About Me

Principal Research Fellow at IDLab, imec – University of Antwerp

I am a Principal Research Fellow at IDLab, imec – University of Antwerp, working on sustainable and intelligent connected systems. My research lies at the intersection of low-power wireless communication, energy-neutral and zero-energy devices, embedded intelligence, TinyML, and next-generation IoT systems.

My work focuses on developing energy-efficient technologies that combine communication, computing, sensing, and intelligence for real-world applications. I am particularly interested in energy-neutral computing, low-power communication, intermittent computing, embedded AI, and data-driven situational awareness for future wireless and IoT systems.

Education

Building a strong foundation for impactful research

2018 – 2022

Ph.D.

University of Antwerp, Belgium

Thesis

Building Energy Efficient IoT Applications using LPWAN

Supervisors

Prof. Maarten Weyn and Dr. Rafael Berkvens

Research

Investigated energy-efficient embedded architectures and communication strategies for large-scale IoT systems, with particular emphasis on LPWAN technologies. The work covered low-power communication, system-level energy modelling, device-lifetime optimisation, and experimental validation across applications including precision agriculture, smart water networks, and smart-city infrastructures.

2010 – 2012

M.Tech. in Information Technology

Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Allahabad, India

Major

Wireless Communication and Computing

Thesis

Lifetime Enhancement and Analysis of Wireless Sensor Networks

Supervisor

Prof. Shirshu Varma

Research

Focused on wireless sensor networks and techniques for improving the operational lifetime of resource-constrained devices. The thesis investigated communication and energy-efficiency aspects of wireless sensor systems and received the Best Master's Thesis Award.

GPA

8.8 / 10

2006 – 2010

B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering

HCST, Agra, India

Major

Computer Science

Final Project

Mobile App for Tracking Personal Health

Supervisor

Prof. Vikrant Tyagi

Studies

Developed a broad foundation in computer science, software engineering, algorithms, networking, and application development. The final-year project explored the use of mobile technologies for personal health tracking and monitoring.

Result

First Class

Professional Journey

Research • Innovation • Real-world Impact

May 2022 – Present

Principal Research Fellow / Principal Investigator

IDLab, imec – University of Antwerp, Belgium

Leading research within the Perceptive Radio Systems programme on sustainable AIoT, zero-energy devices, low-power systems, and energy-neutral edge intelligence. Managing and mentoring multidisciplinary researchers working across embedded systems, TinyML, communication technologies, and hardware–software co-design.

The role includes coordination of European and national research projects, doctoral supervision, teaching, research strategy, project acquisition, academic governance, and collaboration with industrial and academic partners.

Apr 2018 – Jun 2022

Ph.D. Researcher

imec-IDLab, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Conducted research on energy-efficient embedded system architectures for large-scale IoT deployments across precision agriculture, smart water grids, and 5G smart-city infrastructures.

Designed and evaluated LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, and LTE-based communication systems with system-level energy modelling, device-lifetime optimisation, embedded prototyping, and experimental validation.

Nov 2018 – Jun 2019

Team Lead, IoT Works

HCL Technologies, Noida, India

Led a team of seven IoT networking specialists and initiated the establishment of an IoT laboratory supporting client demonstrations, RFP activities, and pre-sales.

Architected customised IoT solutions for industrial clients, including Volvo and BD, combining networking technologies, connected devices, and application-level requirements.

Apr 2017 – Apr 2018

Researcher

imec-DistriNet, KU Leuven, Belgium

Worked on mobile sensing services and geospatial IoT applications in collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs and Belgium Post. The position combined applied IoT research with teaching responsibilities for bachelor's-level courses and laboratory sessions.

Feb 2016 – Apr 2017

Researcher

TCS Research Lab, Bangalore, India

Developed IoT technologies for digital agriculture, including solutions deployed across tea farms in India. The work focused on translating sensing, connectivity, and embedded-system technologies into practical solutions for real-world agricultural environments.

Nov 2012 – Feb 2016

Research Engineer

LG Research Lab, Bangalore, India & Seoul, South Korea

Developed wireless communication modules for LG's WebOS ecosystem, including wearable watches, smartphones, and smart TVs. Worked within the connectivity division and represented the group in innovation activities.

Contributed to new concepts and intellectual property around connected and IoT devices, including wearable and flexible device technologies.

Earlier Research & Internships

Early learning, lasting perspective

Summer 2012

Research Intern

Verimag Laboratory, Grenoble, France

Worked on analysis and development of the BIP framework for synchronization among heterogeneous devices.

Summers 2008 & 2009

Industrial Intern

Tata Consultancy Services, Delhi, India

Worked on software-development projects supporting clients including Asian Paints and the Indian Army.