Our people
OAI FOUNDATION
Raymond Knopp
Raymond received his PhD degree in Communication Systems from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne. His current research and teaching interests focus on digital communications, software radio architectures, and the implementation aspects of signal processing systems and real-time wireless networking protocols. He has a proven track record in managing both fundamental and experimental research projects. Raymond is a leading figure in the OpenAirInterface Community and has been instrumental in making open software for Radio Access Network a reality through contributions over two decades. He is one of the very first and one of the most significant contributors to the OpenAirInterface codebase. Raymond is the President of the OpenAirInterface Foundation.
QUALCOMM
Doug Knisely
Douglas Knisely is Senior Director of Technical Standards at Qualcomm, where he advances Open RAN through industry organizations and promotes open-source tools and policies in standards development. He fosters collaboration between software communities and standards bodies for 5G RAN, Core Network, and Open RAN stacks. Douglas serves on the OpenAirInterface advisory board and co-chairs the O-RAN Alliance Software Development Focus Group. He also contributes to spectrum sharing efforts as a WInnForum board member. With a strong background in cellular standards, he has led key initiatives in 3GPP, 3GPP2, and other forums, notably in Femtocell and Small Cell standardization and MAC protocols for cdma2000. Earlier, he worked on multiprocessor systems and communication protocols.
ERICSSON
Jimmy Ahlberg
Jimmy Ahlberg is a Director at the Ericsson Open Source Program Office. He has over the past ten years held various positions related to IP, Standards, and Open Source within Ericsson. Over the past few years, he has been heavily engaged in the evolving landscape with Open Source and Open Standards increasingly intersecting. As such, OAI is a clear example of a very successful project demonstrating how these ecosystems can not only co-exist but also nurture and enhance one another. Jimmy is a Director at the OpenAirInterface Foundation and the Chairperson of the OpenChain Project. He is also a frequent guest lecturer on topics such as Open Source, Open Standards, and patent commercialization at Berkeley Haas School of Business, University of California, University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University, and Faculty of Law at Lund University.
Interdigital
François Périard
François Périard is a Principal Engineer at InterDigital. He is an avid technologist with experience architecting and developing software for the telecommunication industry. With a specialization in the fields of wireless communications, networking, and real-time embedded systems, he joined InterDigital in 2004 and since served in various leadership roles in software development for wireless prototype-oriented projects. Currently, he is leading prototyping efforts on B5G, 6G feature development, and research. His interests are related to Open RAN systems and wireless research involving AI/ML based solutions. François is a Director at the OpenAirInterface Foundation.
VIAVI SOLUTIONS
Ian Wong
Dr. Ian C. Wong is the Director of RF and Wireless Architecture at VIAVI Solutions, leading technology strategy, architecture, and standards. He co-chairs the O-RAN Alliance’s Test and Integration Focus Group and represents VIAVI in the NextG Alliance. He also leads VIAVI’s VALOR project, awarded $21.7M by the NTIA Innovation Fund. Previously, he was Section Manager of Wireless Systems R&D at NI, leading 5G test system development and 3GPP strategy, and a standards engineer at Freescale Semiconductor. A senior IEEE member, he served as Director of Industry Communities (2016–2019) and Industry Program Chair for IEEE Globecom 2014. Dr. Wong is the lead editor of Open RAN: The Definitive Guide (2023), co-author of Resource Allocation for Multiuser Multicarrier Wireless Systems, and holds several patents. He earned his BS from the University of the Philippines (2000) and his MS and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin (2004, 2007).
national instruments
Ben Coffin
As the Chief Global Business Manager for Wireless Research at NI/Emerson, Ben Coffin leads the strategic direction and product roadmap for cutting-edge wireless communications technologies. With a robust background in the test and measurement industry and deep expertise in academic and industry collaboration, Ben excels in shaping product strategies and go-to-market approaches that drive innovation and business growth. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Wireless Engineering from Auburn University and brings extensive experience in product management, systems engineering, and business development.
OAI FOUNDATION
Irfan Ghauri
Irfan holds an MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a PhD in Electrical Engineering. To date, he has founded two startups in his career, the first in Wireless Communications and the second in Collaborative Economy. He has also held Management roles in corporate environments for fifteen years, particularly in funding advanced research. He specializes in the art of the Start and has expertise in launching and accelerating embryonic projects. He is an ardent believer in the Technology of Management and is passionate about Business Model Design and Innovation. At the Foundation, his role is evangelization and development of the OAI.
