HFCL Limited has announced its participation in a consortium led by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) for a Department of Telecommunications (DoT)-funded research project focused on advancing hollow-core fiber technology for next-generation communication networks. The strategic partnership positions the company at the forefront of developing critical optical technologies for future telecommunications infrastructure.

Project Scope and Objectives

The research initiative aims to develop novel optical fiber technologies specifically relevant to future 6G and quantum communication systems. As a consortium partner, HFCL will contribute comprehensive industry expertise, manufacturing perspective, and practical application insights to support the translational aspects of the research project.

Hollow-Core Fiber Technology Advantages

Hollow-core fiber represents an emerging optical technology designed to significantly reduce transmission latency and enhance signal performance compared to conventional solid-core fiber. The technology offers several key benefits:

• Ultra-low latency: Dramatically reduces signal transmission delays
• Energy efficiency: Substantially cuts energy consumption in data communication
• Enhanced performance: Superior signal quality for high-capacity applications
• Future-ready: Optimized for AI workloads and hyperscale computing demands

Globally, hollow-core fiber is being explored for high-capacity, long-haul, and latency-sensitive network applications, including advanced data centers and next-generation telecom infrastructure. With increasing AI workloads, hyperscale computing demand, and the evolution toward 6G networks, the need for ultra-low-latency optical infrastructure is expected to grow significantly.

HFCL's Manufacturing Capabilities

HFCL brings substantial manufacturing and research capabilities to the consortium through its integrated optical fiber ecosystem. The company's optical fiber manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, combined with advanced optical fiber cable facilities across Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai, forms a comprehensive innovation environment where breakthroughs can move seamlessly from concept to deployment.

The company's NABL-accredited laboratories and integrated manufacturing environment provide capabilities spanning validation, pilot-scale development, and production support, ensuring comprehensive support for the research initiative.

Leadership Perspectives

Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director of HFCL, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: "We are pleased to join this DoT-supported consortium led by IIT Delhi to advance hollow-core fiber technology, which holds significant promise for next-generation communication networks. As the global telecom ecosystem evolves toward 6G, AI-driven infrastructure, and ultra-low-latency applications, it is important for India to build indigenous capabilities in critical optical technologies."

Professor Deepak Jain, Principal Investigator at IIT Delhi, highlighted the research significance: "Hollow-core fiber represents an important frontier in optical science and communication engineering, particularly as global networks evolve toward 6G, quantum communication, and latency-sensitive applications. This DoT-supported project aims to advance fundamental research and system-level understanding of hollow-core fiber technologies within the Indian ecosystem."

Strategic Impact

The DoT-supported initiative seeks to strengthen India's indigenous capabilities in this strategically important domain, particularly as the telecommunications industry prepares for the transition to 6G networks and quantum communication systems. The collaboration between academic research excellence and industrial manufacturing capability represents a critical approach to accelerating innovation while ensuring alignment with national telecom priorities and technological self-reliance objectives.

HFCL Limited has announced securing a significant export order worth USD 4.67 million (equivalent to INR 42.34 crore) for the supply of optical fiber cables from an international customer. The company disclosed this development in compliance with SEBI Master Circular No. HO/49/14/14(7)2025-CFD-POD2/I/3762/2026 dated January 30, 2026.

Order Details and Specifications

The export order involves the supply of optical fiber cables as per customer specifications to a renowned international customer. The contract is scheduled for execution by May 2026, reflecting the company's ability to meet international delivery timelines.

Strategic Significance

The company emphasized that this significant order reaffirms the trust global customers place in HFCL's manufacturing capabilities, technological excellence, and product quality. The order was received in the normal course of business, indicating the company's established presence in international markets.

Regulatory Compliance

As part of the disclosure requirements, HFCL confirmed that the promoter, promoter group, or group companies have no interest in the entity that awarded the order. The announcement was made by Manoj Baid, President & Company Secretary, ensuring full transparency and regulatory compliance.

This export order represents another milestone in HFCL's international business expansion, demonstrating the company's competitive positioning in the global optical fiber cables market.