In a step towards advancing indigenous capabilities in classical and quantum 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 establish a collaborative framework for joint research and innovation. C-DOT, one of India’s premier telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), continues to lead innovation in telecommunications, including switching systems, network protocols, Internet of Things (IoT), M2M, wireless and quantum communications. CSIR-NPL, the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, is the custodian of national standards and has a rich legacy of conducting cutting-edge research in metrology, materials and environmental sciences.
The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a long-term collaborative framework to support research, development, standardisation and delivery of next-generation communication technologies. C-DOT brings deep expertise in network protocols, IoT, software applications and quantum communications, while CSIR-NPL contributes unmatched capabilities in scientific measurement, standardisation, and traceability to SI units, creating a powerful synergy.
Collaborative research support is a cornerstone of this partnership, with both organisations agreeing to extend access to their research facilities, technical expertise, and administrative support for the execution of joint initiatives. They also intend to pursue additional grant funding and other resources to advance shared goals.
In addition to joint R&D, the MoU promotes academic exchange and knowledge sharing through guest lectures, workshops, seminars and collaborative teaching initiatives. Faculty, researchers and students from both organisations will have opportunities to engage in cross-institutional learning and skill development. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on intellectual property and data sharing, with a commitment to develop a joint framework defining ownership, usage rights, and publication guidelines to ensure equitable and transparent management of outcomes arising from the collaboration.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Rajkumar Upadhyay, the CEO at C-DOT, highlighted the critical role of quantum communications in securing the nation’s future digital infrastructure. He stated: “Quantum communication represents the next frontier in safeguarding data and ensuring the integrity of critical information infrastructure. This partnership with CSIR-NPL is not just a strategic alignment of capabilities, but a commitment to national priorities of self-reliance and technological sovereignty. Through this collaboration, we aim to harness the complementary strengths of both institutions to accelerate the development of indigenous solutions that are globally competitive and future-ready.”
Venugopal Achanta, the director at CSIR-NPL, conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration with C-DOT, stating that the partnership holds significant promise in elevating India’s global standing in the field of quantum secure communication technologies. Echoing on the statement of Upadhyay, he stressed on the need for joint activities to strengthen the quality infrastructure in the country. This will boost the Government’s initiatives like “Make India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony attended by Rajkumar Upadhyay, the CEO at C-DOT, Shikha Srivastava, the EVP at C-DOT, along with Venugopal Achanta, the director, S. R. Dhakate, the chief scientist, Poonam Arora, the senior principal scientist, and Paramita Guha, the senior scientist, from CSIR-NPL and other senior officials from C-DOT.
This partnership stands as a testament to the nation’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in high-tech research and development. By combining C-DOT’s telecom innovation with CSIR-NPL’s foundational scientific leadership, this MoU paves the way for India to become a global leader in secure, scalable and standardised communication technologies for the future.
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