In recent years, we have been witnessing a significant transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, driven by a commitment to address climate change and reduce our carbon footprint. As the world increasingly embraces clean energy sources, the intermittent nature of renewables such as solar and wind poses a big challenge, necessitating reliance on advanced energy storage solutions such as batteries. While this transition is a positive development, the complexity of modern energy infrastructure necessitates continuous monitoring of battery performance to ensure efficiency and reliability. As a result, the demand for accurate and efficient battery management systems is at an all-time high. Research firm Allied Market Research’s recent study reveals that the global battery management systems market which stood at $7.5 billion in 2022 is expected to be worth $41 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.1 percent during the forecast period.

One such eminent personality in India who is driving the BMS space towards the next level through her vast subject matter expertise and technology prowess is Dr. Rashi Dutt, Founder & CEO of Smartkosh Technologies. Having completed her B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering from NIT Nagaland, Rashi then took up M.Tech in VLSI Systems. Simultaneously, she also joined the Teachers Training School there which gave her firsthand exposure to how the industry functions. Later on, Rashi was awarded the IASc-INSA-NASI fellowship from the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore. Intrigued by the numerous ways research into transactional technology can contribute towards the betterment of society, she went on to pursue her PhD in Microelectronics & VLSI from IIT Hyderabad.

The Making of a Technology Entrepreneur

During her PhD research, Rashi learned about various concerns that existed in people's minds around battery energy storage, especially for EVs and was inclined to improve the operational efficiency and safety of the battery packs. Through extensive research in signal processing and semiconductor design, she along with her research team developed a methodology that facilitated highly accurate and stable battery monitoring. When she published the research and filed for a patent, she realized the large spectrum of commercial use cases that existed for the technology and thus, she setup Smartkosh Technologies in 2022 with a vision to provide sustainable solutions to the rapidly growing battery-based renewable energy sector.

“IIT Hyderabad had a strong presence of the Japanese tech industry on the campus itself, where along with student exchange programs, both the industry and academia worked together to solve modern problems. The institution also had its own technology incubator named iTIC, through which immense support and mentorship were provided to entrepreneurs to nourish their ideas especially in the deep tech space. Thus, my education at the esteemed institution has played a significant role in shaping me into the successful entrepreneur and technology leader that I am today. I’m also extremely grateful for the Intel India fellowship for all their support, industry mentorship and against potential risks funding that they offered during the final year of my PhD”, says Rashi.

Smartkosh Technologies' BMS solutions prioritize safety & reliability with advanced monitoring, incorporating robust safety mechanisms & fail-safe features to protect against potential risks

Technology-driven Battery Management Systems

Based in Hyderabad, Telangana, Smartkosh is a Next-Gen smart energy solutions company that is leveraging the power of IoT to provide highly efficient battery management systems to diverse use cases mainly in the e-vehicles space. The firm’s offerings can be categorized into three areas - BMS Consultation, application-specific BMS and Semiconductor hardware development. Some of the key factors that make Smartkosh the most sought-after choice for any battery management related requirement are longer range, safety & reliability, performance optimization, scalability & quality assurance, easy integration and cost effective-ness. Going that extra mile, Rashi and her team at Smartkosh work closely with clients to have a clear understanding of their require-
ments and accordingly tailor make the systems to maximize efficiency, performance and safety.

“Our team is driven to develop state-of-the-art, indigenous, and cost-effective IoT-oriented Battery Management Systems that ensure safety, optimized performance, and sustainable energy management. We leverage the semiconductor technology along with AI for developing small battery systems such as microsatellites, to handling large-scale energy storage systems. Our energy efficient solution finds applications for various battery sizes and advanced battery chemistry. We employ cuttingedge management techniques to optimize charging and discharging processes, maximizing energy utilization and extending battery life. Our BMS solutions prioritize safety and reliability with advanced monitoring, incorporating robust safety mechanisms and fail-safe features to protect against potential risks.”

Sharing Words of Wisdom

Rashi is a strong proponent of work-life balance, firmly believing that maintaining harmony between the two is essential. She emphasizes that even a small disruption in one area can significantly impact the other, underscoring the importance of balance for overall well-being and success. However, she devotes a bit more time to her professional life, as she feels it is important for youngsters to do so when they are energetic and full of enthusiasm to achieve their ambitions and career goals. When asked about what her advice would be for young entrepre-neurs, she says, “For an entrepreneur to be successful in any field, it is essential to always stay motivated and focused towards their objective despite facing challenges.

An entrepreneur must always first understand the pain point of the customers and then develop products/solutions that can effectively address those challenges. Most importantly, one must work hard towards continued improvement and always look for means to advance their personal and professional growth. It is vital to keep yourself updated with the latest tech advancements or market changes and be open to new learnings”.

Currently working on satellite and drones, Rashi aspires to foray into the EV market as well in the coming days due to the humongous opportunities the sector offers for BMS. Going forward, she also plans to forge partnerships with industry and academia, and even have a manufacturing plant of their own.