Astrome Technologies: Powering Connectivity Beyond Fibre

Astrome Technologies (Astrome), winner in the business category of Indian Innovation Icons 2025, is a deep-tech startup that delivers high-speed, affordable broadband to remote and underserved areas through cutting-edge wireless solutions. In a candid exchange, Prasad H L Bhat, Co-founder, Chairman, and CTO, takes us through Astrome’s transformative journey in global wireless connectivity. He covers what drives them, where they are headed, and what this recognition means in their quest to shape tomorrow.

Tell us about your innovation and what makes it groundbreaking

Astrome has developed India’s first commercialised communication product in the E-band spectrum. Our innovation, Gigamesh, is a wireless communication system that delivers high-speed internet to areas lacking fibre optic infrastructure. It uses E-band radio waves and a unique spot beam technology (similar to what’s used in space communication) to create wireless links. 

Gigamesh bridges the digital divide by bringing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and vital information to underserved communities. It offers a cost-effective, rapidly deployable alternative to traditional fibre, overcoming geographical barriers that often prevent connectivity in challenging terrains. Wherever fibre ends, we begin. 

What made you want to be a part of this? When did you know your idea was a good one?

Astrome started with me and my co-founder Neha Satak’s shared frustration of seeing limited connectivity in rural India. We both grew up in small towns and witnessed firsthand how a lack of Internet access hindered opportunities. 

Our journey began with research and experimentation across various technologies. The ‘aha’ moment came when we realised E-band radio waves could offer a cost-effective, high-speed solution. Early trials in Karnataka villages confirmed our approach; the impact on education, healthcare, and local businesses was undeniable. 

What has been Astrome’s impact so far?

So far through Gigamesh, we have connected 15 villages and would likely have about 100 installations by the end of 2025 in collaboration with BSNL. We are supporting defence forces with reliable communication in challenging terrains. Our second product, GigaSat has been designed for the Indian Navy, and final tests are underway. We have received a total funding of $15M and about $1.5M in grants. We are a team of about 80 dedicated individuals and growing at a rapid pace. We already have two patents under our belts. Our innovative approach has earned us multiple prestigious awards, including recognitions from Universal Service Obligation Fund, International Telecommunication Union, and most recently, we were awarded the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Award for Telecom Excellence in 2024 by the Ministry of Telecommunication, GoI.

Now, winning Marico Innovation Foundation’s Indian Innovation Icons 2025 has further validated our work and fuelled our motivation. 

What does it feel like to win the Indian Innovation Icons award? 

It’s an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience. My family is incredibly proud and supportive, and the team is ecstatic. This award is validation of our hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in our mission to connect the unconnected. It shines a spotlight on the need for innovative solutions to address the digital divide in India—and we are in that spotlight.

How does winning this award impact the future of Astrome?

This recognition will enhance our credibility, attract more partners and investors, and enable us to scale our impact and reach more communities in need. It gives us increased visibility, proving to the world and ourselves that we are on the right path to create and deploy technology for social good. 

How will you make the most of the benefits that the award provides?

The award will help us raise awareness about our work, connect with potential collaborators, and advocate for policies that support digital inclusion. This award also provides access to MIF’s network of experienced business leaders and industry experts, offering invaluable guidance as we navigate scaling challenges and expand our impact.

In all your conversations with users and stakeholders, what’s one insight that’s never left you?

That we are not providing internet access. We are providing opportunities. We are empowering communities and creating a more equitable society.

What big regulatory, political, or socio-cultural bet are you taking that will favour the success of your innovation? 

We are betting on the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right and enabler of socio-economic development. Regulatory signals are promising – the E-band spectrum allocation by the Department of Telecommunications in 2022 indicates future regularisation, while BharatNet is promoting rural broadband expansion and alternative technologies. Satcom licensing policies are opening the private satellite broadband market in India.

What does Astrome’s roadmap ahead look like?

Domestically, we aim to expand GigaMesh to 5,000+ villages lacking connectivity. Internationally, we’re forming strategic partnerships with wireless OEMs and System Integrators. We are developing two new product lines: GigaSat Terminals for mobility & fixed satellite connectivity and SpaceNet Payloads for LEO/MEO satellite constellation. Our financial target is INR 1,500 Cr in revenue by FY 2028.

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Click here to see All Winners of Indian Innovation Icons 2025

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