Faculties and students at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) are enthusiastic about the prospects presented by the ‘5G use case laboratory’ in terms of research and innovation. This laboratory serves as a hub for 5G technology innovation aimed at advancing societal progress. In a virtual ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded one ‘5G use case laboratory’ to SVNIT, with approximately 1,000 students and faculty members in attendance.
Gujarat’s 5G Laboratory Initiatives:
Apart from SVNIT, both IIT Gandhinagar and NFSU Gandhinagar are among the three educational institutes in Gujarat that have received the prestigious 5G lab designation. During the Indian Mobile Congress 2023 held in New Delhi, the Prime Minister conferred 100 ‘5G use case laboratories’ to various educational institutions nationwide. This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation across diverse socio-economic sectors.
Enhancing Expertise and Innovation:
These laboratories are set to augment students’ and academics’ expertise in 5G technology and emerging technologies while encouraging collaborations between academia and industry to create 5G applications tailored to India’s rural and remote areas. At SVNIT, the 5G lab will be established within the Department of Electronics Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Upena Dalal. The lab will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment valued at Rs 1 crore. Professors anticipate that the lab will be a game-changer, offering a real-time 5G network testing facility. In this facility, students and researchers can develop innovative products designed for remote areas.
Benefits of the 5G Lab:
Professor Dalal highlights the significance of having a real-time testing facility for 5G, a substantial upgrade from working with simulators. This facility will enable the development of new products and technology ideas for remote and rural areas. It will particularly focus on addressing challenges related to logistics management in remote regions. Additionally, the lab’s capabilities will facilitate the creation of technology and products based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The team plans to emphasize healthcare, logistics, and other issues affecting rural areas to enhance the lives of the local populace. Furthermore, there are plans to extend access to this lab to students and researchers from other institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and the generation of new ideas in the field of emerging technologies.”