Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s leading communications solutions provider, today announced the acquisition of a strategic stake in Singapore-based Aqilliz, a Blockchain-as-a-Service company, under the Airtel Startup Accelerator Program, subject to statutory approvals.
Aqilliz has developed Atom, a patented hybrid blockchain platform that combines differential privacy and federated learning on a distributed digital ledger. This innovation enables brands to build secure, consent-based customer engagement solutions in an increasingly decentralised digital economy.
Airtel plans to leverage Aqilliz’s advanced blockchain technology at scale across its fast-growing Adtech (Airtel Ads), Digital Entertainment (Wynk Music, Airtel Xstream), and Digital Marketplace (Airtel Thanks App) businesses.
Commenting on the development, Adarsh Nair, CEO, Airtel Digital, said:
“At Airtel, we are continuously exploring emerging technologies that power the future of a digitally connected India. Our strong focus on innovation allows us to unlock new growth engines across the Airtel ecosystem. Blockchain technology is rapidly evolving, with applications in adtech, the creator economy, and loyalty programs. We are excited to welcome Aqilliz into the Airtel Startup Accelerator Program as part of our digital innovation journey.”
Gowthaman Ragothaman, Founding CEO of Aqilliz, added:
“We are delighted to partner with Airtel and bring our blockchain innovation to India. Traditional adtech and marketing systems were built for centralised databases, but the digital economy is moving toward decentralised value exchanges between brands, platforms, and consumers. Aqilliz’s patented technology enables Airtel to capture and preserve this value exchange in the form of consent and provenance across the digital supply chain. We look forward to collaborating closely with Airtel’s digital teams.”
This partnership marks a significant step in Airtel’s strategy to strengthen its digital services portfolio and reinforce its position at the forefront of India’s digital innovation ecosystem.
