Working with universities on hardware security, AI and cognitive networks and quantum computing the company, which supplies 5G equipment to all four British mobile networks, said the 10-year initiative would help to drive development of next-generation 6G networks.
6G technology is expected to be commercially available from 2030.
Ericsson's UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley said that British universities are performing world-beating research in some of the technologies that would underpin next-generation networks.
"We will establish a team of 20 experienced researchers here in the UK and we will also look to sponsor students as well. Our initial focus will be 6G networking and hardware security."
The new group will complement Ericsson's 17 existing research sites in 12 countries.
Among universities that might be included in the initiative are Surrey, Bristol and Manchester.
Commenting Ainley said that it typically takes 8-10 years from engagement with researchers to the development of commercial technology.
The British government, which has been working to protect funding for scientific research after Brexit, said Ericsson's investment was a "huge vote of confidence" in the country's telecoms sector, adding that it would soon publish a strategy on 6G technology.
