The Darshak is the newsletter of the IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), dedicated to advancing Positioning and Precision Technologies (PPTs) such as remote sensing, GIS, GNSS and other non-invasive technologies. These technologies are crucial for analyzing and managing spatial and temporal data, aiding decision-making in sectors like agriculture, natural resource management, and disaster management. The hub also explores new frontiers in indoor positioning, timing and underwater navigation technologies.

This newsletter covers our activities for December 2024. We will issue another newsletter for January 2025, thereafter, we hope to release The Darshak every quarter.

IITTNiF fosters innovation through a comprehensive technology lifecycle approach encompassing Knowledge, Development, Translation, and Commercialization. By aligning with initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the TIH aims to enhance self-reliance in PPTs and contribute to the national startup ecosystem.

The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, leverages CPS technologies through 25 TIHs across India, each focused on a specific technology vertical.

Incorporated in December 2020, as a Section 8 company under IIT Tirupati, this Hub is fortunate to be located within the impressive IIT Tirupati campus and enjoys full support from IIT Tirupati, including guidance and leadership from the Director of IIT Tirupati and the Hub Governing Body. The leadership team also includes the Project Director, Dr. Roshan K Srivastav, Associate Professor at IIT Tirupati, and the CEO, Major General M. Rajendran (Retd.), who leads a vibrant and energetic team called Team Navavishkar.

The Board of Directors at IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF) includes distinguished individuals such as Prof. K. N. Satyanarayana, the Director of IIT Tirupati; Dr. E. Anil Kumar, the Dean SRC at IIT Tirupati; Dr. Ajit T. Kalghatgi, a Non-Executive Director at Antrix Corporation Limited; Maj. Gen. Dr. R. Siva Kumar (Retd.), the Director Emeritus at Open Geospatial Consortium; Dr. Y. V. N. Krishna Murthy, an Academic Representative from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology; and Dr. Roshan K. Srivastav, Associate Professor at IIT Tirupati in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. These experts collectively drive the foundation’s mission of innovation and growth in the PPT sector.

IITTNiF leverages public-private partnerships to foster innovation and support sustainable growth through advanced technologies under the verticals of Technology Development, Startups and Entrepreneurship, Human Resource and Skill Development, and Collaborations.

Development of a Transportable all-optical trapped ion atomic clock for PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) Applications - IIT Tirupati

We are delighted to announce that the paper titled "Transportable Optical Cavity Systems for Terrestrial and Space-Borne Portable Optical Atomic Clocks", authored by Dr. Arijit Sharma and team, has been accepted in Frontiers of Quantum Science and Technology. This work marks a significant advancement in portable optical cavity systems for terrestrial and space applications. Congratulations to Dr. Arijit Sharma and his team for this remarkable achievement!

Figure: Outcomes from the accepted research work

RF Front-end Technologies for Multi-constellation GNSS System - SASTRA Deemed University

We are pleased to announce that the paper titled "Design of a Low-Profile Single-Feed Circularly Polarized GNSS Antenna", authored by Dr. James Baskaradas and team, has been accepted and presented at ISENSE 2024, organized by IIIT Kottayam during 6th December 2024. Congratulations to Ms. Nazima Shabir, JRF in the Technology Development Project supervised by Dr. James Baskardas, for this commendable achievement, along with the entire team!

Figure: Outcomes of the presented work

Design and Fabrication of Hyperspectral Camera for Remote Sensing - Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences

Maj. Gen. M. Rajendran, CEO of IITTNiF, recently visited Karunya University and held a productive discussion with Dr. Rajesh, PI of the Hyperspectral Camera Technology Development Project. The meeting yielded fruitful outcomes, with the project team providing a detailed explanation of the complete process and methodology of the ongoing work. During the visit, the CEO assured full support from IITTNiF to expedite the product development process. He also emphasized framing strategies to make the project market-ready, reinforcing the commitment to achieving impactful results.

Figure: CEO with Karunya Team

Progress Update: IITTNiF-Indian Navy Call for Proposals in Underwater Navigation

The first internal review meeting of the call for proposals was convened on 3rd December 2024 to assess the quality of the submissions and strategize the next steps. The meeting was attended by key representatives, including Dr. Amit Ray, Naval Architect from the Indian Navy, Maj. Gen. M. Rajendran, CEO of IITTNiF, and Dr. K. G. Sujanth Narayan, Tech Lead at IITTNiF.

The committee from the Indian Navy conducted the initial level of scrutiny during the review process. As part of the second-level evaluation, detailed presentations by shortlisted candidates are planned for the first half of January 2025. These sessions will enable further exploration of the innovative solutions proposed for advancing underwater navigation technologies.

In December 2024, five startups were successfully incubated under the VIKAS Incubation Program. These startups are:

1. CSL Infotech
2. Azures Cloud Services Private Limited
3. AgriOrbit Technology Private Limited
4. Indrone Solutions Private Limited
5. MR Geological Solutions Private Limited

These companies operate across diverse sectors, including agriculture, drones, geospatial solutions, mapping, and more, showcasing the program’s commitment to fostering innovation in a variety of industries.

IITTNIF successfully started the 4th edition of the Chanakya UG and PG Fellowship Program, featuring 27 participants organized into 17 teams working on 17 unique projects in Positioning and Precision Technologies. The students hail from esteemed institutions such as Christ University, IIT Tirupati, the University of Madras, KL University, and Adikavi Nannaya University, among others.

The projects cover a wide range of innovative themes, including:

• LLM for Geospatial Data Retrieval
• Antenna Design and Beam Steering
• GPS and IoT Integration for Precision Agriculture
• Software-Defined Radio for FMCW Receivers
• Low Noise Amplifiers for IRNSS
• Flood Mapping, and more.

As a kickoff to this prestigious program, IITTNIF organized an orientation session aimed at motivating the participants and streamlining the fellowship process, setting the stage for a successful and impactful journey ahead.

MoU Signed Between IITTNiF and HSPL

IITTNiF has entered into a strategic partnership with HSPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will focus on developing advanced solutions in the fields of navigation, geospatial technology, and cyber-physical systems.

The collaboration seeks to leverage the expertise of both organizations to drive impactful research, promote industry-academia synergy, and create opportunities for capacity building and knowledge exchange. Through this MoU, IITTNiF and HSPL reaffirm their commitment to addressing critical challenges and contributing to technological advancements for societal benefit.

Operation Dronagiri successfully launched on November 13, 2024, under the National Geospatial Policy, paving the way for fostering groundbreaking innovations in the geospatial domain. The application phase for Operation Dronagiri, held from December 20, 2024, to January 23, 2025, concluded successfully, drawing an enthusiastic response from the startup ecosystem. This phase witnessed startups from across India stepping forward with innovative solutions to leverage geospatial technology for impactful applications.

Key Outcomes from the Application Phase:

• Startups Registered: 484
• Applications Submitted by Startups: 155
• Total Applications Received (Including Multiple Submissions): 404
• Early-Stage Applications: 129
• Growth-Stage Applications: 25

GeoSmart Conference and Geospatial World Summit 2024

The GeoSmart Conference and Geospatial World Summit 2024 held from December 2 to 5,  brought together global leaders, industry experts, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the geospatial domain. The event featured insightful sessions, panel discussions, and cutting-edge exhibitions, showcasing advancements in technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, AI, and IoT.

Participants explored the role of geospatial solutions in driving sustainable development, disaster management, urban planning, and more. The summit underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a smarter, more resilient world.

IITTNiF Team at TIH stall, IIT Kanpur

Panel Discussion at Startup Master Class Event, IIT Kanpur Alumni Association

Meeting on Underwater Navigation

A focused meeting on Underwater Navigation was held on December 6, 2024, at the IITTNiF office, bringing together experts and key stakeholders to discuss advancements in underwater navigation technologies.

The meeting was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, Rear Admiral Mr. Pinkesh Kapadia and Mr. Shiva Prasad, Scientist from RCI. Key attendees included Dr. Roshan, Project Director, and Major General Rajendran, CEO, along with technical leads from various sectors.

The discussions centered on addressing critical challenges in underwater communication, improving navigation accuracy, and developing indigenous solutions tailored to India's maritime needs. The meeting emphasized the importance of leveraging GNSS, NAVIC, and emerging technologies to enhance underwater navigation systems while fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and defense organizations.

Meeting with Data Patterns India Pvt Ltd.

A productive meeting with Data Patterns was held on December 9, 2024, with key stakeholders discussing potential collaborations and synergies.

The meeting featured esteemed guests Mr. Abhinay Reddy Irala (Placement Officer, CDC, IIT Tirupati), Mr. Lakshmi Narayan (Hiring Manager, Data Patterns), and Mr. Karthik (Data Patterns). Dr. Roshan Srivastav (Project Director), Dr. Venkat Subba Reddy (General Manager), and the IITTNiF team participated in the discussions.

Mr. Karthik provided an insightful overview of Data Patterns, focusing on their key business domains, including radar services, electronic warfare, and projects like Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) and Automated Test Equipment (ATE). Dr. Roshan introduced IITTNiF and emphasized the potential for collaboration through co-development of products within a hub-and-spoke model.

The meeting also explored opportunities in skill development, startup ecosystems, and international collaboration. Mr. Lakshmi Narayan highlighted Data Patterns' initiatives, including guest lectures, internships, and incubation collaborations, reinforcing their commitment to fostering innovation and growth. Dr. Roshan expressed interest in visiting the Data Patterns facility with the IITTNiF team for further engagement.

Productive Meeting Between IIT Tirupati and Data Patterns

Meeting with VRSCE Vijayawada

On December 13, 2024, a productive meeting took place between IITTNiF and VRSCE Vijayawada. Dr. Roshan, and the IITTNiF team had an engaging introductory session with Dr. M. Suneetha, Dean and Head of the IT Department, and other key personnel from the university.

The discussions focused on several initiatives, including organizing hackathons across various domains such as NAVIC, postal code optimization, drones, computer vision, and radar technologies. Dr. Roshan proposed a 3D mapping initiative for the campus and highlighted the potential of Digital Twin technology. Key topics also included indoor navigation systems, commercialization of research outcomes, and "Operation Dronagiri."

Dr. D. Venkata Rao, Dean, showcased the university’s advancements, including autonomous vehicles and plans for an upcoming drone hackathon with an agricultural focus. Dr. Roshan suggested exploring disaster management themes for drone applications, underscoring their potential in this field and offering access to relevant drone datasets from the Department of Telecommunications. This meeting laid the foundation for further collaboration and innovation between IITTNiF and VRSCE.

Collaborative Meeting Between IITTNiF and VRSCE Vijayawada

Meeting with Trimble Navigation India Pvt. Ltd.

A productive meeting between IITTNiF and Trimble Navigation India Pvt. Ltd. was held on December 18, 2024, at the TIH office. The Trimble team, led by Mr. Rajan Iyer (CEO), Mr. Sanjeev Trehan (Director - BD & Sales), and Mr. Suhas (Regional Sales Manager), met with Dr. Roshan Srivastav (Project Director), Major General M. Rajendran (CEO), Mr. Varadrajan Krishna Iyer (Senior Advisor) Global Serial Techpreneur, Dr. K. Venkata Subbareddy (General Manager), and technical and business development teams from IITTNiF.

Key discussion points included IITTNiF's request for GNSS boards, GIS and GNSS data, and CORS information from Trimble to support ongoing projects. The two teams also discussed potential collaboration in organizing hackathons, seminars on NavIC, and knowledge partnerships, including technology integration with GNSS boards.

Additionally, IITTNiF proposed joint initiatives in skill development, including internships, fellowship programs, and training programs in Andhra Pradesh. Trimble was encouraged to support these programs, as well as the ongoing DigiPin ecosystem initiative. The next steps include Trimble providing updates on the requested resources and further planning for NavIC seminars and hackathon events.

Collaboration Meeting Between IITTNiF and Trimble Navigation India on GNSS and GIS Innovations

Visit to IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation 

On December 20, 2024, the IITTNiF team, led by Major General M Rajendran (R), CEO, HR & Finance Head Mr. Santhosh, and Dr. Sujantha, along with Dr. K.G. Sujanth Narayan (Technical Lead-GNSS & RF Microwave Systems), visited IIT Madras TIH (Pravartak). During the visit, valuable suggestions and guidance were received from the department heads of Pravartak. Discussions focused on enhancing innovation, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, and exploring avenues for joint research and technology development. The insights shared by the Pravartak team, particularly in areas of tech commercialization, were instrumental in shaping future strategies for IITTNiF’s growth and operational success.

Strategic Visit to IIT Madras Pravartak: Advancing Innovation and Collaboration

Exploring GNSS Innovations with Prof. P. Lakshmi Narayana, NERTU, Osmania University

IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNIF) hosted Prof. P. Lakshmi Narayana from Osmania University’s NERTU for a productive discussion on GNSS advancements. Key topics included advanced coupling techniques with IMUs, GNSS signal post-processing, satellite message decoding, and software receiver development.

Plans for collaborative courses on ionospheric modeling, soil moisture analysis, and GNSS applications were also discussed.

Special thanks to the IITTNIF core team—Dr. Roshan, Dr. K. V. Subbareddy, Dr. Abijith, and Dr. Sujanth—for their valuable contributions. This collaboration reinforces IITTNIF's dedication to advancing GNSS technologies.

Collaboration Meeting on GNSS Advancements at IIT Tirupati - TIH 

We are happy to announce that IITTNIF is ready to release a call for proposals for startups in collaboration with Geospatial Information Science and Engineering (GISE) Hub, IIT Bombay. Two types of startups will be supported under this initiative: Growth-Stage Startups and Entrepreneurship-in-Residence.

Under HRD, IITTNIF is expected to announce a new call for STAR-PNT, an executive summer internship program designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This program, lasting 2-3 months, focuses on Positioning and Precision Technologies (PPT) and invites students from across India to work at IITTNIF on real-world challenges in the PPT sector. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to cutting-edge projects in this domain.

In January, IITTNIF is expected to announce the launch of a Train the Trainers Program (TTT) under the VIDYAGIS initiative for the entire East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. As part of this initiative, Godavari Global University (GGU), a reputed institution, has been selected as the nodal point. Under this program, faculty members from GGU will act as trainers to empower unemployed youth in East Godavari. These trained individuals will further educate school students about GIS and introduce them to Spatial Lens, a unique application developed by IITTNIF. This initiative aims to create widespread awareness and skill development in GIS technologies across the region. 

The overwhelming participation of Startups for Operation Dronagiri underscores the growing recognition of geospatial solutions in addressing critical challenges across agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. As we move forward, the evaluation process is now underway, with a dedicated Screening Committee rigorously assessing the applications to identify promising startups. These startups will soon join the Operation Dronagiri Accelerator Program, where they will receive tailored mentorship, funding support, and technical guidance to refine and scale their innovations.
As part of the first-phase screening, IITTNIF is ready to announce the results in the first week of January 2025. The second-phase screening will then begin, and the results will be declared in the third week of January

Join Our Team at IITTNiF!

We’re hiring for exciting roles:

• Assistant General Manager (Business Development)
• Graphic Designer
• Business Development Executive
• Marketing Executive

How to Apply:
Email your resume to [email protected] with the subject: Application for Position Name.

Let’s grow together at IITTNiF!

As we reflect on our progress, I am thrilled to share the strides we’ve made at IITTNiF. Our eight ongoing technology development projects, which span areas such as hyperspectral cameras, atomic clocks, RF front-ends for GNSS receivers, and ultra-tightly coupled GNSS-INS navigation, have been nurtured through our valuable collaborations with technical universities and IITs.

Since assuming my role in August 2024, I have been actively exploring multiple streams of Technology Development Programs (TDP). A thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of NM-ICPS, during an event at IISc Bengaluru, led to a transformative experience. He asked me, "Have you visited Pravartak? First, visit them and then pose the question again."

Following his advice, I visited Pravartak and had an enlightening meeting with Mr. Rajendra Mootha, Head-New Initiatives, Pravartak. His insights mirrored the vision of our Chairman of the Board, Prof. Satya, Director of IIT Tirupati, emphasizing the importance of a tight coupling between our host institute and TIH.

With renewed clarity, we are now setting up systems within our TIH to push the envelope of technology development in Positioning and Precision Technologies (PPT) further. This is an exciting time for all of us at IITTNiF, and I am confident that with our collective efforts, we will continue to drive innovation and excellence.

As we bid farewell to 2024 and usher in the grand new year 2025, I wish to thank you, Dr. Kris, Prof. Satya, and Mr. Mootha for your invaluable guidance and support as we embark on this journey. Profound thanks to our beloved and respected Project Director, Dr Roshan for his constant guidance and mentoring; and most importantly to my great Team of IITTNiF - a BIG THANK YOU.

Happy New Year!

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IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation,
Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF),
Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati,
Yerpedu – Venkatagiri Road, Yerpedu Post,
Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh - 517619