C-DOT and IIT Roorkee Establish Centre of Excellence in Advanced Communication Technologies
On November 27, 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee). This significant collaboration aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the IIT Roorkee campus, focusing on advancing research and innovation in communication technologies.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence
The newly established CoE is designed to accelerate indigenous research and innovation while enhancing capacity building in advanced communication technologies. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between academia and industry, contributing to a self-reliant and technologically advanced India.
Research Focus Areas
The CoE will concentrate on high-impact research across various domains, including:
- Wireless Communication
- Quantum Technologies
- Cybersecurity
- AI-based Applications
Additionally, the centre will drive joint research and prototype development in emerging fields such as:
- 5G and 6G Technologies
- RF-Sub-THz Integrated Circuits
- Millimeter Wave Beamforming Antennas
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
- Data-Driven Wireless Systems
- Energy-Efficient Telecom Solutions
Support for Start-ups and Knowledge Exchange
The CoE is expected to serve as a hub for start-ups, promoting intellectual property creation and facilitating workshops and training programs. It will also encourage ongoing knowledge exchange between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee, creating a vibrant ecosystem for technological advancement.
Highlights from the A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series
During the sixth A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series, Dr. Upadhyay delivered an insightful talk on “Building Indigenous Communication Technologies.” He emphasized C-DOT’s contributions to various technologies, including:
- 4G and 5G Communication Technologies
- TRINETRA Cybersecurity Solutions
- Secure Quantum Communications
- AI-Enabled Telecom Applications
- Mission-Critical Communications
Significance of the Partnership
Prof. K K Pant, the Director of IIT Roorkee, described the partnership as a milestone for the institution. He noted that IIT Roorkee’s expertise in communication engineering, semiconductor technologies, and emerging wireless systems will significantly complement C-DOT’s mission to develop secure, indigenous, and future-ready telecom solutions.
Impact on Faculty, Researchers, and Students
The CoE is anticipated to provide a transformative platform for faculty, researchers, and students. It will facilitate co-development of technologies that are of strategic national importance, thereby enhancing the capabilities and contributions of the academic community to the field of telecommunications.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Communication Technologies marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and research in India. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, this initiative aims to enhance the country’s capabilities in communication technologies, ultimately contributing to a self-reliant and technologically advanced nation.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of November 27, 2025.
