Bangalore, September 2024 –
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Visvesvaraya Technological
University (VTU) and the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) have officially launched the
VTU-TCOE Hub and Spoke of Excellence (A MAJOR COE INITIATIVE) through the
signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This transformative initiative
is set to propel innovation in key sectors such as telecommunications, quantum technologies,
artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), agri-tech, the
metaverse, healthcare and more.
The Hub and Spoke of Excellence is designed to act as a critical innovation center housed at
VTU’s regional center in Bangalore. Leveraging VTU’s extensive network of 228 affiliated
colleges and 20,000+ professors, the Hub will coordinate cutting-edge research and development,
while the affiliated colleges (Spokes) contribute specialized expertise, state-of-the-art labs, and
resources. This unique Hub and Spoke Model ensures a collaborative research ecosystem that
addresses the most pressing technological challenges facing India and the world.
“This MoU represents a pivotal moment for VTU, Karnataka, and India as a whole,” said
Dr. Vidyashankar at the signing ceremony. “Through this partnership with TCOE, we are not
only shaping the future of innovation in telecommunications, quantum, AR/VR, and AI, but also
creating a sustainable ecosystem that addresses real-world problems across sectors like
agriculture and healthcare.”
Dr. Vidyashankar has been the driving force behind this collaboration, ensuring that the Hub and
Spoke of Excellence connecting 20,000 Professors, about 4 lakh students and tens of Industry
partners is designed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration while making a significant impact
on the nation’s technology landscape
Vinod Kumar, DDG DOT Standards Research & Innovation and Director, TCOE,
underscored the importance of this agreement: “This MoU and the Hub and Spoke of Excellence
are set to create a highly collaborative environment where academic institutions, industry leaders,
and startups can work together to innovate in telecommunications, quantum research, and
AR/VR, among other fields. This will greatly enhance India’s global standing in next-generation
technologies.”
Cdr. Anurag Vibhuti, Deputy Director of TCOE, has played a key role in shaping this
partnership, ensuring that the Hub of Excellence aligns with TCOE’s strategic vision for telecom
and quantum innovations. His leadership has been critical in defining the objectives and ensuring
that the Hub will deliver on its promise of innovation across sectors.
Ramesh Santhanam, Strategic Advisor to TCOE and VTU, brought his vast expertise in
aligning industry and academia to this initiative. Along with his team, Mr. Narashimha Chari and
their expert specialists team bring on board critical strategic guidance which is essential in laying
the solid foundation.
