The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day on 25 August 2026 at BHIM Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The occasion marked 42 years of C-DOT’s contribution to the development of indigenous telecom technologies since its establishment in 1984.
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development; and Shri Amit Agarwal, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman, Digital Communications Commission, graced the occasion along with other senior officials, industry representatives and distinguished guests.
The Foundation Day exhibition was inaugurated by both the ministers. The product showcase at the exhibition, provided an opportunity to showcase C-DOT’s indigenous technologies and solutions across various domains of telecommunications. The dignitaries thereafter were briefed at the exhibition on the various indigenous telecom technologies and solutions developed by C-DOT.
The Hon’ble Ministers also unveiled the Quantum Products Wall, showcasing C-DOT’s indigenous Quantum Series comprising of 14 products covering both Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions developed to strengthen the security and resilience of India’s communication networks in the emerging quantum era.
Following Quantum Product Series unveiled on the occasion cover solutions spanning quantum-safe encryption, secure communications and critical quantum communication components.
Q-AKSHAY CD is a compact, fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system based on Coherent One Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols in a compact 1U size. It enables secure quantum key generation and distribution over fibre networks.
Q-AKSHAY MD is a fibre-based QKD system based on the Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol, offering enhanced security against vulnerabilities associated with measurement devices. It represents C-DOT’s next-generation approach to secure quantum key distribution.
C-SPD is a Single-Photon Detector, a critical sub-module used in quantum communication systems.
C-RD is a wideband RF driver designed to drive intensity and phase modulators used in quantum communication systems. It serves as a critical sub-module for enabling high-performance quantum communication applications.
Q-SETU is a quantum-safe encryptor designed to secure Layer 3 communications with a throughput of up to 80 Mbps. It incorporates NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms to protect data against emerging quantum-era threats.
Q-MAHASETU is a next-generation, commercial-grade quantum-safe encryptor supporting Layer 2/3 networks with throughput of up to 40 Gbps. It uses NIST PQC algorithms to provide high-speed, quantum-resistant protection for enterprise and critical communication networks.
Q-VIKRAM is a defence-grade quantum-safe encryptor providing up to 1 Gbps throughput for Layer 2/3 networks. It incorporates NIST PQC algorithms to provide enhanced protection for sensitive and strategic communications.
Q-AMOGH is a high-speed quantum-safe optical encryptor providing up to 200 Gbps throughput at Layer 1. Based on NIST PQC algorithms, it is designed to secure high-capacity optical communication links against emerging quantum threats.
Q-DARSHAN is a quantum-safe video IP phone incorporating NIST PQC algorithms to protect voice and video communications. It brings quantum-safe security directly into IP-based communication systems.
Q-VACHAN is quantum-safe In-line node for IP phone, NIST PQC algorithms, it can upgrade existing IP phones with quantum security.
Q-RAQSHAK is a quantum-safe enterprise network solution designed to protect enterprise communications and network infrastructure. It incorporates NIST PQC algorithms to provide protection against current and future cryptographic threats.
Q-VAAYU is a quantum-safe wireless point-to-point network solution designed to secure wireless communication links. It uses NIST PQC algorithms to provide quantum-resistant security for wireless connectivity.
Q-VAJRA1000 is a quantum-safe access node designed to upgrade existing communication networks with quantum security. It can support technologies such as GPON and wireless radios, enabling quantum-safe protection to be integrated into existing network infrastructure.
Q-PARAKRAM is a defence-grade quantum-safe encryptor providing up to 1 Gbps throughput for Layer 2/3 networks. It incorporates NIST PQC algorithms and is designed to provide robust quantum-resistant security for strategic and defence communications.
During the inaugural session that followed after inauguration of exhibition and quantum wall, a Quantum Product booklet, which is a consolidation of C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions was launched by the Hon’ble Ministers and senior dignitaries. The booklet presents C-DOT’s work in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), highlighting the Centre’s efforts towards developing secure, resilient and future-ready communication technologies.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, lauded C-DOT as an institution with the potential to transform not only India but also contribute to shaping the technological landscape globally. Highlighting C-DOT’s work in 5G, 6G, cybersecurity and disaster resilience, he emphasised the importance of taking indigenous innovations from the laboratory to the market. The Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous research and innovation to create technologies that can serve national requirements and also position Indian technologies on the global stage.
He said that the spirit of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” would attain its true potential when India not only develops technologies domestically but also “makes for the world”. Dedicating the occasion to C-DOT’s young engineers and researchers, he highlighted the true reflection of each letter of the name C-DOT in their Curiosity, spirit of Disruption, Ownership and Tenacity. He urged them to nurture their thirst for invention, challenge boundaries and harness their courage and capabilities to build technologies for the future, observing that the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan” lies within the young minds of C-DOT.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, congratulated C-DOT’s researchers, engineers and scientists on its 43rd Foundation Day and appreciated the Centre’s contribution towards developing technologies that deliver significant impact through innovative solutions. He highlighted C-DOT’s role in safeguarding citizens and saving lives through initiatives in areas such as fraud mitigation and citizen-centric digital services, and particularly appreciated the impact of Sanchar Saathi. Emphasising the importance of nurturing young engineers and developing future leadership within the organisation, he encouraged C-DOT’s young professionals to continue pursuing innovation with a strong sense of purpose. He challenged the young engineers to work and develop country’s indigenous technological capabilities to a stage where India is less dependent on external products and the world starts buying our products.
Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications and Chairman, Digital Communications Commission, commended C-DOT for establishing itself as a trusted engine of India’s telecom innovation, with significant contributions spanning telecom networks, 4G and 5G technologies, cybersecurity, disaster communications and emerging quantum communications. He appreciated C-DOT’s consistent efforts in translating research and innovation into deployable indigenous solutions and lauded the dedication of its scientists in advancing frontier communication technologies. Highlighting the need for India to transition towards quantum-safe communications, particularly in strategic sectors, he noted that C-DOT’s indigenous solutions in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) would play an important role in addressing both present and emerging cybersecurity challenges, while strengthening India’s digital sovereignty and security infrastructure. He said that these efforts reflect the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and expressed confidence that C-DOT would continue to develop quantum-safe communication solutions for India and the world.
The Foundation Day celebrations were organised around a day-long conference themed “Beyond Connectivity: Secure, Trusted and Intelligent Communication”, bringing together senior government officials, policy makers, industry leaders, technology experts and academia to deliberate on emerging technologies and the evolving communication landscape.
The technical conference featured sessions on three critical areas central to the future of telecommunications: Cybersecurity, 6G Communications and Quantum Secure Communications. The Cybersecurity sessions featured Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, and Shri Mandar Kulkarni, National Security Officer – India and South Asia, Microsoft. The 6G sessions brought together Prof. Chandra R. Murthy, IISc Bengaluru; Prof. R. David Koilpillai, IIT Madras; and Shri A.K. Mittal, DG, TSDSI. The Quantum Secure Communications session featured Prof. Rupamanjari Ghosh, Expert Committee Member, National Quantum Mission; Prof. Prem Kumar, ECE, Applied Physics, Interim Chair, ECE Department, Northwestern University, USA; and Shri Ashish Kumar Mishra, DDG, NCIIPC.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, said, “C-DOT’s journey over the past 42 years has been driven by its commitment to developing indigenous technologies for the nation. As telecommunications move beyond conventional connectivity, our focus is expanding towards secure, trusted and intelligent communication systems. Through our work in cybersecurity, quantum-secure communications, 6G and other emerging areas, C-DOT remains committed to strengthening India’s technological self-reliance and contributing to the development of globally competitive telecom technologies.”
The 43rd Foundation Day celebrations showcased C-DOT’s commitment to advancing indigenous research and innovation and contributing to the development of a secure, trusted and future-ready digital communications ecosystem. As it enters its 43rd year, C-DOT continues its research and development efforts in 6G, quantum-secure communications and other emerging technologies, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s ambition of positioning the country as a global leader in next-generation, trusted connectivity.
