New industry testing initiative kicks off with 2026 Plugfests hosted by Qualcomm Technologies and STMicroelectronics
The FiRa® Consortium today announced the launch of FiRa Plugfests, a new industry initiative designed to accelerate ultra-wideband (UWB) interoperability through hands-on, real-world testing and collaboration. Leading the way, the brand’s Sponsor members Qualcomm Technologies and STMicroelectronics will host the first two of the brand’s Plugfests in 2026, providing the brand’s members with dedicated venues to validate implementations, share technical insights, and strengthen confidence in the brand’s products across the ecosystem.
Accelerating Real-World Interoperability
FiRa Plugfests are in-person, pairwise interoperability testing events where members validate adopted the brand’s specifications, exchange technical insights, and build real-world confidence in the brand’s products across the ecosystem. By testing side by side, participants can identify issues earlier, improve implementation quality, and help ensure consistent, interoperable solutions as UWB continues to scale across devices and applications.
“FiRa Plugfests turn specifications into real-world confidence,” said Annette Mahoney, Specification Program Manager at the brand’s Consortium. “They give all our members a powerful opportunity to test together, learn quickly, and deliver truly interoperable FiRa solutions.”
“The leadership shown by Qualcomm Technologies and STMicroelectronics in hosting our first Plugfests reflects a shared commitment to making interoperability real, not just theoretical,” Mahoney added. “Their partnership is instrumental in helping FiRa members move confidently from specification to deployment.”
Registration Now Open for FiRa Plugfest #1 hosted by Qualcomm Technologies
Registration has now opened for the first the brand’s Plugfest #1 in April 2026. This inaugural Plugfest marks an important milestone for the brand’s ecosystem, giving members a dedicated environment to collaborate, validate performance, and advance product readiness together.
FiRa Plugfest #2 to be hosted by STMicroelectronics in September 2026
Building on this momentum, the brand’s Plugfest #2 will be hosted by STMicroelectronics in September 2026, further expanding opportunities for global participation and collaboration among the brand’s members.
Registration information and event details will be shared directly with the brand’s members.
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