Securing IoT devices is a challenging yet crucial task for CIOs: Silicon Labs CEO

The Internet of Things (IoT), an integrated network of physical objects connected with sensors, software, and other technologies to communicate online with other devices and systems, is gaining importance in the digital world. In a recent interview with TechCircle, Matt Johnson, CEO, of Silicon Labs, a global manufacturer of silicon, software, and solutions for the connected world, explains what’s fuelling the technology in the enterprise, the key challenges CIOs face when implementing IoT and how India forms a key part of Silicon Labs’ growth strategy. Edited excerpts:

What are the key technologies and sectors that are currently fueling the growth of the IoT?

The rapid advancement of IoT technology has had a remarkable impact on our world, benefiting both consumers and industries. The IoT industry has made significant progress in scalability, interoperability, and security, presenting a tremendous opportunity for positive change. In India, the IoT landscape is thriving, particularly in the tech industry, with the development of low-power microcontrollers and networking solutions. 

To address connectivity challenges, Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) are gaining popularity, enabling long-range data transmission even in remote areas. IoT technology is also being applied in industry automation, allowing for proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failures. Additionally, the integration of IoT into city operations is driving growth in the industrial and commercial sectors, enhancing city functions and improving efficiency.

What are the main challenges that companies are encountering in terms of adopting and implementing IoT solutions?

The number of IoT-connected devices globally only continues to grow. It is incredible to realise how we used to talk about it in billions of units per year, then it scaled to tens of billions of units per year. Realistically, when we think about growth over the next 5-10 years, we’ll see the potential for around 100-plus billion units per year. This is a scale that we have never experienced in semiconductors before. Having this level of embedded connectivity in our everyday lives is going to open the door to so many innovations and conveniences. 

Take India, for example. India is a massive market for the IoT, but like many other places across the globe, several big challenges need to be addressed to continue to accelerate adoption. First, there is security. With the interconnected nature of IoT devices, securing them is challenging but mission-critical. Since our products sustain a longer lifespan, we have built advanced security features that address escalating IoT threats. We also have our security accredited through third-party certification, which validates our commitment to protecting devices from hardware and software attacks. 

Likewise, as IoT deployments expand, we’ll need scalable infrastructure and solutions capable of accommodating growing device numbers and data volumes. Many countries have their own nuanced regulatory compliance schemes, which add another layer of complexity, especially for data privacy and security regulations. Notably, in India, cost considerations, including initial deployment costs and ongoing maintenance expenses, can be a barrier to adoption, necessitating an understanding of return on investment. For example, to build better smart cities, according to the World Bank, public lighting could constitute up to 65% of a city’s electricity costs and 10% of its overall budget. If cities invest in IoT infrastructure, they can drive efficiencies, reduce that overall budget, and create safer, better, more sustainable places to live and thrive.

How do Silicon Labs and similar companies address these challenges to facilitate the adoption and deployment of IoT?

One of IoT's successes relies on connectivity regardless of device location. We provide low-power, wide-area networking solutions for remote deployments with unreliable internet access. We collaborate with telecom providers and infrastructure companies to strengthen the national internet backbone. Advancements in renewable energy and microgrids enhance power supply in isolated areas. We prioritise workforce skills development with tools and training programs. Our affordable microcontrollers and development tools make IoT adoption accessible for businesses of all sizes. 

Could you provide some examples of your recent collaborations between Silicon Labs and industry or academia that have contributed to the widespread adoption of IoT and AI?

Silicon Labs has played a key role in advancing IoT and AI adoption through collaborations with industry and academia, including a recent partnership with IIIT-H in India. In 2022, we launched India's first campus-wide Wi-SUN network at the IIIT-H Smart City Living Lab, enabling remote monitoring and control of campus street lamps. This network provides students and researchers with hands-on experience in developing smart city solutions. Silicon Labs also supports STEM education initiatives like Code2College to inspire innovation in the IoT and AI fields.
 
What kind of innovation is Silicon Labs bringing to India? Can you share some insights on the size of Silicon Labs' India team and how much the country contributes to the global market?

In India, our key focus areas include ongoing digital transformation initiatives, with smart metering being a notable sector within the IoT landscape. The country aims to replace 250 million traditional electricity meters with smart meters by 2026 to tackle revenue loss and enhance supply infrastructure. Silicon Labs and Wirepas are collaborating to provide a comprehensive Advanced Metering Infrastructure solution. We are also collaborating with CyanConnode to integrate our wireless SoC into their Omnimesh product line to meet India's smart meter standards. We are investing in research and development to drive IoT ecosystem growth in India, with our India R&D centre focusing on developing ultra-low power wireless products. Our wireless development hub in Hyderabad showcases our commitment to nurturing engineering talent, and we are transitioning our IT operations to India. Our new CIO, Radhika Chennakeshavula, based in Hyderabad, is leading our digital transformation journey.

In 2022, you said you’re tripling headcount in India by 2025. That time is not too far. How are you working towards achieving the goal?

Silicon Labs is focused on promoting innovation and developing a skilled workforce in the Indian market. Through strong partnerships and addressing evolving needs, we are committed to expanding our operations and recruitment efforts. In 2022, we announced plans to triple our headcount in India within three years. We have collaborated with institutions like IIIT-H, IIT-Hyderabad, IIT-Delhi, Shiv Nadar University, and others, and are working with engineering institutions to prepare talent for careers in electronics and automation through our Centers of Innovation in IoT. Our workforce in India currently exceeds 600 employees, with hiring expanding at a rate of over 15%. We believe in India's potential to make significant contributions to the IoT industry and new technologies.
 
What is the future outlook for IoT, and what steps is Silicon Labs taking to advance it to the next level?

The demand for IoT technology is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. Despite a recent industry downturn due to the recent pandemic, we are seeing positive signs of improvement and are well-positioned for future growth. The potential for integrating IoT into various aspects of human life is vast, from healthcare to farming and more. As a company, we are excited to be part of an industry that enhances people's lives and positively impacts the economy and environment. What motivates me every morning is knowing that we are well-positioned to lead in this global transformation.