C-DOT, IIT Roorkee Sign MoU to Establish Centre of Excellence for Advanced Telecom Technologies
On November 28, 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a premier research and development center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), a leading institution recognized for its academic excellence and research capabilities. This collaboration aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Roorkee, focusing on advanced telecommunications technologies.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence
The primary objective of the C-DOT Centre of Excellence at IIT Roorkee is to accelerate indigenous research, innovation, and capacity building in advanced communication technologies. The CoE will prioritize research in several key areas, including:
- Wireless Communication
- Quantum Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Artificial Intelligence-based Applications
Promoting Academia-Industry Synergy
The establishment of this Centre of Excellence is expected to promote synergy between academia and industry by leveraging the academic expertise of IIT Roorkee and the industry strength of C-DOT. This collaboration will enable students, researchers, and start-ups to contribute significantly to India’s innovation and self-reliance journey. It aims to strengthen India’s leadership position in global telecom innovation.
Research Focus Areas
The CoE will drive joint research and prototype development in several emerging domains, including:
- 5G and 6G Technologies
- RF-Sub-THz Integrated Circuits
- Sensors and Millimeter Wave Beamforming Antennas
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
- Data-driven Wireless Communication Technologies
- Energy Efficiency in Communication Systems
Inauguration Ceremony
The MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by notable figures including Prof. K K Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, and Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT. Faculty members from IIT Roorkee and senior officials from C-DOT were also present during this significant event. Following the signing of the MoU, the new Centre of Excellence dedicated to advancing communication technologies and high-impact research and development was inaugurated.
Role of the Centre of Excellence
The CoE will serve as a dedicated hub for high-impact research and development, supporting start-ups and developing intellectual property. It will facilitate continuous knowledge exchange through various initiatives such as:
- Workshops
- Training Programs
- Joint Academic-Industry Engagements
This collaborative effort is expected to significantly strengthen India’s position in global telecom innovation and contribute to the nation’s technological self-reliance.
Prof. A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series
During the inauguration day, as part of the sixth Prof. A.K. Kamal Memorial Lecture Series, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay delivered a lecture titled “Building Indigenous Communication Technologies for Viksit Bharat.” This talk focused on the current landscape of India’s telecommunications sector and the importance of developing indigenous technologies to support the country’s growth and self-reliance.
Conclusion
The collaboration between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in advanced telecommunications. By establishing a Centre of Excellence, both organizations aim to foster innovation, support start-ups, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that will benefit the nation and strengthen its position in the global telecom landscape.
Note: This article is based on the latest developments as of November 2025 and aims to provide insights into the collaboration between C-DOT and IIT Roorkee.
