Nokia expands 6G commitment in India with IISc partnership

Nokia has announced a significant expansion of its commitment to 6G technology in India through a new partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). This collaboration is set to focus on the development of 6G technologies and their applications, aiming to have a direct societal impact within India. The partnership will concentrate on three core research areas: 6G radio technologies, 6G architecture, and the integration of machine learning with the 6G air interface, all within Nokia’s newly inaugurated 6G Lab in Bengaluru.

The collaboration between Nokia and IISc is not just about technological advancement but also about addressing specific societal needs in India. The research aims at creating more sustainable and energy-efficient communication systems, improving network resiliency and reliability for critical communications, and leveraging AI for enhancing transportation safety, healthcare, and educational access. This initiative underscores the role of India as a pivotal player in the global telecommunications landscape, furthering the country’s “Bharat 6G Vision” to be at the forefront of 6G technology development and implementation.

The establishment of the 6G Lab at Nokia’s Global R&D center in Bengaluru marks a milestone in bringing together the academic prowess of India’s premier research institution and Nokia’s global technological leadership. This partnership is poised to contribute significantly to the 6G technology and standards ecosystem, not only within India but on a global scale. It reflects a shared ambition to harness 6G technology as a catalyst for societal and economic transformation in India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the country’s leadership in 6G standardization and deployment.

Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, emphasized the strategic importance of India in the global telecommunications arena and the potential of this partnership to leverage Indian scientific and academic excellence in shaping the future of 6G technology. Similarly, Professor Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc, highlighted the institution’s commitment to contributing to India’s leadership in 6G technology by 2030, as envisioned by the Prime Minister of India.

This partnership between Nokia and IISc not only marks a significant step forward in the development of 6G technology but also in aligning technological advancements with the societal needs of a rapidly developing country like India.

By focusing on both global innovation and local applications, Nokia and IISc are setting the stage for a future where technology serves as a cornerstone for societal development and economic growth.

The collaboration between Nokia and the Indian Institute of Science signals a promising leap towards realizing the full potential of 6G technology. It showcases a unique blend of global expertise and local insight, aiming to address both technological challenges and societal needs. As 6G technology evolves, such partnerships will be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of this next-generation technology are widespread and inclusive, particularly in countries like India where digital infrastructure can play a pivotal role in societal transformation.