Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
If we have to define him in a few words, those words would be “a catalogue of uncategorised dreams and aspirations”. He is a known figure not just in his native land but abroad too. Meet Rourkela-born OJAS MAHAPATRA, chief executive of Dunedin-based Photonic Innovations Ltd, who was one of the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Business Scholarship this year. He was a finalist in the Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year category at the Seventh Annual Newslink Indian Business Awards 2014. The young achiever, who moved to New Zealand from Orissa in 2010 for a PhD from University of Canterbury, was appointed CEO of Photonic Innovations in 2014. Although he has been applauded for the success of the company over the last couple of years, the recognition at the New Zealand Awards was the icing on the cake. Orissa POST spoke to the young entrepreneur about his current ventures and future plans.
Tell us about Photonic Innovations?
Photonic Innovations manufactures laser-based gas leak detectors. These devices are placed at hazardous gas-filled confined spaces and they alert employees when a toxic/inflammable gas’ concentration goes above the prescribed safety limits. This facilitates early evacuation and a quick fix of the leak before a mishap happens. The company, established in 2005, is a spin-out from University of Otago. It became dormant after a few years of operation and was picked as a potential investment opportunity by Powerhouse Ventures in 2014. That was when I joined the company. In the last two years, we have been successful in reviving the company and have recently launched our first gas leak detector, Ammonia LD 4000, targeted at the food processing sector in New Zealand. We have already sold two units to the Silver Fern Farm and the market is showing some healthy demand. Equity-wise, our company has three stakeholders: Powerhouse Ventures, the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (of the New Zealand government), and Otago Innovation Limited (of the University of Otago).
Why were you nominated for the business scholarship?
It was for our patented innovative laser-based gas detection technology. Conventional gas leak detectors are electrochemical in nature and suffer from low accuracy and reliability as well as high maintenance costs. With our laser spectroscopy-based technology, we offer unprecedented accuracy and reliability with zero maintenance costs. There is no need to replace sensors, there are no false alarms and our detectors are completely calibrated. We have patented this technology in New Zealand, Australia, US and Canada, with the patent application pending in Europe.
How did it feel to be among the top three innovative companies this year?
Wonderful. It is a reflection of the effort and resources we have put in over the last two years.
To whom do you owe your success?
No doubt, I owe my success to my parents. I and my sister Dipti were trained to excel in every field. It was gruelling and I hated it, but now when I look back all those debate competitions, science seminars, essay contests, music lessons, late night speech practices, I know how all that helped me hone my skills. My father, especially, critically appreciates everything I do even today. I got my competitive edge from him. My mama, on the other hand, taught me to be kind and caring.
What are your scientific interests?
My scientific interests are not specific. I am currently very interested in life outside earth.
Who is your inspiration?
I was always inspired by my parents. I am blessed to have parents who are magnificent in their own disciplines. Outside family, I am inspired by Sachin Tendulkar. The best thing about him is he lets his actions speak. That what every Indian should do.
How to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship in India?
One needs to ask questions. Especially in India where the belief system is so strong that you need to come out of the bias and see things as they are, not as they are taught. Question everything around you and trust your judgment. Do not take anything at face value.
What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
Good entrepreneurs are inquisitive and curious. A good entrepreneur has to unlearn all he has learnt and see the world as a child to understand his shortcomings and figure out how they could be solved.
What he says
“I always aspired to be an entrepreneur and was interested in the applications of what we studied at the academia. The fundamentals and theory are good only if they can be translated into something which benefits society. Otherwise, it is wastage of time and money.”