India’s RFID Pioneer i-TEK Marks Silver Jubilee, Launches Panchajanya Experience Centre in Pune

• i-TEK Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in RFID & IoT; Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Launches ‘Panchajanya Experience Centre’ at i-TEK Headquarters
• From powering 1 in every 2 vehicles in India with FASTag to securing exports at 105 ports and from tagging and tracing library books to 300 core apparel in retail, i-TEK marks 25 years of innovation
• Launches GarudaVigil, an AI-powered IoT Cloud Platform harnessing the power of IoT for supply chain traceability and inventory count, exemplifying reliability, agility, and unwavering attention.
• i-TEK announces IPO roadmap and global expansion plans at Silver Jubilee event. 
• Shri Nitin Gadkari praises i-TEK’s innovations in RFID container tracking and anti-counterfeiting, calling technology-driven transparency vital for nation-building  

Infotek Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd. (i-TEK), India’s pioneering RFID and IoT solutions company, celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a landmark event at its headquarters in Pune. The occasion was graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest and General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Chief of Army Staff, as the Guest of Honour. The event was graced by dignitaries from across industry, academia, government and media, joined by i-TEK’s valued customers and partners, all uniting to mark the company’s 25-year journey of innovation and contribution to the nation.

Over the past 25 years, i-TEK has grown from a modest Pune-based startup into one of India’s most trusted names in RFID Systems and Solutions. The company has been central to several national technology transformations, from pioneering the rollout of FASTag, which today powers every second vehicle in India that carries a FASTag manufactured by i-TEK, to introducing RFID-enabled container eSeals that secure exports across 105 ports and Inland Container Depots. Its solutions have also revolutionized retail and warehousing by reducing inventory cycles from months to just days, while enabling the tracking and tracing of over 300 crore objects annually across industries such as logistics, oil & gas, mining, utilities and manufacturing. With its consistent focus on innovation and nation-building, i-TEK has established itself as a true homegrown leader in India’s digital infrastructure journey.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, commended i-TEK’s role in India’s technology-led transformation. In his address, he said, “The introduction of RFID and FASTag has been truly transformative. What was once a frustrating experience of long queues and inefficiency at toll plazas has now become seamless, saving citizens time, money and fuel while also boosting government revenue through transparency. i-TEK and its founder, Ashim Patil, have played a pioneering role in making this possible and their innovations in RFID container tracking and anti-counterfeiting solutions are strengthening India’s logistics, exports and markets. Technology like this is nation-building, it brings transparency, efficiency and fairness, while reducing delays and leakages. I was delighted to inaugurate the Panchajanya Experience Centre today, which showcases world-class solutions developed by Indian engineers and entrepreneurs. With such innovation and talent, I am confident that India will not only lead in digital infrastructure but also become the world’s number one automobile and technology hub in the years ahead. I extend my congratulations to Ashim Patil, Avantika Patil and the entire i-TEK team on their Silver Jubilee and wish them continued success in taking India’s innovations to the world.”

Reflecting on the importance of indigenous innovation, General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Chief of Army Staff, said, “It is an honour to be part of i-TEK’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of innovation and resilience. RFID, which had its origins in military applications during World War II, has today become integral to our daily lives and businesses, revolutionising logistics, supply chains and operational efficiency. The Panchajanya Experience Centre beautifully captures the richness of our country’s scientific legacy while showcasing the transformative power of this technology. With the integration of AI, IoT, cloud and blockchain, RFID is poised to play an even more promising role in the coming decade. The remarkable progress made by i-TEK under the leadership of Ashim and Avantika Patil is a shining example of how vision, perseverance and commitment can create a homegrown technology leader aligned with national priorities. I extend my best wishes to Team i-TEK for continued success in their journey ahead.”

The newly launched Panchajanya Experience Centre embodies i-TEK’s vision for the future. Designed as a first-of-its-kind globally, the Centre allows visitors to experience live applications of RFID and IoT, including FASTag-enabled tolling, inventory and supply chain traceability in Retail, smart fitting rooms, faster checkouts, secure container movements in trade logistics and AI-enabled monitoring of smart warehouses and retail supply chains. It highlights how i-TEK’s innovations are shaping industries across different verticals while contributing to India’s broader digital economy. 

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ashim Patil, Managing Director & CEO of i-TEK, expressed his gratitude to employees, partners and customers. He said, “Marking 25 years is a proud milestone for i-TEK and for every individual who has been part of this journey. From pioneering RFID-based tolling and contributing to the FASTag ecosystem, to securing India’s exports and transforming supply chains, our focus has always been on building solutions that deliver real impact. At i-TEK, we are deeply committed to supporting the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and achieving a $5 trillion economy. As India advances towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, I am confident that i-TEK will continue to play a steady and significant role in strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and showcasing Indian innovation on the global stage. With the launch of Panchajanya and the expansion of our GarudaVigil™ platform, we are entering a new era of growth where Indian innovation will not only strengthen our nation’s digital infrastructure but also shape global supply chains. I would especially like to thank Hon. Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for his vision and constant encouragement, which have created the right policy environment for companies like ours to innovate and scale. Last year, over 54 billion objects were tagged using RFID, representing $1.7 trillion in value and contributing $17 billion in EBITDA for enterprises”. 

He further added, “With the market expected to grow from $4 billion to $10 billion by 2030, i-TEK is poised to ride this wave, delivering world-class traceability solutions through our new RFID platform, Garuda Vigil. As we look ahead to our next phase, including global expansion and an upcoming IPO, our commitment to nation-building through technology remains stronger than ever.”

Mrs. Avantika Patil, Chairperson, i-TEK said, “As i-TEK celebrates its Silver Jubilee, I see this milestone as both a reflection of our journey and a promise of what lies ahead. What began as a small dream 25 years ago has grown into a strong, resilient enterprise that continues to innovate, adapt and serve the nation. Panchajanya is more than an experience centre, it is a symbol of our growth, a space that captures how a homegrown company from Pune has built solutions that touch millions of lives across India. For us, this moment is not only about celebrating the past but also about setting our sights on the future. We aspire to scale i-TEK into a billion-dollar enterprise, expand globally and continue contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, while staying rooted in the values of trust, innovation and service.”

Looking forward, i-TEK is entering a new growth phase. Its GarudaVigil™ cloud-native platform, which integrates RFID, IoT and AI, is poised to become a cornerstone of its future strategy by offering real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and anomaly detection across global supply chains. This shift from project-driven revenues to subscription-based models will create sustainable, recurring growth while also strengthening the company’s international presence. With a strategic investment from Tech Mahindra in 2019 and plans for an IPO within the next three years, i-TEK is preparing to scale globally while consolidating its leadership in India.

Beyond its technological achievements, i-TEK continues to embrace its role as a socially responsible enterprise. Through the Ashim-Avantika Foundation, it actively supports initiatives in child healthcare and the promotion of traditional Indian sports, reflecting its belief that true nation-building extends beyond business and innovation.

As i-TEK marks its Silver Jubilee, the company reflects with pride on 25 years of innovation and impact while looking ahead to an ambitious new chapter of growth. With pioneering solutions, global expansion plans and a deep alignment with India’s national priorities, i-TEK is poised to play an even greater role in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

About i-TEK

Infotek Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd. (i-TEK) is a Pune-based technology company and one of India’s pioneers in RFID and IoT solutions. Since its founding in 2000, i-TEK has been at the forefront of digital infrastructure innovation, enabling smarter supply chains, secure trade, and seamless mobility across the nation. The company has played a central role in the rollout of FASTag, deployed RFID-enabled eSeals that safeguard India’s exports across 105 ports, and delivered large-scale solutions across industries such as retail, logistics, oil & gas, mining, and utilities.

Website: https://www.infoteksoftware.com/ 

UPS Setting Its Sights on India for Manufacturing Package Tracking RFID Tags

United Parcel Service (UPS), is setting its sights on India for manufacturing some of its radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags used for tracking packages, said a Reuters report. The world's largest parcel delivery company is currently in discussions with various Indian state governments to establish production facilities within the country. This decision aligns with India's ambitious plans to become a global chipmaking hub, an initiative heavily backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While details regarding the scale of investment and the official launch date remain under wraps, UPS's move signifies a potentially significant development on two fronts.

Firstly, for UPS, this could streamline their supply chain by establishing a regional manufacturing base for these tracking tags. Secondly, for India, this could be a major boost to their semiconductor industry, attracting further investment and technological expertise.

Notably, despite initial setbacks in offering $10 billion in incentives to the semiconductor industry, the Indian government continues to invest in semiconductor manufacturing.

Chief Digital and Technology Officer Bala Subramanian stated that they are working with potential partners to leverage the semiconductor investments made by the Indian government. UPS began expanding its use of RFID tags on packages about two years ago, significantly improving package tracking efficiency and reducing lost or misdirected packages. Subramanian mentioned that they plan to build these tags in India for global use, although specific details about the investment size and manufacturing timeline are yet to be disclosed.

While UPS currently lacks manufacturing capability in India, it opened its first technology center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in August. This center complements its existing U.S. and European teams, allowing UPS to develop in-house technology. Subramanian emphasized that they will continue to grow in Chennai, further enhancing their technological capabilities.

In a conclusion, UPS's collaboration with Indian state governments aims to produce parcel-tracking tags locally, leveraging India's semiconductor investments and contributing to the country's chipmaking ambitions.

Tata Power Installed Over 220 RFID-equipped EV Charging Stations Across Karnataka

Tata Power is evidently spearheading the growth of sustainable mobility in Karnataka with its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the state. The company has so far installed over 220 RFID-enabled EV charging stations across Karnataka, which are part of their EZ Charge network. These charging points are equipped with RFID card transactions for a seamless 'tap, charge, and go' system, making the charging process convenient for EV users.

The chargers are strategically placed along major highways connecting key cities like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Davangere, and Mysuru, and also at popular tourist destinations such as Chikmagalur and Coorg. In Bengaluru alone, there are over 150+ charging points across various suburbs, ensuring that the capital city is well-covered.

This expansion by Tata Power is in line with Karnataka's vision to adopt clean and efficient transportation and positions the state as a leader in EV adoption in India. The initiative also includes collaborations with well-known public locations and commercial complexes to form a comprehensive charging network.

Other important cities with a notable EZ Charge presence include Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubli, Belgaum, Gulbarga, and Davangere. EV Chargers have also been deployed at prominent public locations like Taj, Park, Oberoi, Gokulam Hotels, Tata Croma, and Tanishq, ensuring seamless accessibility for electric vehicle users.

With an extensive network of over 150+ charging points strategically positioned in Bengaluru across key suburbs like Devanahalli and Electronic City, Tata Power is committed to minimizing charging distances across the capital city also.

Tata Power has also collaborated with renowned builders and societies like Brigade Gardenia and Divyashree Elan Homes (RWA). This strategic approach extends to key commercial complexes, forming a comprehensive charging network in the state. Moreover, the company’s strategic collaborations with entities like Decathlon and Titan further strengthen its position in Karnataka's EV charging landscape.

Tata Power's EV charging stations, including those in Karnataka, are designed to be compatible with a variety of electric vehicle models. They have deployed a pan-India charging infrastructural solution with over 4000+ public and semi-public EZ CHARGE points that cater to diverse charging standards and specifications. This includes different EV vehicle categories and manufacturers, ensuring that a wide range of EVs can be accommodated.

Tata Power is actively advancing to fulfill the state government's visionary objectives. By strategically placing charging points in key locations, Tata Power not only facilitates the growing EV adoption but also contributes significantly to Karnataka's position as one of the leaders in EV adoption in the country.

Tata Power stands at the forefront of the electric vehicle charging domain, having forged impactful collaborations with state governments and municipal corporations nationwide. With a large market share, its commitment to sustainable mobility is exemplified through the extensive EZ Charge network spanning 530 cities and towns, 86,000 home chargers, 5300 public charging points, and 850 strategically positioned bus-charging stations. Present across prominent highways and diverse locations such as hotels, malls, offices, hospitals,residential complexes, etc., Tata Power is playing a pivotal role in accelerating e-mobility adoption across the country.

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility and Hindustan Petroleum Partner To Introduce RFID Payment Sustem and Setup 5000 EV Charging Stations

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. has collaborated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to setup 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations in India by December 2024.

The MoU was signed today, by (L – R) Mr. Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., and Mr. Debashis Chakraverty, Chief General Manager- Retail Strategy and Business Development, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), known for pioneering India’s electric vehicle revolution, has signed an MOU with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) to collaborate in establishing 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations in India by December 2024.

This strategic partnership aims to improve the experience of EV owners across India by setting up chargers at locations frequently visited by Tata EV owners. HPCL, with its nationwide network of over 21,500 fuel stations, is committed to a sustainable future and aims to install 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations by the specified deadline.

Additionally, the two companies are exploring the introduction of a convenient payment system through a co-branded RFID card, which will make the charging experience hassle-free. Leveraging TPEM’s extensive insights into EV usage and HPCL’s extensive nationwide network, this partnership has the potential to transform the charging infrastructure landscape in the country.

Commenting on this partnership, Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “As the adoption of EVs increases, the availability of widespread and dependable charging infrastructure will play a crucial role in making EVs mainstream in India. This strategic partnership with HPCL emphasizes our dedication to advancing India’s EV ecosystem in which the growth of charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role. This collaboration is essential for facilitating infrastructure development to support the expanding EV customer base. Leveraging TPEM’s extensive insights into EV usage and HPCL’s extensive nationwide network, this partnership has the potential to transform the charging infrastructure landscape in the country.”

According to Debashis Chakraverty, Chief General Manager, Retail Strategy & BD, HPCL, “HPCL with its 21000+ fuel stations has entered into an alliance with Tata Motors that commands 68% market share in Indian EV market. Through this alliance, HPCL shall leverage Tata Motors’ vehicle base to enable our strategic expansion in EV Charging infrastructure at places with higher charging demand and will help in reducing range anxiety of EV customers”

Case studies from across the world show that ubiquitous and convenient charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for driving EV adoption, and that growth in charging infrastructure results in exponential growth in EV adoption as well. To that effect, the collaboration between two leading companies in this space is sure to help catapult India’s EV growth to its next phase.

Maruti Suzuki Inks MoU with UP Govt To Automate Driving License Test Tracks Using Video Analytics, RFID Tags

Under the aegis of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Maruti Suzuki signs Memorandum of Agreement with Transport Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh to automate driving license test tracks

Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj and Varanasi to benefit from the initiative

Initiative at existing Driver Training and Testing Institutes is to make driving testing process comprehensive, efficient, and transparent.

The DTTIs will be equipped with scientifically laid test tracks, high-definition cameras, and an integrated IT system for accurate testing of driving skills. The driving license aspirants will be assessed at these advanced facilities. With a strong focus on encouraging safe driving, only aspirants with proficient driving skills will be able to secure a driving license. Under the MoA, driving license test tracks for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV), Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and 2-wheelers will be automated by Maruti Suzuki.

Shri Chandra Bhushan Singh (IAS), Transport Commissioner, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with Maruti Suzuki in making the issuance of driving license more scientific and transparent. Under the MoA, test tracks at Driver Training and Testing Institutes (DTTIs) at Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj and Varanasi will be automated. This will make our roads safer, help bring down road accidents and save lives.”

Automation at DTTIs:

• Use video analytics technology, leading to complete automation of the testing process
• Camera set-up on the track, and RFID tags used to monitor aspirants
• Automation ensures the testing is comprehensive, transparent, fool-proof, and efficient
• Eliminates chances of human discretion in testing

Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, who also attended the signing ceremony, said, “We are excited to partner with Government of Uttar Pradesh under the vibrant leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, to strengthen driving testing system in the state by deploying state-of-the-art technology. For over two decades, Maruti Suzuki has been working tirelessly towards 5Es of road safety (Engineering, Education, Evaluation, Enforcement and Emergency care) and have trained over 44 lakh people in safe driving training through our 8 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research across India.”

He added, “The automation of driving license test tracks at DTTIs is an important reform in license issuance system as it ensures zero human intervention in testing. Driver license aspirants are comprehensively assessed in an objective and transparent manner with video analytics all within ten minutes, thus ensuring that only those with requisite skills are issued a driving license. We thank Government of Uttar Pradesh for this opportunity to collaborate towards safe and responsible driving.”

As part of the project, Maruti Suzuki will undertake automation of the driving license test track using requisite technology in line with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) to accurately evaluate essential driving skills of the aspirants. The Government of Uttar Pradesh will be responsible for the civil work & operation of the center for issuance of the driving licenses to eligible aspirants.

Maruti Suzuki’s efforts in Road Safety:

Maruti Suzuki identifies Road Safety as a key area of intervention for its CSR efforts, under which the Company has undertaken multiple initiatives. In partnership with the Transport Departments of Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar & Haryana, the Company has set up Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs), of which the Company has facilitated 100% computerized driving license testing across all centers in Delhi.

Maruti Suzuki has set up Institutes of Driving & Traffic Research (IDTRs) and Road Safety Knowledge Centers (RSKCs), where over 44 lakh drivers have been trained & evaluated since 1999. The Company has also partnered with the Delhi Government to implement Traffic Safety Management System (TSMS) where high-resolution cameras and radar systems have been placed at 13 junctions in the city, through which traffic violations have been identified, and more than 33 lakh challans have been issued between 2019 and March 2022.

Tata Power Launches RFID enabled ‘EZ CHARGE' Card To Revolutionize EV Charging Experience

Tata Power, one of India's largest and fastest growing EV charging solutions provider, has unveiled the EZ CHARGE card today, an advanced RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card that promises to redefine the EV charging experience for lakhs of electric vehicle (EV) owners across the country.

The EZ CHARGE card, launched at the Bombay House by Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, and Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. The card offers unparalleled convenience with its Tap, Charge, and Go functionality. The RFID card features a built-in chip that enables efficient, secure, and seamless initiation of charging sessions and payment for same.

Tata Power- RFID

Based on their pre-set recharge value, users can automatically begin the charging process by simply tapping the EZ CHARGE RFID card on the Tata Power EZ charger. Once the vehicle is charged, EV owners can embark on their journeys with ease and confidence.

Tata Power's extensive EV charging infrastructure, which includes over 40,000 home chargers, 4000+ public and semi-public charging points, and 250 bus-charging points, spans 350 cities with a presence in 550 cities. The company plans to set up 25,000 charging points in the next five years, further supporting the growth of the EV ecosystem in the country.

"As the largest and fastest growing EV Charging player in India, we are delighted to bring another innovative offering to further enhance customer experience. The Tata Power EZ CHARGE card is a new frontier integrating RFID technology with our Charge Point network to offer a quick, simple and easy charging solution to EV owners. We continue to collaborate with Tata Motors to accelerate EV adoption and enable a sustainable mobility for all Indians." said Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power .

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said “We have been continuously improving the ownership experience for our EV customers through thoughtful interventions and initiatives. To further improve the charging process for our customers, today, we are launching the EZ Charge Card offered by Tata Power. This solution is easy to use, intuitive and also helps overcome infrastructural challenges such as mobile network availability, while ensuring privacy for all users. It significantly simplifies the charging process at public or community chargers, especially for those who would prefer a physical device to an app-based experience and for chauffeur-driven vehicles. Creating accessible charging infrastructure is key to driving faster EV adoption.”

The EZ CHARGE Card offers added benefits, especially for areas with limited mobile network coverage, ensuring EV owners can charge their vehicles and pay without any hindrance. The RFID card can be linked with the EZ Charge account, allowing users to share access without sharing sensitive app information, thus ensuring privacy and security. The card streamlines the charging and payment process, making transactions quicker and more efficient.

To obtain the EZ CHARGE Card, customers can purchase it through the EZ Charge Self Care Portal (https://ezcharge.tatapower.com/evselfcare) for doorstep delivery or visit Tata Motors EV Dealerships (https://nexonev.tatamotors.com/find-dealer/).

Priced affordably, the EZ CHARGE Card is an essential and accessible tool for every EV owner, regardless of their vehicle brand.

To order the EZ CHARGE Card, EV users can follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the link: https://ezcharge.tatapower.com/evselfcare
2. Sign in using your registered mobile number and password
3. Click on the menu and select EZ CHARGE Card

As A Cheap Alternative To Bio-Toilets, Indian Scientist Develops Automated Train Toilet Disposal System

Automated Train Toilet Sewerage Disposal System - A Cost-effective Alternative To Bio-toilets

An automated technology for collection of toilet waste which is easy to maintain and seven times cheaper alternative to the bio-toilets, developed by an Indian scientist, can be used to maintain the toilet system of the Indian Railways.

Existing Bio toilets use anaerobic bacteria for converting human waste to gas, but that bacteria can’t decompose plastic and cloth materials dumped into toilets by passengers. Hence maintenance and removing of such non decomposed materials inside the tank is difficult.

The technology developed by Dr. R.V. Krishnaiah from Chebrolu Engineering Collegeisan automated system for collection of toilet waste from running trains and segregation of different materials and processing into usable things.

The Front View of the System

The technology developed with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies programme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative has been granted five National patents and is in the testing phase.

The automated system consists of three simple steps -- the septic tank (which is placed under the track, i.e., train line) top cover gets opened when train approaches to the septic tank place by using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor and reader placed at Engine and septic tank position respectively, sewerage material in toilet tanks is dropped into the septic tank when they are mutually synchronized, and finally the septic tank cover gets closed when train departs away from it.

The collected sewerage material from train toilets is segregated such that human waste is stored in one tank, and other materials such as plastic materials, cloth materials, and so on are stored in another tank. The human waste is further processed separately to convert into usable material. The plastic and cloth materials are processed separately.

This technology has been developed targeting the Indian Railways specifically with the aim of cost reduction and to obviate the necessity of time-consuming anaerobic bacteria generation. In contrast with Bio toilets which cost one lakh per unit, the new technology brings down the cost to Fifteen thousand rupees only. Dr. R.V. Krishnaiah has tied up with MTE Industries for further upscale of this technology.