In a significant advancement in the field of Quantum Technology, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been forged between the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) India and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), particularly through the Visvesvaraya Research & Innovation Foundation (VRIF). This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s standing in technological innovation and development.
This landmark agreement is focused on creating a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to Quantum Technology, alongside the exploration of 5G and 6G technologies and other cutting-edge fields of research and development. Located at VTU-VRIF in Bangalore, this CoE aspires to significantly expedite India’s growth in these crucial technological domains, aligning with the government’s ambitious 100-day initiative.
The MoU was officially signed by Dr Vidya Shankar S, the Vice Chancellor of VTU-VRIF, and Vinod Kumar, the Deputy Director General (SRI) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Director of TCOE India. The ceremony was marked by the presence of over 200 participants, including members of the Executive Council, Deans, Heads of Departments from VTU’s 228 affiliated colleges, as well as distinguished guests from the DoT and various experts within the technological ecosystem.
This Centre of Excellence is structured around a hub-and-spoke model that fosters innovation, with both VTU-VRIF and TCOE India acting as the central hub. By capitalizing on the extensive intellectual and infrastructural capabilities of VTU’s vast network of affiliated colleges, the CoE is set to play a crucial role in facilitating impactful research and development initiatives.
This innovative model will not only streamline advanced research efforts but also encourage collaboration across disciplines, enabling the rapid scaling of innovations in Quantum Technology and associated 5G/6G advancements. The hub will comprise specialized innovation groups, each focused on specific verticals, bringing together leading experts from the network of affiliated colleges.
Furthermore, this CoE is poised to enhance collaboration among major organizations involved in telecom standardization, including the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC), the Bharat 6G Alliance, the Telecommunications Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI), and various academic networks and startup ecosystems.
The establishment of this CoE will provide vital support to over 400,000 students, more than 2,000 PhD candidates, and a multitude of researchers within VTU’s expansive network, all while aiming to streamline R&D efforts and accelerate the commercialization of transformative innovations.
This initiative is not just a step forward in India’s technological journey; it represents a strategic collaboration designed to harness the collective expertise and resources of a diverse array of stakeholders. As the Centre of Excellence comes to fruition, it promises to play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of technology in India, making substantial contributions to both academia and industry in the process.
