In a proud moment for Belagavi and India’s deep-tech ecosystem, Parag Naik, co-founder and CEO of Saankhya Labs, has been honored with the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Excellence Award 2025 at the 9th India Mobile Congress (IMC): Innovate to Transform, held in New Delhi.
The award was presented by Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, in recognition of Parag’s pioneering contributions to telecom innovation, indigenous semiconductor development, and his commitment to the “Make in India” mission — long before it became a nationwide movement.
A native of Belagavi, Karnataka, Parag has long been regarded as a visionary in India’s tech landscape. While the world raced toward dot-com ventures, he chose the challenging path of developing silicon and wireless technologies in India. “While others chased dot-com dreams, he pursued chipsets,” remarked a senior industry expert.
Under his leadership, Saankhya Labs emerged as India’s first and only fabless semiconductor firm to design and market cognitive software-defined radio (SDR) chipsets and advanced wireless systems. Appropriately, the name “Saankhya” comes from the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita — symbolizing wisdom and clarity, traits that have defined Parag’s trailblazing journey.
In 2022, Saankhya was acquired by Tejas Networks, part of the Tata Group — a landmark moment in India’s innovation-driven M&A space. Parag continues to shape the future of Indian tech by supporting initiatives aimed at replicating the Saankhya model and nurturing homegrown deep-tech manufacturing.
He is also a co-founder and board member of Belagavi-based Vayavya Labs, a pioneering company in the field of electronics design automation (EDA).
With over 50 international patents and accolades like the IESA Techno Visionary Award from the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, Parag Naik is helping India transition from a tech consumer to a formidable global innovator — especially as the nation advances toward 5G, 6G, and satellite broadband.
