Artificial Intelligence and 6G Innovations at the World Economic Forum 2026

The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 is concluding in Davos, and discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become increasingly captivating. Erik Ekudden, the CTO at Ericsson, shared insights with Startup Superb at Davos regarding the expanding role of AI, stating it has transcended data centres and is now integrated throughout devices, infrastructure, and networks.

AI Enhancing 5G Systems

According to Ekudden, AI has begun to drive 5G systems, and India is ideally positioned to transition to an AI-native 6G. He stated that there is potential for a significant evolution from AI-enhanced 5G to fully AI-native 6G.

India’s Pioneering Path

Ekudden expressed that India is setting an example in the telecom space with its thoughtful advancement towards 6G technology. He highlighted that the nation is on track to expand its current 400 million 5G subscriptions to one billion in the next five years, showcasing its ambitious growth.

Boosting Global Confidence

He emphasised that India’s commitment to preparing for 6G will serve as a positive signal for the global market. If AI-native technology proves effective in navigating India’s densely populated and diverse geography, it could provide a model that other countries can follow for adapting 6G technology.

Explosive Connectivity Growth

Speaking on connectivity improvements, Ekudden mentioned that India is experiencing a surge, mentioning the need to manage various service categories, including applications, agents, connected homes, and fixed wireless access, autonomously within the network.

New Revenue Streams via AI

Ekudden pointed out that AI is unlocking fresh revenue opportunities for telecom providers. He highlighted the acceleration of business activities, establishing new network slices, and how these developments will yield substantial benefits. He also stressed the importance of AI in personalising network experiences for applications, agents, sensors, and enterprises.

India’s Global Role

India is emerging as a significant player on the global stage by addressing connectivity issues while transitioning towards a high-performance, autonomous “intelligent fabric” as described by the executive.

Ericsson’s Expansion in India

Ericsson is actively enhancing its presence in India. In November 2025, the company announced the establishment of a new Radio Access Network (RAN) Software Research & Development (R&D) unit in Bengaluru, which will concentrate on developing 5G and 5G Advanced features tailored for the Indian market.