Tracking Technology Pioneer Receives Prestigious Award

Dr. Sabesan Sithamparanathan, a pioneer in location-tracking technology, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours. This recognition comes as a result of his significant contributions to innovation technology and the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in education.

Dr. Sithamparanathan founded Cambridge-based company PervasID and developed a real-time location tracking system that has been adopted by various industries, including the National Health Service (NHS) trusts, hospitals, aircraft manufacturers, and retailers. In hospitals, his system uses electromagnetic fields to track surgical instruments, ensuring proper decontamination and sterilization, as well as timely availability. Retailers have also integrated this technology to enhance their click-and-collect services and track stock.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Sithamparanathan pursued his higher education at the University of Sheffield before embarking on a PhD at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. It was during his time at Cambridge that he developed his tracking system, with the support and mentorship of the university community.

Dr. Sithamparanathan expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that he was “absolutely over the moon, thrilled” to receive this recognition. He acknowledged the hard work and innovation of his entire team, emphasizing that bringing an idea from the lab to the real world has been a significant challenge.

In addition to Dr. Sithamparanathan, other individuals from Cambridgeshire have been honored in the King’s New Year Honours list for their exceptional contributions to their communities. These individuals include Lorna Woor, Sheila Betts, Sharon Livermore, Helen Pain, Maxine Purdie, Julia Fentem, Joan Winterkorn, Michael Frankl, and Tony Hudgell.

The recognition of Dr. Sithamparanathan’s achievements in the field of location-tracking technology highlights the importance of innovation and the promotion of STEM subjects in education. His contributions have undoubtedly made a significant impact on various industries, improving efficiency and safety in numerous aspects of our daily lives.