Smartway Electronics: India's IoT Health Tech Pioneer

In 2010, after a 6.5-year career in South Korea's chip design industry, Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya returned to India with an idea. The seasoned R&D expert, who once implemented facial recognition systems for Samsung, envisioned a future where advanced electronics could power healthcare from the grassroots. That vision crystallised in 2020 when he co-founded Smartway Electronics Pvt. Ltd. with Minakshi Kumari in Patna, Bihar, just as the COVID-19 pandemic underscored India's need for indigenous, reliable medical technology.

Pandemic Sparked Innovation

Initially working on an interactive whiteboard project with IIT Patna, Dr. Bibhuti pivoted during the pandemic to develop India’s first smart pulse oximeter integrated with an IR thermometer. The idea was born out of necessity: unreliable Chinese devices flooded the market, misreporting vitals, often with deadly consequences. 

Within four months, the team developed a smart, Bluetooth-enabled oximeter that transmitted real-time data to mobile apps and web servers, allowing remote diagnosis by doctors. AIIMS Patna tested and validated the device, which was officially launched by its director. This milestone shifted Smartway’s focus to medical electronics, garnering recognition and funding from institutions like IIT Patna, AIIMS, and Startup Bihar.

The Founders Behind the Mission

Dr. Bibhuti, an expert in nanoelectronics and LED materials with over two decades of experience, drives the company’s technical innovation. Minakshi Kumari, an HR and finance expert with 12 years of industrial experience, ensures operational integrity. Together, they lead a growing team of engineers, advisors, and consultants from across disciplines and geographies.

From Pulse Monitors to Portable ICUs

Smartway's flagship innovation, the "Dr. Kits," is a portable IoT-based healthcare and ICU monitoring device. 

It integrates BMI, BP, glucometer, digital stethoscope, ECG, thermometer, and ETCO2 sensors into one compact unit. Results are instantly viewable on-screen and via a cloud server, enabling real-time diagnosis, AI-based suggestions, and even emergency alerts to medical services.

Designed for clinics, diagnostic centres, and home care—especially for seniors or chronic patients—Dr. Kits represent a leap in remote patient monitoring.

Key Differentiators:

• Combines multiple diagnostic tools in one non-invasive device.
• Real-time remote monitoring with IoT and AI integration.
• Emergency alert system powered by 5G tech.
• Affordable, scalable, and suitable for underserved regions.

Market Strategy and Reach

Target customers include clinics, diagnostic centres, nursing homes, and public health departments. Smartway operates through a robust dealer-distributor network across India and leverages platforms like Amazon and IndiaMart for online sales. To retain and grow its user base, it offers high-margin incentives, frequent dealer engagement, and real-time feedback loops.

The global medical electronics market is projected to reach $12.21 billion by 2030, with patient monitoring alone seeing explosive growth, especially in ageing populations and post-pandemic ecosystems. Smartway aims to capture both Indian and African markets through strategic consultants and export pipelines.

Business Model and Funding

Smartway follows a transactional B2B model, selling through both online and offline channels. It maintains competitive pricing while focusing on quality. Revenue is reinvested into product development and scaling. The company has raised Rs 55 lakh through grants and seed funds from IIT Patna, Startup Bihar, and DPIIT’s Seed Fund Scheme, using it to build prototypes and manufacturing capacity.

Accolades, Awards, and Milestone Moments

Smartway Electronics has received multiple prestigious accolades, including being named one of the top 5 semiconductor startups in India by the NXP Semiconductor Award in 2023. In 2022, the company was honoured with the Dhanwantri National Award for its contributions to medical electronics. It also emerged as the winner of the 'Elevate Your Game' hackathon organised by IIM Kolkata and Startup Bihar, and was featured among the top 180 Indian startups at the Startup India Week.

Smartway also holds patents for a 5G-enabled emergency cardiac response system and for LED nanomaterials, strengthening its IP portfolio.

Growing Pains and Grit

Despite significant progress, Smartway faces stiff competition from industry giants like GE Healthcare and Philips. Another major hurdle is talent retention in Patna, where tech opportunities are limited. Financial management and consistent supply chains for high-volume manufacturing remain ongoing challenges.

Dr. Bibhuti’s key takeaway: "Patience is the greatest tool in navigating adversity. Planning, persistence, and vision are essential for every founder."

Tomorrow's Tech, Today’s Blueprint

In the short term, Smartway plans to scale production and deploy Dr. Kits across India. Its long-term ambition is to establish an advanced electronics lab in Bihar for manufacturing semiconductor and medical electronics devices. The goal is to make India a global leader in affordable health tech.