Introduction In this engaging episode of the Kianistan Podcast, host Anan sits down with Rishikesh Kamat, the CEO of Shalaka Connected Devices. Rishikesh shares his insights into the evolving world of hardware development, the rise of 5G, and how his company is shaping the future through innovation and smart problem-solving. From engineering solutions to milk storage challenges to staying ahead in AI and IoT, the conversation highlights the synergy between hardware, software, and entrepreneurship.

A Life Built Around Innovation Rishikesh, an electronics engineer from Pune, India, leads two startups: Shalaka Connected Devices and IoT Adda. His companies provide end-to-end research, development, and lifecycle engineering solutions for early-stage startups and enterprise clients. His passion for motorcycling and gadgets blends seamlessly with his entrepreneurial spirit, keeping him grounded and inspired.

The Journey from Idea to Product Clients approach Rishikesh with varying needs: some have raw ideas, others bring half-baked products, while some seek feature enhancements or bug fixes. Shalaka’s process includes technical and financial feasibility assessments, hardware design, firmware development, and prototype delivery. Their services also extend to building strategic partnerships with industry experts when needed.

Real-World Impact: From Milk Theft to Smart Mobility One standout case involved solving milk theft issues in rural India using a high-precision pressure sensor, proving how hardware solutions can address uniquely local problems. Another example includes a smart electric scooter with 4G connectivity that enables GPS tracking and remote monitoring, showcasing how connectivity and IoT intersect in everyday mobility.

5G and Its Practical Use Cases While 5G promises faster speeds and higher bandwidth, Rishikesh notes that most hardware clients are still relying on 4G or Wi-Fi due to energy consumption concerns. However, 5G’s real potential lies in applications requiring high-speed video processing, such as security surveillance or factory floor monitoring with AI-driven cameras.

AI: A Tool, Not Just a Trend Rishikesh emphasizes using AI meaningfully. His company incorporates AI in diagnostics, product lifecycle management, and even customer support through prompt engineering. Despite the hype, he urges startups to understand what AI truly entails instead of jumping on the buzzword bandwagon.

Training, Ethics, and Extended R&D Besides product development, Shalaka also provides training to upskill engineering teams. They focus on bridging the gap between academia and corporate needs. Rishikesh maintains ethical boundaries, refusing projects that attempt unethical reverse engineering, and insists on indemnity clauses to protect IP rights.

Exploring Future Tech: Wearables, Smart Devices, and Sustainability Rishikesh and his team are working on smart wearables for asset tracking and healthcare monitoring. He also sees great potential in self-powered devices using energy harvesting technologies and supercapacitors. Sustainability, especially in battery recycling, is a frontier he believes will become a full-fledged industry.

Conclusion: Passion Meets Purpose Rishikesh’s journey is one of perseverance, innovation, and purpose. From reviving a family business to leading cutting-edge R&D projects, he proves that deep technical knowledge combined with business acumen can lead to impactful change. His advice to budding entrepreneurs? Stay ethical, stay curious, and never stop building.

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFqfu18wnWo&list=PL0J___2nHZtzHl1L60NrDiqGVgz3vfi96&index=47 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFqfu18wnWo&list=PL0J___2nHZtzHl1L60NrDiqGVgz3vfi96&index=47 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFqfu18wnWo&list=PL0J___2nHZtzHl1L60NrDiqGVgz3vfi96&index=47

https://youtu.be/eFqfu18wnWo?si=TqPi-ZCMZj9TspbQ