#USA #Satellite Technology #Herndon #ST Engineering #Sridhar Kuppanna

Sridhar Kuppanna of ST Engineering iDirect Wins CTO of the Year Award

In an exciting recognition of excellence and leadership in the realm of satellite communications, Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ST Engineering iDirect, has been awarded the prestigious title of CTO of the Year (Solution Provider, Global) by The Fast Mode at their Leadership Excellence category for 2025. This accolade emphasizes Kuppanna's significant contributions toward the advancement of satellite technology and its integration into the broader telecommunications landscape.

The Fast Mode, a leading media platform for industry research and analysis, instituted this awards program to celebrate trailblazers in innovation who propel connectivity and digital transformation. Specifically, the Leadership Excellence category focuses on executives who have profoundly influenced the telecommunications sector through strategic vision and tangible achievements.

Under Kuppanna's strategic direction, ST Engineering iDirect has made notable strides in developing cutting-edge cloud-native satellite ground systems, artificial intelligence-driven network automation, and 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks. His leadership has been pivotal in harmonizing satellite and terrestrial networks, exemplified by the groundbreaking demonstration of interoperability between a cloud-based ground system and a 5G Core interface. These initiatives are steering the industry toward a cohesive 5G-6G future, promising seamless satellite connectivity.

On receiving this honor, Kuppanna expressed his deep appreciation, stating, "I am profoundly honored to receive this prestigious award from The Fast Mode. This acknowledgment is not just about me; it highlights the remarkable talent and commitment of the entire ST Engineering iDirect team. We are devoted to crafting an open, standardized, and interoperable future where satellite and terrestrial networks merge. Our mission centers on leveraging the potential of cloud technology, 5G, and AI to establish autonomous, intelligent networks that redefine global connectivity possibilities."

The winners of this distinguished award will be celebrated at the LiveX Kuala Lumpur 2026 summit on February 6, 2026. This upcoming event promises to gather prominent industry leaders to deliberate on the technologies and strategies that shape an AI-first telecommunications landscape.

ST Engineering iDirect is recognized as a leader in satellite communications (satcom), providing innovative technology and solutions that empower customers to enhance their business, differentiate their offerings, and optimize their satellite communication networks. With more than 40 years dedicated to innovation, ST Engineering iDirect stands out in the industry by addressing critical economic and technological challenges faced in the world of satellites. Their unique product portfolio, branded iDirect, reflects superior standards of performance, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring that customers receive the best satcom connectivity experience globally. Key sectors served by ST Engineering iDirect include mobility, broadcast, and military/government services. To further cater to the U.S. defense sector, iDirect Government was established in 2007, demonstrating ST Engineering's commitment to addressing governmental needs adequately.

For those interested in advancing satellite communications and learning more about the innovations brought forward by Sridhar Kuppanna and his team, ST Engineering iDirect’s solutions can be explored in depth at iDirect's official website. The recent award and Kuppanna's visionary efforts mark an exciting time for the future of connectivity in an increasingly digital world.