Nokia has announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to focus on research and development of 6G technologies in India. The collaboration will be centred around Nokia’s recently inaugurated 6G Lab in Bengaluru, where the two entities will explore 6G radio technologies, architecture, and the integration of machine learning with the 6G air interface, said a statement.
The telecom gear maker said that the joint effort aims to contribute significantly to the 6G technology and standards ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on developing use cases relevant to India’s societal needs.
The research will primarily focus on creating sustainable and energy-efficient communication systems, enhancing the resiliency and reliability of network infrastructures for critical communications, and leveraging AI to improve transportation safety, healthcare, and education access.
The company stressed that the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of cellular infrastructure to address the challenges faced by populous and developing countries like India, while also making a notable contribution to the global 6G ecosystem.
Nishant Batra, Nokia’s Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, said: “Together we will help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India as a leader in 6G standardisation, development, and implementation. And by exploring 6G use cases specific to India, we will ensure that 6G addresses the unique needs of the subcontinent.”
India is aiming to cement its position in telecom space by giving push to the concept of ‘Bharat 6G Vision.’ This vision seeks to establish India as a key player in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technologies. Nokia said that its partnership with IISc is a significant step towards achieving this goal, marking the first collaboration emerging from Nokia’s 6G Lab in Bengaluru, which was opened in October 2023 as part of its Global R&D center.
“IISc is very privileged to contribute to India’s mission to be a front-line contributor in design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030, as envisioned in the Bharat 6G Vision document released by the Prime Minister of India,” said IISc Director Professor Govindan Rangarajan.
