- Honoured with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Award by Ministry of Communications
New Delhi. 18 July 2024. Elena Geo Systems, a pioneering technology firm based in Bengaluru, has been awarded the prestigious Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Award-2023 by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. This accolade recognizes Elena Geo System’s significant contributions to the development and deployment of NavIC-based devices and applications, reinforcing its leadership in the GNSS sector.
The timing of this award coincides with the 25th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, allowing Elena Geo Systems to honour the Bravehearts of Kargil by ensuring that India is never impaired by the denial of vital technology in battle.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Award-2023,” said Lt Col V S Velan, Founder and CEO of Elena Geo Systems. “This recognition underscores our relentless pursuit of innovation in NavIC technology, aimed at bolstering India’s leadership in satellite navigation solutions.”
Elena Geo’s impact extends globally through strategic partnerships aimed at promoting NavIC technology beyond Indian borders. Collaborations with Pasifik Satellite Nusantara in Indonesia and ongoing engagements with Oman exemplify Elena Geo’s commitment to expanding the global footprint of NavIC across diverse applications and industries.
Founded by Lt Col V S Velan and incubated at IIT Kharagpur, Elena Geo Systems has led NavIC technology since its inception in 2012. The company has consistently leveraged indigenous technological capabilities in satellite navigation. Elena Geo System’s NavIC systems have been successfully integrated into critical applications within the Indian Defense sector, and the company collaborates with Defense PSUs, playing a crucial role in enhancing national security and strategic autonomy.
Elena Geo’s 12nm NavIC chip, launched on April 13, 2023, at an Indian Space Association event, is capable of processing all three facets of GNSS: Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. The launch was graced by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Dr. SV Kamat, Chairman DRDO and Chief of Air Staff VR Chaudhary.
The company’s continuous research and development initiatives play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements. Elena Geo’s dedicated in-house R&D team, renowned for its deep-tech expertise, focuses on advancing NavIC technology from chip-level development to cutting-edge product innovations. Projects funded by DOT-TCOE and DST highlight Elena Geo’s commitment to pioneering solutions in timing and navigation, contributing to societal and economic development.
“Elena Geo remains dedicated to advancing NavIC technology and fostering international collaborations,” added Lt Col V S Velan. “We are committed to harnessing the full potential of NavIC for applications ranging from precision agriculture to disaster management and autonomous vehicles.”
Elena Geo’s contribution to India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) is evident through its indigenous development of NavIC-based products, supporting the entire ecosystem. By reducing dependency on foreign GNSS systems, Elena Geo empowers India with strategic capabilities in satellite navigation, aligning with the nation’s goals of technological self-sufficiency and security.
The development of the NavIC chip involves two critical aspects: development and fabrication. Indian Government has already initiated significant measures to establish a semiconductor industry, expected to materialize in the next couple of years. However, the initial facility will provide only 28nm technology, while Elena has already developed a 12nm chip. Thus, the Indian industry needs to further speed up as some nations have already advanced to 7nm technology for chips.
