C-DOT and CSIR-NPL Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Indigenous Quantum and Classical Communication Technologies

New Delhi: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance research and innovation in classical and quantum communication technologies.

The partnership brings together C-DOT, India’s premier telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and CSIR-NPL, the nation’s National Metrology Institute (NMI) known for its deep expertise in scientific measurement and standardization. The collaboration is poised to create a robust ecosystem to drive innovation, standardization, and scalable deployment of secure, future-ready communication systems.

Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate across a wide range of activities, including joint research and development, standardization efforts, technology delivery, and academic exchanges. C-DOT contributes its expertise in network protocols, IoT, software, and quantum communications, while CSIR-NPL brings strengths in metrology, materials science, and traceability to international measurement standards (SI units).

The agreement includes mutual access to research infrastructure, technical and administrative support, and efforts to secure additional grant funding to accelerate shared goals. A strong emphasis is placed on intellectual property rights and the establishment of a transparent framework for data sharing and joint publications.

Beyond technology development, the collaboration will also promote cross-institutional learning, including guest lectures, workshops, seminars, and collaborative teaching initiatives. Researchers, faculty, and students from both institutions will benefit from enhanced exposure and skill development in next-generation communication technologies.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, underscored the critical importance of the partnership in building the nation’s quantum-secure communication infrastructure.

“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,” he said.

Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential in bolstering India’s global standing in quantum secure communication.

“This partnership will play a vital role in strengthening India’s quality infrastructure, aligning with key national missions like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Our joint efforts will help ensure that the country is not only self-reliant but also globally competitive in cutting-edge technologies,” he noted.

A Step Toward Future-Ready India

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both institutions, including Shikha Srivastava, EVP, C-DOT, and scientists Dr. S.R. Dhakate, Dr. Poonam Arora, and Dr. Paramita Guha from CSIR-NPL.