C-DOT and CSIR-NPL agree on a Memorandum of Understanding for strengthening joint research in traditional and quantum communication technologies
In a move to boost indigenous prowess in classical and quantum communication technologies, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a combined research and innovation ecosystem. C-DOT, a key telecommunications R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), continues to innovate in fields such as switching systems, network protocols, IoT, M2M, wireless and quantum communications. On the other hand, CSIR-NPL, India's National Metrology Institute, is renowned for conducting groundbreaking research in metrology, materials, and environmental sciences, and serves as the custodian of national standards.
The primary goal of this partnership is to establish a long-term research collaboration, driving the development, standardization, and delivery of future-proof communication technologies. C-DOT brings its expertise in network protocols, IoT, software applications, and quantum communications, while CSIR-NPL contributes its exceptional measurement, standardization, and traceability expertise to SI units. This synergy sets the stage for a potent partnership.
Collaborative research support is a cornerstone of this partnership, with both parties agreeing to grant each other access to their research facilities, technical expertise, and administrative assistance to execute shared initiatives. Moreover, they plan to pursue additional grant financing and resources to further their shared goals.
This collaboration goes beyond joint R&D, promising academic exchange and knowledge sharing through guest lectures, workshops, seminars, and collaborative teaching programs. Scholars, researchers, and students from both institutions will have the opportunity to engage in cross-institutional learning and skill development. Intellectual property and data sharing are emphasized in this agreement, with a commitment to develop a joint framework defining ownership, usage rights, and publication guidelines to foster equitable and transparent management of project outcomes.
C-DOT's CEO, Rajkumar Upadhyay, underscored the significance of quantum communications in safeguarding the nation's future digital infrastructure. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, he stated: "Quantum communication represents the next frontier in data security and the preservation of critical information infrastructures. This collaboration with CSIR-NPL is not just a strategic alignment of capabilities, but a commitment to national priorities of self-reliance and technological sovereignty. Our aim is to harness the complementary strengths of both institutions to accelerate the development of indigenous solutions that are globally competitive and future-ready."
CSIR-NPL's director, Venugopal Achanta, echoed Upadhyay's sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration with C-DOT. He emphasized the collaboration's potential in elevating India's global standing in the field of quantum-secure communication technologies. Achanta also highlighted the need for joint activities to strengthen the quality infrastructure in the country, supporting government initiatives like "Make India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat".
The MoU was signed during a formal ceremony, attended by key officials from both C-DOT and CSIR-NPL. This partnership marks a significant step towards India forging a path in secure, scalable, and standardized communication technologies for the future.
While the specifics of individual projects or technical roadmaps have not been disclosed in the available public sources as of June 2025, the partnership focuses on building India's capabilities in quantum-secure communication. Key research areas include quantum secure communication (possibly including quantum key distribution for unbreakable encryption in telecommunications), classical communications enhancement (by leveraging advanced encryption and security measures derived from quantum research), and the development of a long-term research framework. The collaboration aims to strengthen India's position as a leader in quantum technology and secure communication, aligning with national priorities to protect critical infrastructure and data.
This partnership sets the stage for a collaboration in the development, standardization, and delivery of future-proof communication technologies, focusing particularly on quantum communications. The synergy of C-DOT's expertise in network protocols, software applications, and quantum communications, and CSIR-NPL's exceptional measurement, standardization, and traceability expertise, promises to propel India's global standing in the field of quantum-secure communication technologies.
