C-DoT, IIT Roorkee Partner to Establish CoE for Advanced Telecom Research
On November 27, 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), a premier research and development center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), a leading institution recognized for its academic excellence. This partnership aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Roorkee, focusing on advanced communication technologies.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence
The primary objective of the C-DoT Centre of Excellence at IIT Roorkee is to accelerate indigenous research, innovation, and capacity building in advanced communication technologies. The CoE will emphasize research in several key areas:
- Wireless Communication
- Quantum Technologies
- Cybersecurity
- AI-Based Applications
Promoting Academia-Industry Synergy
The establishment of the CoE is expected to promote synergy between academia and industry, leveraging the academic expertise of IIT Roorkee and the industrial strength of C-DoT. This collaboration will enable students, researchers, and start-ups to contribute significantly to India’s innovation and self-reliance journey. It aims to strengthen India’s leadership position in global telecom innovation.
Key Research Areas and Technologies
The CoE will focus on joint research and prototype development in emerging domains, including:
- 5G and 6G Technologies
- RF-Sub-THz Integrated Circuits
- Sensors
- Millimeter Wave Beamforming Antennas with Integrated ICs
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
- Data-Driven Wireless Communication Technologies
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
Inauguration and Significance of the MoU
The MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by notable figures, including Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, and Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DoT. Faculty members from IIT Roorkee and senior officials from C-DoT were also present during the event. Following the signing, the new Centre of Excellence was inaugurated, dedicated to advancing communication technologies and high-impact research and development.
Role of the CoE in Supporting Start-ups
Leveraging C-DoT’s extensive expertise in the development of indigenous telecom solutions, the CoE will serve as a dedicated hub for high-impact research and development. It will support start-ups, facilitate the development of intellectual property, and enable continuous knowledge exchange through workshops, training programs, and joint academic-industry engagements. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to India’s technological self-reliance and enhance its position in the global telecom landscape.
Insights from the Sixth Prof. A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series
During the inauguration day, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay delivered a lecture as part of the sixth Prof. A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series, titled “Building Indigenous Communication Technologies for Viksit Bharat.” The lecture focused on various aspects of India’s telecom landscape, including:
- Bharat 6G Vision
- Telecom Value Chain
- Standards and Opportunities for India
Dr. Upadhyay also highlighted C-DoT’s indigenous solutions in areas such as:
- 4G and 5G Technologies
- TRINETRA Cybersecurity Solutions
- Secure Quantum Communication (QKD & PQC)
- Disaster Management Solutions
- AI-Enabled Advanced Telecom Applications
- Fraud Detection Systems
- Mission Critical Communication (MCX)
Statements from Key Officials
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DoT, expressed his vision for the CoE, stating, “This collaboration brings together the expertise of India’s leading academic institute and the R&D strengths of C-DoT to accelerate indigenous telecom innovation. Together, IIT Roorkee and C-DoT will build technologies that reduce dependence on foreign systems and create new opportunities for India to lead in advanced domains such as 5G, 6G, AI, and secure communication systems.”
Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting, “This collaboration marks an important milestone for IIT Roorkee as we join hands with C-DoT to advance India’s next-generation telecom capabilities. IIT Roorkee has a strong legacy in communication engineering, semiconductor technologies, and emerging wireless systems that will complement C-DoT’s national mission for secure, indigenous, and future-ready telecom solutions. The CoE will provide a transformative platform for our faculty, researchers, and students to co-develop technologies of strategic national importance and contribute to India’s long-term vision of technological leadership.”
Conclusion
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence at IIT Roorkee in collaboration with C-DoT represents a significant step forward in advancing India’s telecom capabilities. This partnership is poised to foster innovation, enhance research, and contribute to the nation’s goal of self-reliance in technology.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of November 2025.
