HFCL Joins IIT Delhi-Led Consortium to Develop Hollow-Core Fiber Technology for 6G and AI Networks
New Delhi, February 23, 2026: HFCL Limited has joined a consortium under a Department of Telecommunications (DoT)-funded research project led by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) to develop hollow-core fiber (HCF) technology for next-generation communication networks.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced optical communication systems critical for future 6G networks, quantum communications, and ultra-low-latency infrastructure.
Powering the Next Generation of Networks
Hollow-core fiber is an emerging optical technology designed to significantly reduce transmission latency and energy consumption compared to conventional solid-core optical fiber. Globally, the technology is being explored for high-capacity, long-haul, and latency-sensitive applications, including hyperscale data centers and AI-driven infrastructure.
As artificial intelligence workloads surge and hyperscalers expand data center capacity, the demand for ultra-low-latency, energy-efficient optical infrastructure is expected to grow rapidly. Hollow-core fiber is increasingly seen as a potential backbone for 6G and quantum communication networks.
The DoT-supported project aims to position India at the forefront of this technological frontier by combining academic research with industrial expertise.
HFCL’s Industry Expertise and Manufacturing Strength
As a consortium partner, HFCL will contribute manufacturing experience, system integration expertise, and real-world deployment insights to help translate research breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions.
HFCL operates advanced optical fiber manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and optical fiber cable plants across Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai. The company’s NABL-accredited laboratories provide capabilities spanning validation, pilot-scale development, and production support—creating an end-to-end innovation ecosystem.
Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director of HFCL, said the partnership aligns with India’s strategic focus on building self-reliance in critical telecom technologies.
“As the global telecom ecosystem evolves toward 6G, AI-driven infrastructure, and ultra-low-latency applications, it is important for India to build indigenous capabilities in critical optical technologies. Through this consortium, we look forward to contributing industry insights on manufacturability, scalability, and real-world network requirements,” he said.
Academic-Industry Collaboration for National Priorities
Professor Deepak Jain, Principal Investigator at IIT Delhi, highlighted the importance of structured collaboration between academia and industry.
He noted that hollow-core fiber represents a significant frontier in optical science and communication engineering, especially as global networks move toward 6G and quantum communication systems.
The project integrates optical physics, materials engineering, and electromagnetic design to address both performance and implementation challenges. Industry participation, including HFCL’s involvement, ensures alignment with scalability and deployment requirements.
Strengthening India’s Optical Communication Ecosystem
The consortium reflects a broader push to connect cutting-edge research with industrial manufacturing capabilities. By bridging laboratory innovation with large-scale production, the initiative aims to accelerate commercialization while reinforcing India’s long-term digital infrastructure goals.
With expertise spanning telecom equipment, optical fiber, defense electronics, and network integration, HFCL continues to expand its role as a technology partner in advanced communications.
The collaboration marks another step in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance and leadership in next-generation global digital infrastructure.