Interviewee : Vinay Solanki, Business Head & Angel Investor, Nash Industries
Question 1.) Kindly tell us about your journey in the field of IOT.
I first fell in love with IoT in 2012 while working at Goldman Sachs in the USA. A friend of mine had joined RING (later acquired by Amazon), the company behind smart video doorbells. The idea of a homeowner remotely unlocking a drop box for a delivery person and verifying their identity through a live camera feed fascinated me. It was a glimpse into the future of smart living.
This curiosity deepened during my MBA at IIM Ahmedabad in 2014-15, where I explored the intersection of IoT and AI and their transformative impact on industries. Since then, I have worked with companies like Airtel, Lenovo, Napino, and now NASH, continuously building AI and IoT-driven solutions across various sectors.
To fuel my passion further, I founded IoT-NCR in 2015—an open community that has connected me with like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and innovation in the IoT space. In a constant endeavour to keep myself abreast with latest innovations, I mentor, guide and invest in startups.
Question 2.) You are the founder of a community (IOT NCR) for IOT enthusiasts like yourself, please tell us something about it?
IoT-NCR was founded on a cold December night in 2015 when I was exploring Meetup to connect with professionals in the IoT industry within the NCR region of India. To my surprise, no such community existed—so I decided to create one. That’s how IoT-NCR was born.
Our very first meetup saw an overwhelming response, with 75 attendees sharing a common passion for IoT. From there, we evolved into a thriving community, organizing hands-on workshops, seminars, and webinars. Today, with over 8,000+ members, we have collaborated with major corporations like IBM, Microsoft, Airtel, and Nagarro, while also engaging with universities and colleges across India. To date, we’ve conducted more than 90+ events and continue to foster discussions through an active WhatsApp group.
Join us here: IoT-NCR on Meetup
Beyond IoT-NCR, I also launched IoT Global Think Tank, an invite-only network of senior IoT professionals, and more recently, Indian Manufacturing Ecosystem, a platform aimed at uniting stakeholders in India’s electronics manufacturing industry.
Question 3.) Tell us something about your book: Confluence of AI and IoT : Marriage Made in Heaven?
My passion for AI and IoT has given me the opportunity to work across various industries, including agriculture, smart cities, smart transportation, connected vehicles, track and trace, and Industry 4.0. Through years of focused work in these areas, I developed a deep understanding of the AIoT (AI + IoT) technology stack. That’s when I thought—why not share this knowledge with the world in the form of a book?
Writing and publishing this book was a two-year journey, and in January 2024, it was finally launched on Amazon and through Notion Press. Since then, it has sold over 600 copies across India, the UK, the USA, and the Middle East, receiving 80+ strong reviews on Amazon.
The book demystifies the technical complexities and market dynamics driving digital transformation. Whether you’re a student, professional, academician, or government official, it offers a comprehensive understanding of AIoT’s foundational elements.
Here’s a glimpse of what readers can expect:
- AIoT fundamentals – covering devices, sensors, connectivity, communication protocols, cloud and edge computing, machine learning, and deep learning.
- Insights into the digital ecosystem – from device manufacturers to application providers.
- IoT security challenges – and strategies to overcome them.
- Real-world case studies – with 15+ examples spanning preventive maintenance, automotive, automation, agriculture, smart cities, and smart homes.
- The intersection of AIoT with other technologies – showcasing how they create value for businesses and consumers.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the evolving AIoT landscape in depth
You can buy it here: Link
Question 4.) You are also an Angel Investor, how is that going?
India is now the third-largest hub for unicorns and one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the world. Startups often require support in areas such as strategy, go-to-market execution, business development, and technology. In 2021-22, I began mentoring startups in the IoT and Digital Transformation space, helping them navigate these challenges.
When I come across a particularly promising opportunity, I also invest as an angel investor. So far, I have made three investments and am currently evaluating a few more. Additionally, I have assisted two startups in securing funding to support their growth.
Question 5.) Since you are so closely related to the field, what would your suggestions for the young entrepreneurs be? What can make them stand out amongst the competition?
I often emphasize the importance of building a T-shaped career. This means developing deep expertise in one or two key areas—whether it’s technology, sales, marketing, consulting, or any field of your choice—while also expanding your knowledge across a few complementary domains. This balance helps you stay relevant and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.
For entrepreneurs, I strongly recommend understanding the power of AI and IoT and identifying real-world challenges that can be addressed using AIoT. IoT, in particular, is complex as it integrates hardware, software, and connectivity, so it’s crucial to carefully evaluate where you want to position yourself in the ecosystem. I’ve explored this topic in depth in my book, Confluence of AI and IoT
Question 6.) The government is helping companies with a vision to make India’s mark in the global scene, are you satisfied with the steps taken by it? Any suggestions?
I believe the initiatives launched by the Government of India, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Design Linked Incentive (DLI), support for space-tech startups, MeitY programs, and Invest India, are steps in the right direction. These programs are helping drive growth and innovation in key sectors.
However, are they enough? Not entirely. The scale of opportunities for India is vast, and to truly capitalize on them, more support is needed—particularly in implementing transparent policies, simplifying import/export regulations, refining taxation structures, and fostering innovation.
Additionally, I believe the government should focus on strengthening both primary and secondary education to nurture entrepreneurship from an early stage. This requires a higher percentage of GDP allocation to the education sector, as India currently lags behind many other countries in this regard.
