Global Mobility Leaders Count us as Strategic Partners

KPIT is a giant in Innovative Technology in the global market. How is KPIT ahead and different from other similar companies?

With a deep and ONLY focus on the automobile and mobility domain, KPIT stands apart from its peers. Automotive and mobility software requires deep domain understanding, high software competence, scale to solve global challenges, and a clear strategy and leadership. KPIT’s vision to reimagine mobility and a mission to strive for the above since 2019 has made us different, and global mobility leaders count us as strategic partners.

How does KPIT represent innovative technologies from India for global clients? What are the global achievements of KPIT?

KPIT’s roots are in India, and we have expanded globally, where the automotive and mobility ecosystem is transforming. We have over 10000+ employees in KPIT, and 60-70%+ are in India. Over 25+ years of KPIT, at least 40-50K talented engineers have worked with us. In India, we can build competencies at scale, get top- quality talent, university collaboration, and have a deep connection with society. All this translates to lung-edge solutions for our clients worldwide. I am a part of the NASSCOM ER&D Council, and we endeavour to make the entire ecosystem achieve more.

Being counted as a strategic partner by leading automakers; KPIT software in 10-15 million vehicles on the road; experience working on 500+ vehicle programs; creating a strong presence in Germany, USA, and other hubs; acquiring and partnering with the leading tech companies; winning several awards for innovation and sustainability are few achievements that make us proud.

What challenges does KPIT face in providing new technologies to the sector?

The sector we operate in needs a strong understanding of the automobile domain, varied software skills, and the ability to understand clients’ challenges and solutions. Since software in the car is very complex and safety-critical – quality is another crucial factor. To build a pool of talent with these competencies, looking at excellence as a direction is our core focus.

What are the focus areas of KPIT CSR initiatives?

CSR is significant for KPIT. At the management level, we are deeply focused and passionate about the same. KPIT CSR has four pillars – Energy, Education, Environment, and Employee Engagement. We have been in programs where our team can spend quality time helping society in the above areas. For example, an initiative called Chhote Scientists has imparted science education to 1000s of school children across India and has won several accolades.

How does KPIT meet growing demand and high rise in the customer base nationally and internationally?

KPIT has a T25 client strategy. It means we work with 25 top clients and invest deeply to understand them and bring solutions that will help in their vision. These clients are global – across Europe, the USA, and Japan/Korea. Because of this deep focus, we have set Centers of Excellence for the clients. Dedicated teams work together across the globe on sizeable multi-year engagements. This helps drive innovation and speed to market.

KPIT has successfully organised Sparkle Awards 2022. What was the theme? What was the process of selection for winners?

KPIT Sparkle is an innovation forum to bring passionate engineers to work on Mobility and Energy problems. This has been the theme of the event for a couple of editions. Over 50K plus engineers register for Sparkle from 100s of colleges, and 1000s of ideas get submitted. At least 100 ideas get to the prototype stage, and this forum sheds light on them. The prize money and ecosystem created through this contest help generate momentum for students to take their innovation further.

You are a globally recognized and highly successful entrepreneur. What is your message to young entrepreneurs facing multiple challenges to achieve their dreams?

I would urge budding entrepreneurs to identify what their core passion is. Question yourself why you really want to do this until you are very clear. Once you bring that clarity, be focused on what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. Whatever business you get into, think of specialisation, differentiation, and scale. You will need to have an eye to use technology to build differentiation. Also, very important would be to build a great team who believe in the same vision and have passion.

KPIT has won innumerable awards. Which award is most special for you?

KPIT recognition at the United Nations for work on Sustainable Mobility Technology, Award at World ITS Congress for KPIT solution in Connected Vehicle Technology; Frost and Sullivan Awards are something that comes to the top of my mind. There are many other awards and honours KPIT and our employees have received for their stellar work.

Where do you see KPIT and yourself five years from now?

KPIT is currently very well positioned as a software integration partner for the automotive and mobility ecosystem. The path for OEMs to reach software-defined vehicles is a challenging one. We would really like to and are fully prepared to lead this partnership with them. There are several changes happening in the industry and these create opportunities. I am deeply excited to lead our team with strategy plus priorities and capture these opportunities. I am also looking forward to using the competencies we have in our team to bring a deep impact in the areas of sustainability and also bringing diversity to the tech talent pool.