IIT Kanpur Collaborates with InterDigital Inc. for 6G Research

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has set on a journey to shape the future of wireless communication with the announcement of a partnership with InterDigital Inc. The collaboration is aimed at developing pioneering 6G enabling technologies that will influence the next generation of wireless standards.

As a part of this strategic partnership, InterDigital will offer sponsorship for research and innovation activities at IIT Kanpur focused on advancing Extreme MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple Output) systems. The primary objective of this partnership is to achieve higher spectrum efficiency and broader network coverage, essential elements for the successful deployment of 6G networks.

These advancements are viewed as critical in enabling 6G networks to meet the escalating demands for advanced applications such as metaverse, holographic communications, and digital twins.

Prof. S Ganesh, Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur said, "The partnership comes at an opportune moment when India has released the Bharat 6G Vision Document and has laid the foundation to becoming a world leader in 6G technology and has launched the 6G R&D Test Bed. The academia has a major role to play both in terms of advanced research leading to 6G standardization as well as developing technology components of the 6G."

This partnership aligns with the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the field of 6G research and standardization following a joint statement between the two countries at the recent G20 summit. The statement underscores the importance of joint research and development in 6G technologies and recognizes IIT Kanpur as a key collaborator in this endeavor.

Milind Kulkarni, VP and Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, commented on the partnership, said, "We are proud to formalize our partnership with IIT-K to explore and expand our expertise in the advanced technologies that will define our 6G future. Collaboration adds fuel to our innovation, and InterDigital's commitment to collaborating with world-leading universities and institutions across India will positively impact our shared contributions to wireless standards bodies like 3GPP and TSDSI."

InterDigital has a strong legacy of technology innovation and collaboration and acknowledges India's leadership and significance in the global 6G wireless research and standards ecosystem. India has made influential contributions to global wireless evolution through initiatives like the Bharat 6G Vision document, the launch of India's 6G research and development test bed, and collaborative work on visionary 6G standards through organizations like the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI).

Additionally, InterDigital has a decade-long history of partnership in India, including collaborative research on cellular modem and IoT design centers. In 2021, InterDigital became a member of TSDSI, further solidifying its commitment to supporting India's development in wireless and video markets, the transition to 5G and beyond, and the enhancement of high-definition mobile video.