Behind the ExP with Skylo
Behind the ExP is a storytelling series that showcases the real-world impact of Intel Capital’s Embedded Expert Program (ExP), told through the voices of leaders across our portfolio.
With decades of experience accelerating technology innovation, Intel Capital created ExP to give its portfolio companies direct access to Intel’s top talent across the globe. Designed specifically for Intel Capital-backed startups, ExP helps solve complex challenges spanning AI, go-to-market strategy, high-volume manufacturing, and more.
To date, over 200 experts and consultants have been embedded through the program—driving meaningful outcomes and lasting growth. Behind the ExP brings these stories to life, offering a firsthand look at how this one-of-a-kind program is helping visionary companies scale and succeed.
Q: Why did Skylo join the Embedded Expert Program?
Meghna Agrawal: Skylo joined the Embedded Expert Program to tap into deep expertise in cutting-edge networking and IT technologies, especially in areas where no prior work existed, like designing a resilient voice-over-IP architecture for our narrowband non-terrestrial network (NB-NTN)—now commercially live in 37 markets worldwide spanning 60 million square kilometers of coverage. Voice services will be the next major revenue network service for Skylo after Satellite Messaging and Satellite SOS services.
As a startup, we’re mindful of where we spend our time and resources. We wanted to avoid reinventing the wheel and instead benefit from Intel’s best practices, particularly in working with standard development organizations (SDOs), like the 5G and 6G standards-setting body, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Influencing large standard development communities is a complex undertaking, and Intel brings experts with decades of experience and credibility to that process. In June 2025, at the 3GPP RAN Plenary #108 in Prague, voice over NB-NTN was formally approved as a work item for the upcoming 5G Advanced release (targeted for 2026–2027). Through this collaboration with Intel’s Embedded Expert Program, Skylo is helping shape the system architecture for satellite-based voice on a global scale.
Q: What results did Skylo achieve from the program?
Meghna Agrawal: We saw meaningful outcomes from the ExP program, including the development of new technologies and architectural options for Satellite Voice. Intel’s expert input was instrumental in finalizing the technology architecture, not just for low-latency/low-bit-rate service delivery, but also in areas like security, legal compliance, and usability. Their guidance helped us uncover and address critical edge cases.
This input into the architecture helped secure approval from several key Skylo partners and received positive feedback during recent 3GPP workshops in Fukuoka and Prague. We also adopted best practices from Intel for 3GPP engagement, standard essential patent (SEP) filing, and internal processes for network testing and security.
Q: How was Skylo's experience with Intel Capital?
Meghna Agrawal: Our experience with Intel Capital, and specifically the Embedded Expert Program, has been excellent. The collaboration has been hands-on and highly responsive, with thoughtful feedback through regular touchpoints that we’ve been able to directly apply across our design and implementation teams. That level of engagement helped us move faster, catch issues early, and ensure our architecture met the highest standards from the start.
Q: How do you view working with the Intel Capital Expert Program in the future?
Meghna Agrawal: As a startup, we are continuously evolving, from refining our technologies and scaling our systems to navigating complex industry standards. The Intel Capital Embedded Expert Program has already played a key role in helping us strengthen our architecture and internal processes. Looking ahead, we see this partnership as a continued source of trusted technical guidance and support as we grow Skylo’s next-generation satellite network service worldwide.
