Since its inception in 2015, Riot Labz, under the brand Oakter, has been at the forefront of India’s electronics manufacturing revolution. From pioneering smart home automation to developing cutting-edge safety devices, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. In an exclusive interview, CEO Shishir Gupta discusses the milestones, challenges, and future vision that continue to drive their remarkable growth.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Can you highlight the key milestones that have driven Oakter and Riot Labz’s growth since 2015?
Shishir: In 2015, we at Riot Labz launched Oakter as our flagship electronics manufacturing company, leveraging the expertise of our design and simulation firm incubated at IIT Delhi. Our journey includes several key milestones. In 2017, we introduced the Oak-remote and universal voice control devices in partnership with Amazon Alexa, marking our entry into smart home automation. Our collaboration with Sony in 2019 saw our smart plugs and Oak-Plug bundled with Bravia TVs, enhancing their functionality with integrated smart features. During the pandemic in 2020, our Mini-UPS became a bestseller on Amazon and Flipkart. In 2021, we expanded our offerings by producing the Payment Soundbox in collaboration with Paytm. The following year, we worked with Saregama Carvaan to develop innovative music speakers. Our Smart Energy Meter, launched in 2023, revolutionized power distribution. In 2024, we secured a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) from the Indian government to manufacture laptops and tablets domestically, further cementing our growth and industry presence.
TimesTech: What inspired the development of products like the Mini UPS Pro and Smart WiFi Universal Remote Controller?
Shishir: With Oakter, we initially embarked on a journey to create an energy-efficient, fully solar-powered air conditioner. This ambitious project, which we had been developing since 2013, reached the pre-prototype stage before we realized that the technology was not commercially viable after conducting cost and market analyses. Redirecting our efforts, we focused on leveraging the algorithms developed during the solar air conditioner project to enhance the efficiency of existing air conditioners. This led to the creation of an IR-based air conditioner controller with a connected backend for data analysis and dynamic control of room temperature and humidity based on human comfort, marking our entry into the world of connected devices. Fueled by angel funding and a passion for home automation, we embraced the emerging IoT trends to develop more connected devices for Indian households. Our partnership with Amazon Alexa allowed us to become a pioneer of smart plugs and controllers in the Indian market, and we were proud to be a launch partner for Amazon Echo. The rise of the work-from-home culture and persistent power outages in India highlighted the need for reliable solutions. To address this, we introduced the Mini UPS for WiFi routers, providing up to 4 hours of backup during outages and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for meetings, learning, and entertainment. Even with generators and inverters, WiFi disconnections during power cuts remain an issue, and our Mini UPS effectively mitigates this challenge with intelligent charging and overheating protection.
TimesTech: How have partnerships with DRDO and being a launch partner for Amazon Alexa and Google influenced your brand’s growth?
Shishir: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through a Legal Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LATOT). This collaboration had a remarkable impact on our business, as DRDO promoted our liquid hand sanitiser dispenser on its website, leading to a surge in demand. Within just 15 days, we sold millions of units, demonstrating the product’s essential role during the pandemic. Despite global supply chain disruptions, we efficiently ramped up production and managed to navigate the closure of international import markets, delivering orders on time. DRDO’s endorsement not only boosted our reputation but also provided extensive marketing and PR benefits across India, highlighting our resilience and innovative capabilities in the electronics manufacturing sector.
Simultaneously, as a launch partner, our smart home kits were integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google. This collaboration resulted in dedicated pages within their apps, making it easier for customers to use Oakter products with these leading global brands. Positive customer feedback and organic promotion on platforms like YouTube further enhanced our reputation. These strategic partnerships not only refined our product offerings but also solidified our position as a key player in the smart home market.
TimesTech: What upcoming products and future plans do you have for Riot Labz and Oakter?
Shishir: We are excited about two upcoming projects that are nearing completion. The first is a pair of smart audio glasses designed to enhance safety for riders of two- and three-wheel vehicles. These glasses offer features that improve situational awareness and connectivity, helping riders stay safe on the road. The second project is a smart pepper spray, crafted with a focus on women’s safety. This device connects to the user’s phone and, when activated, sends alerts to nearby police stations and provides real-time location updates to emergency contacts and law enforcement. These innovations reflect our commitment to advancing technology for personal safety and convenience.
TimesTech: What strategies helped you achieve a revenue of ₹530 CR and get approved for PLI 2.0?
Shishir: We credit our strong revenue growth and the approval for PLI 2.0 to a mix of strategic moves and smart investments. Our focus on research and development is key, with 30% of our earnings dedicated to keeping our products cutting-edge and impactful. Leveraging our deep knowledge and experience, we create solutions that stand out in the market. A major achievement has been the development of our Smart Meters, which have gained importance due to the Indian government’s initiatives and the RDSS scheme. Integrating advanced connectivity features into these meters has streamlined operations, eliminated the need for manual readings, and improved control over distribution losses. This alignment with governmental goals and market demands has played a crucial role in our success and in securing PLI 2.0 approval.
TimesTech: What challenges have you faced in India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, and how do they shape your vision for Oakter?
Shishir: Just like other players in the industry, we have experienced our share of challenges. Overcoming disruptions in the supply chain, especially during international crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a notable hurdle. We have worked diligently to reduce our reliance on imported components by building local supply chains and forming partnerships with regional suppliers, which has helped minimize delays and costs. The shortage of skilled workers in the industry has also posed a challenge, prompting us to invest in training and development programs to ensure our team is equipped to handle complex manufacturing processes and maintain high-quality standards. Navigating regulatory requirements, such as BIS, NABL, CMMI, and ISO certifications, has required streamlined operations to ensure compliance while minimizing delays. Additionally, keeping pace with rapid technological advancements necessitates continuous investment in R&D and infrastructure. We remain committed to innovation, focusing on research and development to stay ahead in technology and meet evolving consumer needs. Competing with global players, who often benefit from advanced technology and economies of scale, has also been a challenge. We address this by emphasizing our unique value propositions, such as outstanding product design and connectivity performance, while leveraging local insights to customize our offerings for the Indian market.
