Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Signs MoU with Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IITR)
On November 28, 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 of national importance. This collaboration aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Roorkee to foster indigenous research, innovation, and capacity building in 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 research and innovation in key areas of advanced communication technologies. The CoE will focus on:
- Wireless communication
- Quantum technologies
- Cybersecurity
- AI-based applications
This initiative aims to promote synergy between academia and industry, leveraging the academic expertise of IITR alongside the industry strengths of C-DOT. By doing so, it will enable students, researchers, and start-ups to contribute significantly to India’s journey towards innovation and self-reliance.
Research and Development Focus
The CoE will drive joint research and prototype development in several 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 of the Centre of Excellence
The MoU signing ceremony was 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 at the event. Following the signing of the MoU, the new Centre of Excellence was inaugurated, dedicated to advancing communication technologies and high-impact R&D.
Role of the Centre of Excellence
The CoE will serve as a dedicated hub for high-impact research and development, supporting start-ups, developing intellectual property, and enabling continuous knowledge exchange. This will be achieved through:
- Workshops
- Training programs
- Joint academic-industry engagements
By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the CoE aims to strengthen India’s leadership position in global telecom innovation and contribute significantly to the nation’s technological self-reliance.
Statements from Leadership
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 represents a significant step forward in enhancing India’s capabilities in advanced communication technologies. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, this initiative aims to not only accelerate innovation but also contribute to the nation’s goal of achieving technological self-reliance. The partnership between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of November 2025.
