In a landmark move to strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced 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 development in the fields of classical and quantum communications.

C-DOT, a premier telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications, is known for its pioneering work in telecommunications, including switching systems, network protocols, IoT, M2M, and quantum communication. CSIR-NPL, the country’s National Metrology Institute, has a longstanding reputation for excellence in scientific measurement, standardisation, and metrology research.

The MoU aims to establish a long-term partnership to advance research, standardisation, and the development of next-generation communication technologies. Under the agreement, both institutions will focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), standardisation and characterisation of quantum communication systems, single-photon sources and detectors, Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT)-based quantum systems, and FPGA-based control electronics.

This collaboration will facilitate access to shared research facilities, technical expertise, and administrative support, as well as the pursuit of joint funding opportunities. Beyond research, the MoU also emphasises academic engagement, including guest lectures, workshops, seminars, and collaborative teaching initiatives, offering opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students to benefit from cross-institutional knowledge exchange and skill development.

A key aspect of the partnership is the joint development of a framework to manage intellectual property, data sharing, and publication rights, ensuring equitable and transparent handling of the outcomes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, underscored the importance of quantum communications for securing the nation’s digital future. Quantum communication represents the next frontier in protecting data and ensuring the resilience of critical information infrastructure. This partnership is a strategic alignment that reflects our commitment to national priorities of self-reliance and technological sovereignty,” he remarked.

Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL, expressed his optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to enhance India’s global position in quantum secure communication. He emphasised the importance of joint efforts in strengthening the nation’s quality infrastructure, in line with initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

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The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, and Ms. Shikha Srivastava, EVP, from C-DOT, alongside Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, Dr. S. R. Dhakate, Chief Scientist, Dr. Poonam Arora, Senior Principal Scientist, and Dr. Paramita Guha, Senior Scientist, from CSIR-NPL, as well as other senior officials.

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