Visvesvaraya Technological University 5G lab in Kalaburagi named top performer in Karnataka

The 5G Use Case Lab at the Visvesvaraya Technological University Centre for Post Graduate Studies in Kalaburagi has won the title of best-performing 5G laboratory in Karnataka. The Department of Telecommunications gave the facility an 'Excellent' grading with a score of 143. Shreenivas S. Galgali, who is the Deputy Director General for Technology in Karnataka, sent a letter on October 23 to VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar to share this news based on the monthly gradation framework up to September 2026.

Details And Background

Shubhangi D.C., who directs the VTU Regional Centre, and Professor Basavaraj Gadgay spoke about the award at a press conference on October 29. Mr. Gadgay noted that the Kalaburagi facility is one of 100 such labs set up across India and among eight in Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated these labs via video-conferencing on October 27. The other seven institutions in the state with these labs include the 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.

Achievements And Future Goals

Ms. Shubhangi explained that the lab earned this spot due to its research work in international journals and standardisation bodies, the creation of usable 5G products, and strong student and faculty participation. She also credited Professor S. Vidyashankar and Professor Gadgay for helping bring the lab to Kalaburagi. The Department of Telecommunications praised Ms. Shubhangi, who serves as the nodal officer, along with her project team for their hard work. This recognition will help the university push for more patents, turn technologies into commercial products, and build homegrown 5G solutions.

Context

These 5G use case labs were set up across academic campuses nationwide to help build a strong talent pool and drive local research for advanced telecom networks. By connecting students and faculty with real telecom gear and testing environments, institutions can bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry needs. Such government-backed frameworks measure monthly progress to push academic centers toward practical innovation and indigenous technology development.