Saankhya Labs, based in Bengaluru, has developed the world’s first production Software Defined Radios (SDR) chipset and claims to be India’s inaugural fabless semiconductor solutions company. Parag Naik, the founder and CEO, notes the challenges of securing funding in the technology sector, especially for high-tech ventures. Despite the global trend of prioritizing domestic technology, Saankhya Labs maintains a neutral international perspective, facing hurdles primarily in fundraising due to its Indian origin.
Regarding the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which advocates for self-reliance in manufacturing, Naik acknowledges that building advanced products, such as 5G technology, cannot happen overnight. While the initiative has acted as a catalyst for the industry, Naik stresses the importance of Research and Development (R&D) investment over mere manufacturing. He argues that R&D-led manufacturing is crucial, as owning patents and products allows flexibility in choosing manufacturing locations.
Addressing reports of the cancellation of experimental 5G spectrum allocated to Saankhya Labs, Naik clarifies that the company has obtained the 5G broadcast experimental license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) after intervention by the DoT Secretary to resolve stakeholder issues.
Regarding India’s position in the global race for 5G, Naik remains cautiously optimistic about Saankhya Labs’ success. He emphasizes the need for significant capital investment, stating that even a food-delivery startup requires substantial funding. Despite the uncertainties, Naik expresses confidence in the company’s deep expertise and the potential for success in building an indigenous 5G system.
Looking ahead, Naik suggests a long-term approach for the development of 5G or even the leap to 6G and beyond. He advocates for a bipartisan 10-year strategy, likening it to the space program and atomic energy initiatives in the past. Recognizing that government-driven efforts alone are insufficient, Naik proposes support through incubated markets, risk capital, and providing business opportunities to companies like Saankhya Labs, drawing a parallel to how Huawei was built.