In a major push toward strengthening India’s self-reliance in next-generation communication technologies, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and innovation in classical and quantum communications.
C-DOT, a leading telecom R&D organization under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is known for its work in network protocols, IoT, M2M, wireless systems, and quantum communications. CSIR-NPL, India’s National Metrology Institute, brings deep expertise in scientific measurement, standardization, and traceability to SI units. The partnership is aimed at creating a long-term framework for joint research, development, standardization, and deployment of advanced communication technologies.
Through this collaboration, both organizations will share research infrastructure, technical know-how, and administrative support to drive joint initiatives. The MoU also encourages efforts to secure grant funding and other resources to further mutual objectives.
Beyond research, the agreement promotes academic exchange and capacity building through guest lectures, seminars, workshops, and collaborative teaching. It also includes provisions for defining intellectual property rights, data ownership, and publication protocols to ensure transparency and equitable benefit-sharing from joint efforts.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, emphasized the strategic importance of quantum communication in protecting India’s digital infrastructure. He described the collaboration as a commitment to national goals of technological sovereignty and global competitiveness. “By leveraging our complementary strengths, this partnership will enable the development of indigenous, secure, and future-ready solutions,” he stated.
Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the potential of the partnership to boost India’s leadership in quantum-secure communication technologies. He emphasized the collaboration’s role in reinforcing the country’s quality infrastructure and supporting national missions like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The MoU was formalized in a ceremony attended by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay and senior officials from C-DOT, along with Prof. Achanta and key scientists from CSIR-NPL.
This alliance marks a significant step in India’s journey to becoming a global hub for secure, standardized, and scalable communication systems, powered by indigenous research and innovation.