In an interview with TimesTech, Manish Kothari, India Head & SVP at Silicon Labs, shares the company’s vision for building a smarter, connected world through secure and energy-efficient IoT solutions. He discusses India’s role as a technology hub, key projects like smart metering and Wi-SUN-based smart cities, and future trends shaping IoT innovation, emphasizing the importance of AI, energy efficiency, and robust security.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Can you share more about the company’s overarching vision and how it aligns with the fast-evolving IoT landscape?
Manish: At Silicon Labs, we believe in the ethos of collaboration. Here, our overarching vision is to build a smarter, more connected world through secure, scalable, and energy-efficient wireless solutions. In today’s world where Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Edge Computing and robust automation are transforming the IoT landscape rapidly, we play the role of an enabler. We empower developers and businesses with our efficient and scalable IoT solutions to accelerate innovation across industries such as smart homes, healthcare, industrial automation, and smart cities. We aim to simplify the complexities of IoT development—whether through cutting-edge silicon, best-in-class software, or a rich ecosystem of partners.
TimesTech: How is Silicon Labs contributing to this growth, and what steps is the company taking to foster innovation within the local ecosystem?
Manish: We believe that India has every potential to become the global hotspot for technological innovation in the near future. As a company, we are heavily invested in enhancing our R&D capabilities. Our Hyderabad Wireless Development Center plays a crucial role in driving advancements in low-power, highly secure wireless technologies. Our Hyderabad engineers are deeply involved in product development across different levels and categories, from chip design to firmware and software solutions. We ensure our solutions are developed by following standard global practices. To accelerate IoT innovation, we actively collaborate with startups, enterprises, and academia, supporting skill-building initiatives. As part of this effort, an Embedded Systems Lab was established at Mahindra University in partnership with Silicon Labs, providing students and researchers with advanced learning opportunities through state-of-the-art development kits and hands-on workshops for BTech and MTech students and faculty.
TimesTech: Could you provide insights into some of the key projects or initiatives that Silicon Labs is currently driving in India? How are these initiatives addressing local challenges or opportunities in IoT adoption?
Manish: As IoT industry pioneers, we have significantly contributed to advancing India’s smart metering sector. We have shipped over four million FG23 SoCs for smart electricity meters as part of the country’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative, which is helping utilities reduce energy losses, optimize grid operations, and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, in collaboration with IIIT-Hyderabad, we have launched India’s first campus-wide Wi-SUN-based smart city network at the Smart City Living Lab, demonstrating how wireless IoT solutions can improve urban infrastructure and security, while being sustainable. We are working towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and our initiatives are aligned with India’s broader push towards digital transformation and smart infrastructure development.
TimesTech: What key trends do you foresee shaping the future of IoT and wireless connectivity, both globally and in India?
Manish: The IoT industry is at an inflection point, and several key trends are shaping its future:
- IoT powered by AI: The convergence of IoT and AI is unlocking intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and enhanced decision-making at the edge. Going forward, it will help industries identify any potential risks well in advance, reducing costs and ensuring better preparedness for tackling emergencies.
- Matter and Wi-SUN adoption: Standardized connectivity protocols like Matter for smart home devices and Wi-SUN FAN for smart utilities and cities are making large-scale IoT deployments more seamless and interoperable.
- Energy efficiency for a greener tomorrow: With IoT devices proliferating, energy-efficient solutions are becoming critical. Low-power wireless protocols and energy-harvesting technologies will drive the next wave of innovation.
- Security-first approach: As IoT ecosystem continues to grow, built-in security rather than bolt-on security will become a core requirement. This is where Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault Technology plays a vital role in protecting devices from cyber threats.
TimesTech: What is Silicon Labs’ approach to building strong collaborations with Indian businesses, government agencies, or other stakeholders?
Manish: We strongly believe in fostering an ecosystem to ensure we can collectively pull in our expertise and resources. Through our collaboration-driven approach, we drive the industry one step ahead. We join hands across different levels, connecting diverse stakeholders from government, academia, other technology players and relevant private enterprises. Whether it’s contributing to India’s smart metering rollout, supporting Wi-SUN-based smart infrastructure, or engaging with startups and developers, we focus on co-creating solutions that address India’s unique challenges. Our engagement with IIIT-Hyderabad’s Smart City Living Lab is a great example of this, where real-world IoT applications are being tested and deployed in a live urban setting. By building these collaborative frameworks, we aim to accelerate India’s transition to a truly connected economy.
TimesTech: Looking ahead, what are Silicon Labs’ primary growth plans and priorities for India? Are there any specific goals or milestones you aim to achieve in the coming years?
Manish: Silicon Labs aims to deepen our presence in India through investment in talent, partnerships, and indigenous innovation. The company aims to:
- Solidify partnerships with Indian educational institutions to develop next-generation engineers well-versed in IoT and wireless technology.
- Extend its smart metering solutions in key Indian states to aid the government’s energy efficiency objectives.
- Invest heavily in R&D to develop advanced wireless technologies that address emerging IoT challenges, ensuring solutions that are secure, energy-efficient, and future-ready.
- Sustain driving innovation in home automation, healthcare, and industrial IoT by delivering secure, scalable wireless solutions to meet the diverse needs of India’s markets.
As the IoT ecosystem is expanding rapidly in India, Silicon Labs is committed to equipping developers and businesses with innovative technologies to build a smarter, more sustainable world.
