• The session highlighted AI‑native 6G networks, quantum‑secure communication, cyber security and indigenous telecom technologies
  • C‑DOT and BSNL showcased telecom technology, while the ‘Sanchaar Saathi’ and ‘Samriddh Gram’ initiatives were displayed at the outreach stall

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications chaired a special session on ‘Intelligent Networks and Quantum Communication’ at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 held on 28 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave runs from 27 to 29 October 2026. The session, chaired by the Secretary of the Telecom Department, brought together industry and academia experts to discuss emerging communication technologies and their role in building a secure, intelligent and robust infrastructure

In his opening address, DoT Secretary Mr Amit Agrawal said, “India, with 1.2 billion mobile network connections and 5G services in almost every district, has one of the world’s largest and most affordable telecom networks and is among the fastest 5G roll‑out countries. Through the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), the department supports indigenous R&D from lab to market and has so far funded more than 130 projects worth about ₹500 crore. In addition, the Technology Development and Investment Promotion Scheme (budget over ₹200 crore, recently renewed for the next five years up to 2031) helps startups and MSMEs link to global standardisation and test their solutions on live networks.”

Delivering the keynote, Mr N. G. Subramanyam, Chairman of Tejas Networks Ltd, spoke on ‘Engineering Intelligent, Post‑Quantum Networks: Autonomous and Trusted’. He underscored how artificial intelligence, quantum‑secure technology and blockchain can complement each other—AI can enable intelligence and automation in networks, quantum‑secure tech can boost privacy and cryptographic strength, and blockchain can support shared trust and accountability. He stressed that trust must be engineered into next‑generation networks from the outset.

The session also featured invited presentations on practical applications of intelligent and secure networks. Ms Meenal Gupta of Esiophai Solutions presented ‘AI‑Powered Medical Imaging over Quantum‑Secure Intelligent Healthcare Networks’, explaining how high‑bandwidth, low‑latency connectivity and quantum‑secure security can support AI‑driven medical imaging for fast, wide‑scale and secure diagnosis even beyond major urban centres. Mr Himanshu Khasanis of SignalChip Innovations spoke on ‘Intelligent and Secure Radio Access Networks: From Chips to Systems’, highlighting indigenous RAN chips and systems, AI‑enabled network optimisation, adaptability and advanced post‑quantum security, and emphasising the role of domestically developed chipsets, radio units and base‑station solutions in strengthening India’s telecom ecosystem.

A panel discussion brought together education and industry experts, including Prof. Rohit Buddhiraja (IIT Kanpur), Prof. Bhaskar Kunsri (IIT Delhi), Senior Manager Ms Sonali Garg (HFC Ltd), Chief Revenue Officer Dr Ravi Prakash Gandhi (Reliance Jio) and Managing Director Mr Rajesh Kumar Pathak (India 6G Alliance). The discussion was moderated by C‑DOT CEO Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay. The panel shared views on the development and adoption of intelligent networks, quantum communication, cyber security and indigenous telecom technologies.

The session also provided a platform to discuss India’s long‑term vision for intelligent and quantum‑secure networks. The accompanying vision document identified priority areas such as indigenous 6G technologies, AI‑native networks and AI‑driven cyber security, a national quantum‑secure communications network, zero‑trust and cyber‑resilience, and skill development. It also called for strong linkages between research, test‑beds, industry and commercial deployment.

DoT’s participation in ESTIC 2026 went beyond thematic sessions to include technology and public‑outreach displays. At the thematic stall, C‑DOT and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) jointly demonstrated quantum communication and ‘Mission‑Critical Services’ technologies and solutions. At the Ministry/Department outreach stall, DoT showcased the ‘Sanchaar Saathi’ and ‘Samriddh Gram’ initiatives, highlighting their public‑facing applications and social relevance.

The exhibition also provided a dedicated space for deep‑tech startups to showcase mature technologies across the 12 thematic areas of the conclave.

Building on its role in ESTIC 2025, where it led a thematic session on digital communication, the Telecom Department continued its active involvement in ESTIC 2026 by chairing the ‘Intelligent Network and Quantum Communication’ session. Through these engagements, DoT promotes indigenous telecom innovation, next‑generation technologies and collaborative ties among industry, academia and research institutions to advance India’s future telecom ecosystem.

About ESTIC

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 is being held from 27 to 29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi under the theme ‘Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies’. Organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, and partnered with the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), the conclave was inaugurated on 27 October 2026 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The conclave brings together government, academia, research institutes, industry, deep‑tech startups and the scientific community to deliberate on emerging technologies and their contribution to a ‘Developed India @ 2047’. The programme includes plenary sessions, 12 thematic technical sessions, panel discussions, presentations by science and technology pioneers and startups, exhibitions, poster sessions and B2B and B2G meetings. Thematic areas cover advanced manufacturing, energy technologies, synthetic biology, ocean and marine technologies, intelligent networks and quantum communication, semiconductors, agri‑tech, generative and autonomous AI, robotics, advanced healthcare, immersive technologies and space science.

The conclave also features distinguished international scientists, including Nobel laureate Prof Joachim Frank, Sir Richard J. Roberts and Prof Kostya Novoselov, alongside eminent Indian and global science and technology leaders. ESTIC serves as a national platform to showcase technological progress, identify emerging scientific priorities and strengthen collaboration among research, industry and government.

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