India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DH
Context: India and the United Kingdom jointly launched the India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC) to advance cooperation in digital technologies, 6G research, and secure communications, with an investment of million (₹282 crore) over four years.
About India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC):
What it is?
• The India–UK CIC is a bilateral research and innovation platform aimed at developing next-generation telecom technologies through joint academic, industrial, and governmental collaboration. It will serve as a hub for cutting-edge R&D, testing, and market deployment in digital connectivity.
Nations and Organisations Involved:
• Countries: India and the United Kingdom
• Implementing Agencies: India – Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications UK – Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK–India Technology Security Initiative
• India – Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications
• UK – Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
• Supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK–India Technology Security Initiative
Aim: To drive innovation in secure, inclusive, and resilient digital communications, while shaping the global ecosystem for 6G and AI-enabled telecom systems, aligned with the India–UK 2035 Vision.
Key Features:
• Joint Funding: million (approx. ₹282 crore) committed equally by both nations for 4 years.
• Focus Areas: AI in Telecom: Network optimization and intelligent service delivery. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): Satellite and airborne systems for rural connectivity. Telecom Cybersecurity: Secure, interoperable, and open communication infrastructure.
• AI in Telecom: Network optimization and intelligent service delivery.
• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): Satellite and airborne systems for rural connectivity.
• Telecom Cybersecurity: Secure, interoperable, and open communication infrastructure.
• Collaborative Research: Links university research with lab testing and pilot trials.
• Joint Testbeds: Establishes shared facilities for real-world application of emerging technologies.
• Standards Development: Encourages global interoperability through participation in international standard-setting bodies.
Significance:
• Enhances bilateral digital cooperation and strengthens India–UK innovation corridor.
• Accelerates 6G readiness and contributes to global telecom standards.
• Promotes digital inclusion by extending connectivity to remote areas via NTNs.