IIT Hyderabad Unveils IoT Satellite Chip For Next-Gen Connectivity Solutions

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) have unveiled an indigenous Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled system-on-chip (SoC) that unifies 4G, 5G, and satellite communications on a single platform, promising expansive applications in diverse sectors. The compact, low-power, and cost-effective chip, designed to operate for years without battery replacement, extends reliable connectivity to remote and underserved areas worldwide. Professor Kiran Kuchi, the lead researcher, described it as a cornerstone of emerging 6G technologies, emphasizing low-power, narrowband, sensor-driven systems that complement high-speed networks for the "Internet of Everything."

A system-on-chip integrates core components of computing and electronic systems onto one microchip, enabling efficient, multifunctional devices. This innovation, part of IIT-H's broader push toward 6G readiness by 2030, supports both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellite systems alongside terrestrial networks. It builds on prior efforts, including the 2022 Koala NB-IoT chip developed in collaboration with Cyient and WiSig Networks, marking a progression from narrowband IoT to multi-modal connectivity. With standards compliance already validated, the chip is primed for integration into operator networks and large-scale commercialization, leveraging India's fabless semiconductor model—design and IP in India, fabrication abroad, and testing domestically.

The chip's versatility spans health, logistics, agriculture, and defense. In healthcare and animal husbandry, wearables and tags can monitor vital signs for early alerts, enhancing human wellness and livestock efficiency. Built-in GPS facilitates affordable tracking of assets, perishable goods, schoolchildren, or even cold-chain supplies like vaccines, ensuring integrity in pharmaceutical and food logistics. For utilities, it enables real-time water network monitoring to detect leaks and curb wastage. In strategic applications, satellite integration allows tracking of mobile assets over vast, cell-tower-free terrains, vital for national security and defense operations.

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This development aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for technological self-reliance, fostering smarter governance through data from billions of connected devices in education, agriculture, and citizen services. As domestic fabrication grows under the India Semiconductor Mission, production could soon localize entirely, securing strategic independence. Kuchi urged central and state agencies to adopt the technology early, accelerating its public impact. Backed by government support, IIT-H's prototypes—including 7 GHz band demonstrations and massive MIMO antennas—position India as a global 6G leader, driving innovations in AI-enabled IoT, autonomous systems, and sustainable connectivity.

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