VTU Kalaburagi’s 5G lab adjudged best performer in Karnataka

Director of the VTU Regional Centre in Kalaburagi Shubhangi D.C. addresses a press conference, along with Basavaraj Gadgay, in Kalaburagi on October 29, 2026. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The 5G Use Case Lab at the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Centre for Post Graduate Studies in Kalaburagi has been recognised as the best-performing 5G laboratory in Karnataka by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), securing an ‘Excellent’ grading with a score of 143.

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

Addressing a press conference at the regional centre on October 29, Shubhangi D.C., Director of the VTU Regional Centre, and Professor Basavaraj Gadgay shared details of the recognition and the laboratory’s performance.

“The 5G laboratory at the VTU Regional Centre in Kalaburagi was among the 100 laboratories established across India, including eight in Karnataka, in 2023 and inaugurated through video-conferencing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 27 that year. The lab at VTU Regional Centre in Kalaburagi is now among the top-performing facilities in the country,” Mr. Gadgay said.

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

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

“Professor S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, and Professor Gadgay, were instrumental in getting the 5G lab for VTU Kalaburagi Regional Centre,” she said, thanking them for their efforts and the support.

The Department of Telecommunications commended the efforts of ms. Shubhangi, the nodal officer of the 5G laboratory, and her project team for their dedication and proactive approach in promoting 5G innovation and technological advancement in the region.

The recognition is expected to encourage the university to further strengthen research and innovation through the laboratory, with a focus on generating patents, commercialising technologies, and developing indigenous 5G solutions.

Published - October 30, 2026 11:53 am IST