Winner. Technology Leader of the Year 2025

Mahesh Devdatta Telang

Academic title, degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Field: Telecommunications & Next-Generation Networks (5G/6G)
Organization: Meta Platforms Inc.
Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Cellular Firmware)
City: San Ramon, California
Country: USA

Mahesh Devdatta Telang is a pioneering technology leader in the field of wireless communications, with more than 13 years of experience shaping the evolution of mobile network technologies. He currently serves as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Meta Platforms Inc., where he drives firmware innovation at the intersection of telecommunications and next-generation AR/VR systems.

Throughout his career, Mahesh has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of what mobile connectivity can achieve. At Meta, he focuses on developing intelligent firmware algorithms that improve wireless power consumption, mitigate thermal impact, and ensure reliable emergency call functionality — core technologies that enable the seamless operation of immersive devices in a highly connected world. His contributions help ensure that AR/VR devices interact efficiently with mobile networks, balancing performance, safety, and user experience.

Prior to joining Meta, Mahesh held impactful engineering roles at Google and Qualcomm. At Google, he contributed to real-time modem intelligence and developed advanced strategies for public land mobile network (PLMN) selection and device thermal management. At Qualcomm, he worked on foundational features for 4G and 5G modem stacks, helping bring reliable mobile communications to billions of users worldwide.

Beyond his corporate work, Mahesh is a passionate researcher and inventor. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles that explore critical areas such as emergency call resilience, mobile device adaptability, and the integration of AI into next-generation networks. His research, which is frequently cited by leading technology companies, reflects both academic rigor and practical relevance. He is also the holder of multiple U.S. patents in wireless communication, further underscoring his contributions to technical advancement.

Mahesh’s professional stature is reflected in his recognition as a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Life Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE). Through both innovation and mentorship, he continues to serve as a role model for aspiring engineers in the global technology community.

Mahesh Devdatta Telang's contributions to innovation and breakthrough technologies are both deep and far-reaching. His patented inventions have introduced new paradigms in mobile communication, most notably in improving system acquisition under roaming conditions (US 9,565,546) and enabling seamless multi-device management under a unified subscription model (US 9,820,085). These technologies directly address the growing complexity of user needs in an always-connected digital ecosystem.

He has also pioneered adaptive solutions that empower devices to maintain performance across fluctuating network environments. Patents such as US 17/405,798 and US 16/712,697 demonstrate his ability to anticipate real-world challenges and design robust, forward-looking solutions. His work on emergency communication systems, including US 18/078247, introduces augmented calling protocols that significantly improve the reliability and responsiveness of emergency services - an advancement with tangible societal impact.

Mahesh’s research portfolio reinforces his leadership in the field. His publications address core challenges in next-generation networks, including emergency call handling in NR-5G environments and performance optimization in low-coverage areas. His article “Intelligent 6G: Enabling AI-Driven Augmented Reality with Ultra-Low Latency” explores how future wireless systems can integrate AI to power immersive experiences, reflecting his vision for the future of human-machine connectivity.

Through a rare blend of technical depth, real-world impact, and visionary thinking, Mahesh Devdatta Telang has emerged as a defining voice in the future of telecommunications. His work continues to enhance the way billions of people connect, communicate, and experience the digital world.