CIA invests in low-power Wi-Fi Intel spinoff
Low-power Wi-Fi specialist and Intel spinoff company GainSpan inks a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel, the CIA's independent strategic investment firm.
By Suzanne Deffree, Managing Editor, News -- EDN, September 10, 2009
Low-power Wi-Fi specialist and Intel spinoff company GainSpan Corp today announced a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel, the CIA's independent strategic investment firm.
According to GainSpan, its technology provides the lowest power consuming Wi-Fi single chip solution for wireless sensor networks and other embedded applications, allowing devices to run for up to 10 years on a single AA battery.
"GainSpan's innovative technology helps address critical technology needs of the US Intelligence Community," said Troy M Pearsall, executive VP of architecture and engineering at In-Q-Tel, in a statement. "The power requirements of Wi-Fi have traditionally limited its application in sensor networks, but GainSpan's low-power Wi-Fi devices enable new classes of solutions that will provide key technology capabilities to both the government and commercial markets."
In-Q-Tel has engaged with more than 140 companies and delivered more than 240 technology solutions to the intelligence community.
Vijay Parmar, president and CEO, GainSpan, said that the agreement with In-Q-Tel ensures that the US Intelligence Community has easy access to GainSpan technology. "Also, as a member of In-Q-Tel's technology partner portfolio, In-Q-Tel provides us introduction to other portfolio companies where there are opportunities for knowledge-sharing and co-development," he added.
GainSpan did not disclose the investment amount.
