Parag Naik, Founder and CEO, Saankhya Labs
Table of Contents
Belagavi Roots, Global Ambitions
Hailing from the culturally rich city of Belagavi, Parag Naik’s journey from St. Paul’s High School to KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (Batch of 1992) reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation. Today, as the Founder and CEO of Saankhya Labs, he has cemented his place as a transformative figure in India’s burgeoning semiconductor industry.
Building India’s Semiconductor Future
Long before Make in India became a clarion call, Parag Naik and his team at Saankhya Labs were redefining what it meant to innovate in India. Established in 2007, Saankhya Labs became India’s first fabless semiconductor company, creating Software Defined Radio (SDR) chipsets, Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology, and 5G communication systems—all developed and manufactured domestically.
In 2022, Saankhya Labs achieved a historic milestone when it was acquired by Tejas Networks, a Tata Group company. This acquisition validated Parag’s vision and reinforced the importance of homegrown semiconductor innovation.
Named Inventor on 50+ Patents
Parag’s contributions extend far beyond Saankhya’s success. As a prolific inventor, he holds more than 50 international patents in areas like VLSI design, CPU architecture, digital communications, and signal processing. His innovations have not only pushed the boundaries of technology but also showcased India’s potential in the global semiconductor landscape. He has received the techno visionary award from IESA India semiconductor association.
Recognition for a Visionary Leader
In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Parag has been honored with the prestigious Techno Visionary Award by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA). This accolade celebrates his efforts to elevate India’s semiconductor ecosystem and inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to follow suit.
Saankhya: A Name with Deep Meaning
The name Saankhya holds profound significance. It is derived from the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which emphasizes salvation through logic and knowledge—an ethos that aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to innovate and educate.
Serial Entrepreneur and Mentor
Parag’s entrepreneurial journey began with Smart Yantra Technologies in 2000, which was later acquired by Genesis Microchip in 2004. In 2006, he co-founded Vayavya Labs, a Belagavi-based company specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) tools. As a co-founder and board member of Vayavya Labs, Parag remains dedicated to nurturing innovation in his hometown and across India.
The Road Less Traveled
While many Indian startups gravitated toward software and e-commerce, Parag chose to tackle the harder challenge of building a semiconductor company—a feat that seemed insurmountable in 2007. “We believed in doing the hard things,” Parag says. “Creating semiconductors in India was not just a technical challenge but a cultural shift. We wanted to prove that India could compete on the global stage.”
Fostering India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Parag is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of technologists. He actively collaborates with government programs, industry bodies, and academia to promote indigenous hardware startups and strengthen India’s semiconductor ambitions. “India has the talent and the potential; what we need is a robust ecosystem to support and scale these ideas,” he emphasizes.
Words of Wisdom for the Young
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Parag’s advice is simple yet profound: “Follow your heart and pursue the hard challenges. Success is not just about wealth; it’s about creating something meaningful, exploring your potential, and leaving a legacy.”
A Fond Connection to Belagavi
Despite his global achievements, Parag remains deeply connected to his roots in Belagavi. He fondly recalls the city’s vibrant culture, the simple joys of Alepak and sugarcane juice, and the camaraderie of his college days. “Belagavi has shaped my values and given me the resilience to chase my dreams,” he reflects.
A Vision for India’s Technological Future
As India aims to become a global semiconductor powerhouse, Parag Naik’s work serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and belief in one’s vision.
Through Saankhya Labs, Vayavya Labs, and his broader efforts to build India’s semiconductor ecosystem, Parag continues to demonstrate that the hardest challenges often lead to the most rewarding successes. His story inspires us to dream big, innovate fearlessly, and make the impossible possible.
Hats off to Parag. Keep doing your good work with passion and enthusiasm.
A Great visionary. Can accomplish very impossible targets
Very interesting and thanks for sharing it across. Kudos to you and team Parag!
Very nice Parag Ji, Your achievement is truly inspiring. Best wishes for the bright future ahead!