C-DOT opens 6G and quantum research centre at IIT (BHU) Varanasi

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Department of Telecommunications’ research centre, has opened its sixth centre of excellence at IIT (BHU) in Varanasi to work on the next generation of mobile networks, the Communications Ministry said on Friday.

The two signed a memorandum of understanding, after which the centre was inaugurated. The signing was attended by Pankaj Kumar Dalela, an executive vice-president of C-DOT, and Professor Amit Patra, director of the institute.

The centre will work on wireless communications, quantum technology, cybersecurity and AI-driven networks. Its research list includes 5G Advanced and 6G, very large multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems, integrated sensing and communication, AI-native networks and devices, and quantum and post-quantum communication. Researchers, faculty, students and technology experts from both sides will work on joint projects, with the aim of building technology at home for the country’s digital and communication infrastructure.

“This Centre of Excellence is more than a research platform, it is an investment in India’s future technology capabilities,” said Rajkumar Upadhyay, chief executive of C-DOT.

Patra said the tie-up would let students and researchers “engage with real-world challenges in telecommunications while contributing to India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced communication technologies.”

C-DOT’s other centres of excellence are at IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad and IISc Bengaluru. The ministry said the network is meant to link academic research with industry needs and train specialists for the telecom sector.