In a landmark initiative aimed at elevating India’s stature in 6G and quantum, the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) India and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka have joined forces to create a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to quantum technologies and related domains.
This collaboration seeks to enhance the country’s capacity for research and innovation in these crucial sectors, thereby fortifying India’s technological position on the global stage.
Inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for 6G and Quantum Technologies at VTU-Visvesvaraya
The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for 6G and Quantum Technologies at VTU-Visvesvaraya represents a key initiative under the Ministry of Communications’ 100-day programme, aiming to achieve significant milestones in quantum technology and telecommunications.
By utilizing the resources of VTU and its 228 affiliated colleges, the CoE will serve as a central hub for research and innovation. Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, it seeks to enhance research efficiency, promote partnerships, and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies, positioning India at the forefront of global advancements in 6G and quantum.
What is the national innovation system approach?
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that fosters knowledge exchange and innovation among academia, industry leaders, and startups across India. Its primary goal is to advance cutting-edge research in quantum technology and 5G/6G communications, creating synergies for telecommunications standardization.
The CoE will host specialized innovation groups focused on specific technological challenges to attract top talent from affiliated colleges, ensuring its leadership in quantum computing and telecommunications advancements. Additionally, the CoE will forge partnerships with key organizations in telecom standardization to accelerate innovation in these fields.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators in 6G and Quantum Technologies
With direct access to VTU’s extensive academic resources, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to Empower the Next Generation of Innovators in 6G and Quantum Technologies over 400,000 students and more than 2,000 PhD candidates to participate in groundbreaking research in quantum technology and 5G/6G communications.
This collaborative infrastructure ensures a smooth exchange of knowledge among academia, industry, and startups, fostering the discovery and commercialization of innovative solutions on a global scale.
Additionally, the CoE strives to cultivate a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs. By offering access to advanced research facilities and expert mentorship, it will enable young innovators to transform their ideas into market-ready products, greatly enhancing opportunities in 6G and quantum.
What is the National Quantum Initiative in India?
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) is a key element of India’s larger quantum technology initiative, officially launched in April 2023 with the National Quantum Mission. This mission aims to boost the nation’s capabilities in quantum science and technology, positioning India as a leader in this rapidly advancing field.
Ajai Chowdhury, Chairman of the Mission Governing Board for the National Quantum Mission, emphasized the growing importance of quantum technology in India. Currently, around 600 scientists and 50 startups are driving innovation in this area, with Chowdhury noting that India is doing “tremendous amounts of work” in quantum technologies. The CoE is expected to enhance these research and development efforts.
As the quantum technology landscape rapidly evolves, the creation of the CoE signifies a major advancement. This new entity will enable India to achieve significant progress in 6G and quantum communication systems, fostering innovation and collaboration among academic institutions, industry players, and government sectors.
What is the vision of quantum future society?
The Centre of Excellence aims to prepare India for future technological challenges by equipping the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources. By promoting national-scale research and collaboration, the CoE is positioned to significantly influence the future development of 6G and quantum in India and globally.
