Northeast India is emerging as a hub for technological innovation, with scientists at NIT Meghalaya and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) using Sohra’s extreme rainfall to improve high-frequency communication systems like 5G and 6G networks. The research focuses on understanding how intense rainfall and large raindrops disrupt signal transmission and designing networks that can perform reliably even under heavy monsoon conditions.
Dr. Anup Dandapat, Dean at NIT Meghalaya, describes Sohra as a natural laboratory, offering a unique environment to study rainfall’s impact on advanced wireless technologies. The goal is to develop rain-resilient connectivity solutions, especially for remote and hilly areas where weather-related disruptions are common.
Alongside this, NIT Meghalaya has achieved a significant milestone in semiconductor research by designing the state’s first integrated chip (IC) using 180-nanometre process technology. The Finite State Machine (FSM) chip, developed under India’s SMDP program, provides precise control for irrigation systems and tensiometers, highlighting the region’s contribution to India’s tech advancement. A second chip is under development to study environmental factors affecting plant growth, which could further boost agricultural technology.
These initiatives reflect how regional challenges are transforming into innovative solutions. By leveraging Sohra’s natural conditions and investing in semiconductor and environmental research, Meghalaya is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation connectivity and technology development. This research not only strengthens telecommunication networks but also aligns with India’s broader goals in 5G, 6G, and sustainable technology innovation.
