New Delhi: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Chennai, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for two groundbreaking technologies, NLOS VICINITY and ILLUMINATE. The formal agreement, aimed at deploying and commercializing these innovations, was signed at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi, by Dr. D. Ethirajan, Scientist F and Centre Head, C-DAC Chennai, and Hardik Raval, Head of the Embedded Department, Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
The NLOS VICINITY (Non-Line of Sight Visible Light Communication-Based Indoor Positioning System) and ILLUMINATE (Smart Indoor Lighting and Control System) solutions leverage Visible Light Communication (VLC) to offer advanced data transmission using light waves instead of traditional radio waves. These innovations, developed under the MeitY-funded project Visible Light Communication-Based LED Lighting Solutions, aim to redefine indoor communication and lighting control systems, particularly in radio frequency (RF)-restricted zones.
Speaking at the event, S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, MeitY, commended the collaboration as a milestone in public-private partnerships. He highlighted the technologies’ transformative potential, citing their low costs, quick deployment capabilities, and broad applications, ranging from smart proximity advertising to secure indoor navigation. “The perseverance of C-DAC in refining these technologies and Nav Wireless Technologies’ entrepreneurial zeal exemplify the spirit of innovation. These advancements will address contemporary challenges and usher in a new era of light-based communication solutions,” he remarked.
The NLOS VICINITY system revolutionizes indoor positioning, enabling precise location-based services and navigation, while ILLUMINATE offers intelligent lighting solutions designed for environments like hospitals, airports, and RF-free zones. These systems align with global sustainable development goals, promoting energy efficiency and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Visible Light Communication, commonly referred to as Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), provides significant advantages over traditional wireless technologies, including faster data transmission, enhanced security, and energy efficiency. Its ability to operate without electromagnetic interference makes it ideal for sensitive settings, while its inherent security—being unable to pass through walls—positions it as a preferred technology for secure communications in defense and healthcare sectors.
Dr. E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC, emphasized the importance of innovation-driven partnerships for India’s digital future. “With India’s strong digital economy, robust infrastructure initiatives, and thriving IoT ecosystem, we are poised to lead the global Li-Fi market,” he stated.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from MeitY, C-DAC, and Nav Wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd., including Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Rajesh Singh, JS&FA, MeitY; and other distinguished scientists and dignitaries.
This partnership not only underscores India’s technological prowess but also reaffirms the country’s commitment to sustainable, cutting-edge innovations. As Li-Fi technology gains traction, the collaboration between C-DAC and Nav Wireless Technologies is set to drive transformative advancements in wireless communication and lighting solutions, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
