PM Modi reviews IITH-incubated WiSig’s indigenous 5G, emerging 6G technologies at ESTIC 2026

Sangareddy: WiSig Networks, a pioneering telecom technology startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), showcased its indigenous 5G and emerging 6G innovations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The Prime Minister visited the WiSig Networks stall and witnessed demonstrations of advanced communication technologies developed through the research and innovation ecosystem at IITH.

The interaction highlighted India’s growing capabilities in indigenous telecommunications, rural connectivity, satellite-enabled communication and next-generation 6G research.

Inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 27, ESTIC 2026 is a three-day national conclave bringing together leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, international experts and deep-tech startups.

Organised under the theme “Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies,” the event focused on strengthening India’s scientific capabilities and accelerating the translation of research into practical technologies.

The conclave featured 12 thematic areas and an innovation exhibition with approximately 150 deep-tech startup stalls.WiSig Networks demonstrated three significant technological advancements during the Prime Minister’s visit. WiSig presented its innovative Koala tag, a compact communication device capable of connecting through both terrestrial mobile towers and satellites.

The technology is designed to extend connectivity to remote and underserved locations, enabling fishermen operating far offshore and defence personnel stationed in remote border areas to send messages, share locations and seek emergency assistance using their existing mobile phones.

The startup showcased its operational 5G networks deployed in rural India, demonstrating how indigenous telecommunications technologies are enabling high-speed connectivity for households, gram panchayats, anganwadis and schools in previously underserved villages. These deployments illustrate the practical translation of research into communication infrastructure that supports digital inclusion.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister enquired about the ongoing 6G research at IITH and WiSig Networks. The team briefed him on OTFDM, an emerging pre-6G waveform invented and demonstrated by researchers at IITH. The development represents an important step towards India’s ambition to contribute original technologies to future global communication standards.