VTU Kalaburagi 5G lab ranked as best in Karnataka

VTU Kalaburagi Regional Center Director Shubhangi DC addressing a press conference along with Basavaraj Gadgay in Kalaburagi on October 29, 2026. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The 5G Use Case Lab at the Graduate Studies Center at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Kalaburagi has been recognized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as the top performing 5G lab in Karnataka, securing an ‘Outstanding’ grade with a score of 143.

The recognition was conveyed by Shreenivas S. Galgali, Deputy Director General (Technology), Karnataka, to VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar in a letter dated October 23. The rating was based on the monthly 5G Lab Gradation Framework for the period until September 2026.

Shubhangi DC, Director, VTU Regional Center, and Professor Basavaraj Gadgay shared details of the lab’s recognition and performance at a press conference at the regional center on October 29.

“The 5G lab at VTU’s Kalaburagi Regional Center was among 100 labs set up across India, including eight in Karnataka, in 2023 and inaugurated through a video conference by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 27 that year. The lab at VTU’s Kalaburagi Regional Center is now among the most powerful facilities in the country. Gadgay

The other seven institutions to get a 5G Lab in Karnataka were the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. NIT-K Surathkal, IIIT Dharwad, SIT Tumakuru, BMS College of Engineering, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology and MIT Manipal.

Ms. Shubhangi said the lab was recognized for its contribution to international journals and standards bodies, development of functional 5G products and use cases, and active participation of students and faculty in academic and research projects.

“Professor S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor, Visvesvaraya University of Technology, Belagavi and Prof. Gadgay helped get the 5G lab for VTU Kalaburagi Regional Centre,” she said, thanking them for their efforts and support.

The Ministry of Telecommunications appreciated the efforts of Ms. Shubhangi, 5G Lab Node Leader, and her project team for their dedication and proactive approach in supporting 5G innovation and technological advancement in the region.

The recognition is expected to encourage the university to further strengthen research and innovation through the lab, focusing on patent generation, technology commercialization and the development of domestic 5G solutions.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 11:53 IST