HFCL Limited has joined a consortium led by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi), funded by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), to advance Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) technology. HCF is a next-generation optical solution that drastically cuts latency and energy consumption compared to conventional fiber. HFCL will leverage its advanced manufacturing ecosystem to translate research into scalable commercial deployment, supporting India’s goals for 6G and quantum networks.
HFCL Partners on Next-Generation Optical Technology
HFCL Limited announced on February 23, 2026, that it has joined a Department of Telecommunications (DoT)-funded research consortium. The consortium is spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi), focusing on advancing Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) technology for future communication systems, including 6G and quantum networks.
HCF is highlighted as a critical emerging technology that significantly cuts latency and energy consumption compared to traditional solid-core fiber. This development is deemed essential for supporting increasing AI workloads, hyperscale computing demands, and the evolution toward ultra-low-latency infrastructure globally.
HFCL’s Role and Ecosystem Contribution
As a consortium partner, HFCL will contribute its deep industry expertise, manufacturing perspective, and insights on application support to aid the translational aspects of the research.
Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL, stated that the company is pleased to join the effort, emphasizing the importance for India to build indigenous capabilities in critical optical technologies as the telecom ecosystem evolves. HFCL will contribute expertise in manufacturability, scalability, and real-world network requirements.
The company’s capabilities include its integrated innovation ecosystem, featuring optical fiber manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and advanced cable facilities in Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai. These facilities, combined with NABL-accredited laboratories, support development from validation to full-scale commercial deployment.
Academic Perspective
Professor Deepak Jain, Principal Investigator, IIT Delhi, noted that HCF represents an important frontier in optical science, particularly for latency-sensitive applications. He stressed that the participation of industry partners like HFCL provides valuable perspective on scalability and manufacturability, which is critical for accelerating innovation and aligning research with national telecom priorities.
Key Technology Highlights
- Hollow-core fiber significantly cuts latency and energy consumption versus conventional fiber.
- HCF is emerging as the critical backbone for 6G, quantum networks, and AI data centers.
- HFCL’s accredited labs offer an end-to-end pathway from research validation to full-scale commercial deployment.
Source: BSE
