Karnataka Launches Telecom Centre of Excellence to Drive India’s Next-Gen Tech Innovation

Inauguration Marks a Major Leap in Research, Skilling, and Industry Collaboration

Bengaluru, July 10: Karnataka has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s position in next-generation technologies with the launch of the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE). The pioneering initiative, inaugurated by Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Minister for Skill Development, Medical Education, and Livelihood, aims to accelerate research, innovation, and skill development in cutting-edge domains such as 5G/6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), quantum computing, and healthcare technology.

The TCOE, established through a collaboration between Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and the Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF), follows a Hub-and-Spoke model to maximize outreach. The central Hub at VTU’s Bengaluru campus will coordinate with 30+ affiliated Spoke institutions across Karnataka, fostering region-specific research and innovation.

A Catalyst for R&D and Industry-Academia Collaboration

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Patil emphasized the Centre’s potential to drive technological self-reliance and job creation.

“This national-level Centre is poised to become a catalyst for advanced R&D, next-generation skilling, and industry-integrated innovation. The convergence of academic depth and industry leadership will drive entrepreneurship and large-scale job creation in emerging tech sectors,” he said.

The event was attended by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, and Prof. Vidyashankar S., Vice-Chancellor of VTU, underscoring the initiative’s national significance.

Key Focus Areas and Strategic Partnerships

The TCOE will feature:

• Startup incubation units to nurture tech entrepreneurs.

• Domain-specific skilling centres to bridge the talent gap in telecom and emerging technologies.

• Industry partnerships with leading firms such as Televerge, Tejas Networks, VVDN Technologies, Keysight Technologies, and the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC).

Leveraging VTU’s vast academic network—which includes 228 affiliated colleges, over 400,000 students, and 20,000+ faculty and researchers—the Centre aims to enhance translational research, foster industry-academia collaboration, and scale up skilling initiatives for India’s digital economy.

Driving Regional and National Impact

The Hub-and-Spoke model ensures that innovation is not confined to urban centers but extends across Karnataka, promoting inclusive growth. The Spoke institutions will focus on local challenges and opportunities, while the Hub will provide centralized resources, mentorship, and industry linkages.

With its strong foundation in research, industry collaboration, and skill development, the TCOE is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s technological future, reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a leader in innovation.

Looking Ahead

As India pushes toward digital sovereignty and global tech leadership, initiatives like the TCOE will be crucial in building a skilled workforce, fostering homegrown innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth in the telecom and IT sectors.

The launch marks a new chapter in India’s tech revolution, with Karnataka at its forefront.