Shaping the Future of Communications Technology
Call for Proposals
Presented by the IEEE Communications Society at:
IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM)
8-12 December 2025 | Taipei, Taiwan
Overview:
Are you an academic researcher exploring breakthrough ideas that could reshape the future of communications technology? Do you want your research to have a real-world impact through industry collaboration and funding?
We invite you to submit a proposal to participate in the Research Collaboration Pitch Session, where top academic minds will present the bold problem spaces they are tackling to an audience of industrial researchers, innovation scouts, and corporate R&D leaders.
This is your opportunity to:
- Share visionary research challenges with practical potential
- Attract industrial interest for collaboration and sponsorship
- Get feedback from technical leaders in the communications sector
- Build long-term partnerships that translate research into solutions
Who Should Apply:
Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced doctoral students at accredited academic institutions whose work addresses emerging or disruptive problems in communications technology, including but not limited to:
- 6G and future wireless systems
- Network virtualization and edge computing
- AI/ML for communications
- Quantum communications
- Cybersecurity and privacy in networks
- Energy-efficient networking
- Connectivity for underserved populations
- Spectrum sharing and policy innovation
- Semantic communication transition strategies
What to Expect:
Selected researchers will deliver a 5-minute high-impact pitch of their research problem space, articulating:
- The critical problem or gap being addressed
- The transformational potential of the research
- How industry collaboration can accelerate outcomes
Pitches will be followed by Q&A and a networking session with representatives from leading companies in communications, networking, and related industries.
Among the companies invited to attend are those in the ComSoc Corporate Loyalty Program:
Proposal Submission Guidelines:
Submit your proposal by 15 September 2025 (the deadline for the GLOBECOM 2025 session has been extended to 29 September) via the Submission Form. All submitters must be a ComSoc member and complete a research lab profile on ComSoc Connector. Please select Manage Research Capabilities to submit your research lab profile.
Each proposal should include:
- Title of the pitch
- 300-word abstract describing the research problem space
- Relevance to industry and potential application areas
- Short bio (150 words max) of the lead presenter
- University/Institution affiliation
GLOBECOM 2025 Submission Deadline: 29 September 2025
GLOBECOM 2025 Notification of Acceptance: The week of 13 October 2025
If your proposal is selected for the Pitch Session, you will be required to attend in person to present it, and you will be responsible for covering all associated expenses.
Selection Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Clarity and significance of the problem
- Novelty and vision of the research
- Relevance and potential impact for industry
Benefits:
Top pitches may be contacted by participating industrial researchers and companies to engage in collaborative research or discuss funding opportunities.
- Industry-funded research grants or donations
- Invitations to follow up with companies to discuss collaborations
- Continued mentorship and partnership opportunities
Questions?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
2025 Research Collaboration Pitch Session
- Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced doctoral students at accredited academic institutions are eligible to apply. - What types of research topics are appropriate for submission?
Proposals should address emerging or disruptive problems in communications technology, including but not limited to:- 6G and future wireless systems
- Network virtualization and edge computing
- AI/ML for communications
- Quantum communications
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Energy-efficient networking
- Connectivity for underserved populations
- Spectrum sharing and policy innovation
- Semantic communication transition strategies
- What should the proposal include?
Each proposal must contain:- Title of the pitch
- 300-word abstract describing the research problem space
- Relevance to industry and potential application areas
- Short bio (150 words max) of the lead presenter
- University/Institution affiliation
- What is the format of the pitch session?
Selected researchers will deliver a 5-minute high-impact pitch, followed by a Q&A and networking session with industry representatives. - What are the key dates?
- Submission Deadline: 29 September 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Expected 14 October 2025
- How do I submit my proposal?
Submit via the Submission Form. You must also complete a research lab profile on the ComSoc Connector. Please click on “Manage Research Capabilities” to submit your research lab profile. - Is ComSoc membership required?
Yes, all submitters must be members of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc). - Will travel expenses be covered?
No. If selected, presenters must attend in person and are responsible for all associated expenses. - Can I deliver my Research Collaboration Pitch virtually?
No. If selected, presenters must attend in person. - Will the Research Collaboration Pitch be recorded?
Yes, the session will be recorded and shared with ComSoc’s industry partners. - What are the selection criteria?
Proposals will be evaluated based on:- Clarity and significance of the problem
- Novelty and vision of the research
- Relevance and potential impact for industry
- How many academic researchers will be selected to give a pitch?
A maximum of ten 5-minute high-impact presentations will be delivered. - What are the benefits of participating?
- Exposure to industry leaders
- Potential for industry-funded research or donations
- Opportunities for collaboration and mentorship
- Invitations to follow-up discussions with companies
- Can I submit additional information about my project?
You may provide additional information after your presentation when interacting with the innovation scouts who have expressed interest in your research. - How will I know if a company is interested in my research?
Innovation scouts will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your research with you. The companies interested in continuing the discussion will have your contact information to reach out to you. - How many people may deliver the Research Collaboration Pitch on stage?
Only one person will be invited on stage to deliver the pitch. You are welcome to mention your team in the presentation. - Does the submitter need to be the person to give the pitch?
No, you may choose another team member to present your pitch. However, only one person will be invited on the stage at the session. - Is there a maximum number of researchers allowed per submission?
Only one person will provide their contact information on the submission, and if selected, only one person will be invited on stage to present. However, there is no limit to the number of team members the research collaboration pitch can represent. - Who can I contact for more information?
Please reach out to Regan Pickett at r.pickett@comsoc.org.
- Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
Contact Regan Pickett at r.pickett@comsoc.org.
Bring your research to life. Connect with industry. Shape the future of communications.
Submit your pitch today.