy.
We will share IonQ’s real-world initiatives, research initiatives and collaborations that are actively shaping these next-generation capabilities, offering insights into how academic institutions, enterprises and governments can harness this evolving ecosystem.
IonQ, a recognized leader in quantum innovation, is uniquely positioned at this convergence, bringing together capabilities across quantum computing, secure quantum networking (through IDQuantique, Qubitekk, and lightsynq), and satellite communications (via Capella Space).
In this session, we will explore how these technologies are unlocking powerful new use cases—from ultra-secure communications using quantum key distribution (QKD) to distributed and blind quantum computing, quantum sensor-to-quantum computer pipelines, quantum time synchronization, and quantum-enhanced satellite image processing. These advancements not only promise breakthroughs in cybersecurity, computing, and sensing, but also redefine the infrastructure needed for a resilient and intelligent digital economy.
We will share IonQ’s real-world initiatives, research initiatives and collaborations that are actively shaping these next-generation capabilities, offering insights into how academic institutions, enterprises and governments can harness this evolving ecosystem.
Biography
Philip Farah is the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at IonQ, where he leads business expansion and partnership initiatives across Enterprise, State, Local and Education (SLED), and Cloud Service Provider (CSP) sectors in the U.S., South Korea, and the GCC region. With a career spanning strategic and technical leadership roles, Philip brings a wealth of experience in driving growth and innovation.
Before joining IonQ, he directed Services and Engineering Sales for Global Enterprise Accounts at Worldwide Technology, a prominent systems integrator and IT infrastructure solutions provider. His earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Gartner as a Senior Managing Partner in Financial Services, and at Cisco Systems where he led the Global FSI Innovation Strategy practice. He also served as Head of Recoveries Analytics at Capital One Financial.
Philip began his career in the U.S. as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, advising top industry executives on strategic technology investments aligned with business growth. A recognized thought leader, he has authored influential articles on the future of banking, payments, and transformative technologies, featured in major outlets such as American Banker, Wall Street & Technology, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Before joining IonQ, he directed Services and Engineering Sales for Global Enterprise Accounts at Worldwide Technology, a prominent systems integrator and IT infrastructure solutions provider. His earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Gartner as a Senior Managing Partner in Financial Services, and at Cisco Systems where he led the Global FSI Innovation Strategy practice. He also served as Head of Recoveries Analytics at Capital One Financial.
Philip began his career in the U.S. as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, advising top industry executives on strategic technology investments aligned with business growth. A recognized thought leader, he has authored influential articles on the future of banking, payments, and transformative technologies, featured in major outlets such as American Banker, Wall Street & Technology, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Invited Talk 8
Towards Realizing Digital Semantic Communications: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Prof. Yo-Seb Jeon
Associate Professor, POSTECH
Abstract
Semantic communication has recently emerged as a promising paradigm capable of surpassing the fundamental limits of traditional Shannon theory-based communication systems. This talk addresses the key challenges involved in implementing semantic communication while maintaining compatibility with conventional digital communication systems. We further explore two potential solutions to this problem: a channel-adaptive semantic communication framework and a Transformer-based semantic communication design. Finally, we discuss possible future directions for the evolution of semantic communication technologies.
Biography
Yo-Seb Jeon received the B.S. (Top Hons.) and Ph.D. degrees in the Department of Electrical Engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea, in 2012 and 2016, respectively. From September 2016 to August 2018, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at POSTECH. From September 2018 to January 2020, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University. Since 2020, he has been on the faculty at POSTECH, where he is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. Since 2024, he is an Associate Editor for IEEE Wireless Communications Letters and an Editor for Journal of Communications and Networks. His research interests include the areas of wireless communications, distributed AI, and AI/ML for wireless communications.
Invited Talk 9
AI-Native Networking: Enabling Scalable and Secure Edge Intelligence through Cloud-Network Convergence
Ms. Linda Dunbar
Distinguished Engineer, Futurewei Technologies
Abstract
As AI services move closer to the edge, traditional network and cloud boundaries must evolve to support dynamic, latency-sensitive, and scalable deployments. This talk explores a practical framework for AI-native networking that enables sustainable and efficient service delivery through deeper convergence between cloud orchestration and programmable network infrastructure.
The presentation highlights recent advances in standardizing interfaces and protocols that bridge cloud platforms (like Kubernetes) with real-time network telemetry and control. Key topics include:
- Dynamic AI workload placement based on end-to-end network performance
- BGP extensions for 5G edge service metadata, enabling intelligent routing decisions
- Lightweight authentication mechanisms for scalable and secure SD-WAN services across heterogeneous underlays
These innovations are grounded in active work at the IETF and demonstrate how open, standards-based architectures can empower AI-native ICT systems to operate with greater agility, reliability, and security.
Attendees will gain insights into emerging tools and practices for aligning cloud and network operations to support AI at scale—an essential step toward realizing the promise of sustainable, AI-native service infrastructures.
The presentation highlights recent advances in standardizing interfaces and protocols that bridge cloud platforms (like Kubernetes) with real-time network telemetry and control. Key topics include:
- Dynamic AI workload placement based on end-to-end network performance
- BGP extensions for 5G edge service metadata, enabling intelligent routing decisions
- Lightweight authentication mechanisms for scalable and secure SD-WAN services across heterogeneous underlays
These innovations are grounded in active work at the IETF and demonstrate how open, standards-based architectures can empower AI-native ICT systems to operate with greater agility, reliability, and security.
Attendees will gain insights into emerging tools and practices for aligning cloud and network operations to support AI at scale—an essential step toward realizing the promise of sustainable, AI-native service infrastructures.
Biography
Linda Dunbar is a Distinguished Engineer at Futurewei Technologies, where she leads innovation in networking, security, and cloud-edge integration. With over two decades of experience, she has been instrumental in developing scalable solutions for 5G edge computing, SD-WAN security, and dynamic AI workload placement across hybrid cloud environments. Her work focuses on bridging telecom infrastructure with cloud orchestration platforms to enable AI-native service delivery and policy-aware transport.
Linda has contributed extensively to IETF standardization efforts. She chairs initiatives such as Computing-Aware Networking and Interface to Network Security Functions (I2NSF), and has authored key drafts including BGP extensions for 5G edge service metadata and lightweight authentication for IPsec in SD-WAN. Her recent work addresses real-time coordination between cloud and network domains using standardized YANG models and BGP signaling to optimize service placement and data exchange.
A prolific inventor, she holds over 50 U.S. patents and has received multiple industry accolades, including the ONUG Innovation Award. Linda is a frequent speaker at global conferences such as MPLS/SDN/NFV Congress, NANOG, and ONUG, and is recognized for her ability to translate complex technologies into practical, operator-ready solutions. She holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.
Linda has contributed extensively to IETF standardization efforts. She chairs initiatives such as Computing-Aware Networking and Interface to Network Security Functions (I2NSF), and has authored key drafts including BGP extensions for 5G edge service metadata and lightweight authentication for IPsec in SD-WAN. Her recent work addresses real-time coordination between cloud and network domains using standardized YANG models and BGP signaling to optimize service placement and data exchange.
A prolific inventor, she holds over 50 U.S. patents and has received multiple industry accolades, including the ONUG Innovation Award. Linda is a frequent speaker at global conferences such as MPLS/SDN/NFV Congress, NANOG, and ONUG, and is recognized for her ability to translate complex technologies into practical, operator-ready solutions. She holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.