IIT Hyderabad Startup WiSig Networks Demonstrates Homegrown 5G and 6G Innovations to PM Modi at ESTIC 2026.
New Delhi: A telecom startup incubated by IIT Hyderabad demonstrated its homegrown communication technologies to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The technologies on display included satellite-based communication using Koala Tag, 5G in rural areas and OTFDM, a new pre-6G waveform that has been developed by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and WiSig Networks. The demonstrations were conducted by Sakshama Ghoslya, Principal Engineer from WiSig Networks and an M.Tech alumni of IIT Hyderabad, as stated in an official statement released by IIT Hyderabad.
ESTIC 2026
The conference is being held from 27th to 29th October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated on 27th October 2026 by Prime Minister Modi, and brings together scientists, researchers, government officials, industry professionals, international experts and deep tech startups.
The conference, themed ‘Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies’, aims to boost India’s scientific capabilities. There are 12 different themes covered throughout the conference. There are also exhibitions of innovations from around 150 different deep tech startups. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of building tech in-house.
WiSig Networks Demonstration
Three technologies were demonstrated by WiSig Networks.
1. Koala Tag
A small communication device was demonstrated. It can be used to connect to terrestrial mobile networks as well as satellite networks.
This will help people to communicate in areas where there is little or no mobile coverage. This could be used by fishermen out at sea or defence personnel in remote border areas. The system can be used with existing mobile phones to send messages, share location information and ask for emergency help. As stated in the announcement.
2. 5G in Rural Areas
WiSig Networks also demonstrated their working homegrown 5G networks. This will help deliver high speed connectivity to rural and underserved areas such as homes, gram panchayats, anganwadis and schools.
With reliable connectivity people can gain access to digital services, e-learning and communication platforms. However, this depends on factors such as coverage, cost, infrastructure and useful digital services. This demonstrates how in-house telecom technologies can be developed from research.
3. OTFDM
The third highlight was OTFDM, a new pre-6G waveform developed by researchers from IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks. During the interaction, the Prime Minister asked the researchers about their research into 6G.
They provided an overview of OTFDM and how it has been developed as part of India’s efforts to contribute original technologies. A waveform is an important part of wireless communication. Research into new waveforms is being carried out to investigate new technologies for future wireless networks.
WiSig Networks and IIT Hyderabad
WiSig Networks demonstrates how research can be used in entrepreneurship to develop in-house technologies. The startup was incubated in IIT Hyderabad’s 5G research environment and works in terrestrial telecoms, satellite comms and defence. They work in software, radio systems, chips, devices and working networks.
Sakshama Ghoslya, who joined WiSig Networks as their first employee in 2017, after starting their 5G research journey in 2016, represented the company. This demonstrates how researchers trained at the institute can help take advanced communication research and turn it into technologies.
This highlights how India are trying to boost their telecom capabilities in-house and develop solutions for rural areas and future wireless communication.
FAQs
1. What did WiSig Networks demonstrate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
They demonstrated their satellite based connectivity solution ‘Koala Tag’, their 5G networks for rural areas and their new pre 6G waveform OTFDM.
2. When and where was this demonstration?
The demonstration was at ESTIC 2026 which was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conference was held from 27th to 29th October 2026.
3. What is Koala Tag?
It is a small communication device that can connect to terrestrial mobile networks and satellites. It can be used in remote and underserved areas.
4. What is OTFDM?
It is a new pre 6G waveform that has been developed by researchers from IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks. It is part of research into next generation wireless communication.
5. How is WiSig Networks related to IIT Hyderabad?
WiSig Networks is a telecom technology startup that has been incubated by IIT Hyderabad. Their research and innovation environment helped to develop their in house communication technologies.
6. When was the announcement published by IIT Hyderabad?
The official press release was published on 28th October 2026.
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