Entrepreneurs with foresight realise that in order to perpetuate an innovation-led economy, it is vital for them to pass on their technical knowledge, experience and learnings to the next generation. This generosity of spirit to share one’s expertise and foster a whole new generation of talent is what creates fresh energy and momentum in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sumit Grover, with his company Genesis Controls, is doing just this by providing training to aspiring design engineering students in his hometown Ludhiana. Mumbai and Pune are the traditional training grounds in this field, but with his training and placements practice, Sumit aims to provide the same opportunities to students in a Tier-2 city like Ludhiana. His coaching and placements practice draws on his extensive work experience in the industry with well-established companies like Scheider, Reliance, Honeywell and Samsung.

Additionally, Sumit works towards the automation of businesses in the region. He provides CCTV video surveillance systems, biometric time attendance and access control systems to assist companies in the manufacturing, retail, hospitality, hotels and healthcare sectors. His passion for design engineering makes him straddle two fields effortlessly -- mentoring students and enabling automation. Sumit is making a mark by empowering, training & inspiring the youth of Ludhiana.

In conversation with GlobalLinker (GL) Sumit Grover (SG) speaks about his business, the challenges faced and the milestones achieved thus far.

GL: Tell us about your business.

SG: While working in Samsung Heavy Industries, South Korea I used to hear & read that unemployment is growing day by day. I realised that there is a disconnect between industries and institutes and that skill development is a vital need along with smart cities initiatives and development.

After working in the private sector for about 14 years, I decided to make students aware about sectors that have huge job opportunities as well as room to make a contribution towards development of smart cities. So, I started my firm Genesis Controls where I have two departments. The first is for design engineering training. I provide training to engineering college students and then help them in their placements worldwide.

The second aspect of my business is building automation - here I provide CCTV video surveillance systems, biometric time attendance & access control systems, EPBAX etc. We work as a solutions provider for big projects in the CCTV domain. We are not into product selling of CCTV requirement of small systems like a home. Our targets are sectors such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, hotels, hospitals and so on.

GL: What are the challenges you have faced in establishing your business?

SG: Since the students, teachers and ecosystem at large are unaware about this area it is difficult to convince them about opportunities in design engineering. However, in Mumbai & Pune, for the last 15 years, students are getting trained as design engineers and getting good placements. My aim is to make Ludhiana a hub for stellar training for design engineers.

GL: What is the USP of your business?

SG: Our USP is bringing new knowledge for a niche sector with huge job opportunities. It is also to provide unique product features in building automation systems.

GL: What are some of the milestones of your business?

SG: One milestone was the first project for a hospital where we supplied CCTV, EPBAX and FAS systems. Also the completion of the first batch of design engineers is a source of immense pride for me.

GL: What role do you feel GlobalLinker plays in connecting and assisting SMEs?

SG: GlobalLinker is a platform that helps businesses with networking, lead generation and business promotion.

GL: What is your big business dream?

SG: My dream is to provide services to all of India and the world.

GL: What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs?

SG: Identify an idea and convert it into a business.

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