Indian Startups in Electronics & IoT – How Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are shaping hardware innovation.

Indian Startups in Electronics and IoT – How Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune Are Shaping Hardware Innovation

India’s startup ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade, extending far beyond software and IT services. A new wave of companies in electronics, embedded systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is redefining the nation’s role as a global innovation hub. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have become the core centers for this hardware revolution, driven by skilled engineers, research infrastructure, and strong government support for manufacturing and design.

The Shift from Software to Hardware Innovation

For many years, India was known primarily for its IT and software services industry. However, as global demand for smart devices, automation, and real-time analytics grew, Indian innovators began moving toward the hardware domain. Affordable sensors, powerful microcontrollers, and low-cost connectivity modules have made hardware prototyping accessible. Combined with India’s vast pool of electronics engineers, this has enabled startups to develop products ranging from smart agriculture sensors and industrial controllers to consumer IoT devices and electric vehicle electronics.

Bengaluru – The Hardware Startup Capital

Bengaluru, already established as the Silicon Valley of India, is also the epicenter of electronics innovation. It hosts a growing network of design startups, maker spaces, and embedded system companies. Many startups operate in areas like smart home automation, wearable health devices, industrial IoT solutions, and AI-enabled sensors. Institutions such as IISc, IIIT-B, and numerous incubation centers have fueled this movement by providing research access and mentorship. The city’s culture of collaboration between academia, industry, and government initiatives like Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) has created an environment ideal for rapid prototyping and testing.

Notable Bengaluru-based electronics and IoT startups:

• IoTron and Embitel – Developing connected automotive and industrial control systems.
• TagBox and Stellapps – Using IoT and data analytics for logistics and dairy supply chains.
• Play Solar and FluxGen – Innovating in renewable energy management and water monitoring.

Hyderabad – Emerging Hub for Embedded and Semiconductor Design

Hyderabad has quickly evolved into a powerhouse for semiconductor design, embedded systems, and IoT manufacturing. The presence of global R&D centers such as Qualcomm, Micron, and AMD has attracted a large talent pool in electronics design and firmware development. Startups here focus heavily on industrial automation, defense-grade electronics, and healthcare monitoring devices. The T-Hub innovation ecosystem and government initiatives under the Telangana IT and Electronics Policy have provided direct funding and incubation support for hardware startups. Hyderabad’s synergy between startups, universities, and multinational companies has created a strong base for future semiconductor and embedded innovation.

Key Hyderabad-based innovators:

• Ineda Systems – Known for low-power wearable SoC design.
• Cyient and MosChip – Leading design service providers with global clientele.
• SenseGiz – Building industrial safety and predictive maintenance IoT systems.

Pune – Industrial Electronics and Smart Manufacturing Leader

Pune’s traditional strength in manufacturing and automotive industries has naturally extended to industrial IoT and embedded control systems. The city is home to numerous startups focusing on factory automation, robotics, motor control, and smart energy management. Educational and research institutions such as COEP and Symbiosis Institute of Technology have contributed skilled engineers to this ecosystem. Hardware accelerators and innovation labs support product development from design to PCB manufacturing. Pune’s startups often work closely with MSMEs and industries to digitize production lines, improve efficiency, and integrate IoT-based monitoring systems.

Prominent Pune-based companies and startups:

• Altizon Systems – A leader in industrial IoT platforms for smart manufacturing.
• Thingstel and PiBeam Labs – Working on energy-efficient IoT solutions and robotic automation.
• Entrib and Proxgy – Innovating in process monitoring, AR-based maintenance, and connected devices.

Government and Industry Support for Electronics Startups

The Government of India has played an active role in nurturing electronics innovation through policies such as Make in India, Startup India, and the Digital India initiatives. Specialized programs like the Electronics Development Fund (EDF) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme provide funding, infrastructure, and manufacturing support to startups. Incubation centers such as the Electronics Incubation Centre (ELCINA) and STPI NextGen Centers offer testing labs, PCB fabrication support, and hardware mentoring, allowing startups to move from prototype to commercial production.

Applications Transforming Everyday Life

Indian electronics startups are not only serving industries but also improving quality of life. IoT-based solutions are transforming agriculture through automated irrigation and crop monitoring, improving healthcare through wearable diagnostics, and reducing energy waste through smart grids and lighting. The integration of cloud analytics, AI, and 5G connectivity is creating intelligent systems capable of learning from real-world data, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite rapid progress, the hardware startup ecosystem faces challenges such as high prototyping costs, dependence on imported components, and limited access to advanced manufacturing infrastructure. However, initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission, local PCB fabrication parks, and defense electronics clusters are gradually solving these issues. The future points toward a strong convergence of AI, IoT, and semiconductor design within India’s borders, enabling end-to-end innovation and manufacturing.

Conclusion

The growth of Indian startups in electronics and IoT marks a new era in the country’s technological evolution. With Bengaluru leading in design and embedded innovation, Hyderabad advancing semiconductor and defense applications, and Pune driving industrial automation, India is steadily emerging as a global hub for hardware technology. The combination of engineering talent, policy support, and entrepreneurial spirit ensures that India’s contribution to the global electronics and IoT revolution will only continue to expand in the years ahead.