IEEE Future Networks Forum Highlights India’s 6G and Deep Tech Vision

“India is entering a decisive phase in its science and technology journey. Our goal is not just to expand research output, but to build an innovation ecosystem that is globally competitive, economically impactful, and aligned to national priorities. The new initiatives from the National Research Foundation to the Quantum and Cyber-Physical Systems Missions and now the ₹1 trillion R&D and Innovation Fund are designed to deepen capabilities, accelerate commercialization and ensure that India leads in shaping the technologies of the future. We are building a science and innovation ecosystem that is future-ready, self-reliant and globally influential as we move towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.”
Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), GoI said this at the inaugural session of the 3-day IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, today.

Dr. Karandikar made these remarks in the context of India’s ongoing national efforts to strengthen research, innovation and advanced technology development across strategic sectors including deep tech, communications, space, quantum computing and AI.

Dr. Abhay added that India has recorded significant progress in science and innovation, now ranking third globally in science and engineering publications and PhD output, with patent filings doubling in the last year. The country has also become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 170,000 startups and more than 100 unicorns. Key national initiatives driving this growth include the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which is steering mission-mode research programs such as a national AI initiative; the $1 billion National Quantum Mission establishing four thematic hubs and supporting domestic quantum startups; and the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems, which has built 25 Technology Innovation Hubs, backed 884 startups, and enabled developments such as IIT Bombay’s multilingual RxJai LLM. Complementing these is the newly launched ₹1 trillion National R&D and Innovation Fund, aimed at boosting private-sector R&D in strategic deep-tech areas including semiconductors, 6G and future networks, quantum systems, space, robotics, climate and energy solutions, AI-driven healthcare and biomanufacturing, advanced medical devices, and digital agriculture, sectors expected to shape India’s next phase of scientific competitiveness and economic growth.

The IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, a 3-day event held in Bengaluru, brought together researchers, industry leaders and network architects from around the world to examine the rapidly evolving landscape of global connectivity.

Father of Internet, Vinton Gray Cerf, who virtually joined the Forum, said, “The future of networking is already unfolding through the expansion of subsea fiber systems and the rise of low-Earth-orbit satellite networks, which are extending connectivity to remote regions, ocean routes, and places where cables are impractical. However, the growing convenience and ubiquity of connectivity also increase our dependence on these systems. Disruptions—whether caused by accidents, cyberattacks, or infrastructure failures can have immediate and serious consequences. As billions of people now rely on constant access to digital communication, building resilient networks with diverse routes, backup capabilities, and strong security is essential. The next phase of networking will be defined not only by reach, but by its ability to withstand failure.”

“The 8th IEEE Future Networks World Forum in Bengaluru not only accelerates the deployment of 5G but also paves the way for 6G research and development. This forum provides a platform for industry, academia, government, and startups to engage and collaborate in creating a new ecosystem to advance technology for humanity,” said Ashutosh Dutta, Founding Co-Chair, IEEE Future Networks World Forum, affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research and Bell Labs Fellow, outlined five major research directions: artificial intelligence, software-defined network infrastructure, next-generation radio/optical networks, quantum technologies, and space communications. He said, “Our work spans AI, software systems, next-generation networks, quantum technologies, and even communication in space not as isolated breakthroughs, but as part of one continuous effort to solve real-world problems with science and engineering. The goal is not novelty for its own sake, but technology that is intelligent, resilient, and meaningful in how it connects people and systems.”

Prof. Debabrata Das, Project Director of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and Advanced Communication Systems and Director of IIIT-Bangalore, said on the sidelines of the Future Network and World Forum that the conference is designed to broaden global thinking on networking beyond immediate technological milestones. He said,
“This forum is not just about moving from one generation of communication technology to the next. It is about reimagining how networks can enable societies — on the ground and in space. The ideas shared here will shape research directions, innovation pathways, and global collaboration in the years ahead.”

Other keynote speakers from academia, industry, and global tech alliances shared their perspectives during the forum.

“India is the second largest deployer of 5G over IPv6 in the world and now has a vibrant 6G research ecosystem. Join us to gain firsthand, in-depth knowledge and real-world experience from Indian innovators,” said Dr. Latif Ladid, Chair, 5G World Alliance, and President, IPv6 Forum.

At the IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025 in the tech hub of Bangalore, we declare that India is no longer just adopting the future—it is co-creating it. Our 'Bharat 6G Vision' is a blueprint for an AI-native network built on principles of affordability, sustainability, and ubiquitous intelligence. We are here not just to showcase innovation, but to drive international standards and bridge the global digital divide, ensuring 6G's transformative power benefits everyone, everywhere, said Anindya Saha, Tejas Network, India.