Saurabh Jain: Empowering Water Management Through Innovation & Collaboration
Saurabh Jain
Director
His academic journey at VIT instilled in him a holistic perspective on water networks, viewing them as dynamic and intricate systems rather than mere product assemblies. With a versatile background encompassing research, design, consulting, and a fervent dedication to sales, marketing and business development, he has taken on the mantle of advocating for water management and automation networks.
Saurabh's journey from a modest upbringing in a small town of Bikaner to his current role as the Director of Hidroglobal India, exemplifies his determination, adapt ability, and unwavering commitment to shaping a water-secure future for the nation. Leading the organisation toward the ambitious goals and expanding technological prowess, Saurabh emerges as a visionary in the water management industry, standing at the forefront of innovation and progress.
Give a brief account about your professional journey. What motivates your daily routines?
I graduated from VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology) with a mechanical engineering degree in 2011 and gained valuable experience through international internships during my time at college. The opportunity to bring this knowledge back to India holds immense potential for the advancement of our society.
Subsequently, I took on the position of Design Engineer at Pratibha Industry in Mumbai, where I contributed to the design of water treatment projects and distribution networks and concurrently pursued a post-graduation diploma in piping engineering. My career path then led me to transition into a sales and marketing position within an Israeli desalination company, which deepened my passion for this field. In November 2015, I took on the role of National Sales Manager at AQUESTIA, an Israeli company, and within three years, I successfully
established a Indian subsidiary for the same. At the age of 26, I became the youngest General Manager of the subsidiary. Being an integral part of an Israeli company within the water industry placed me at the forefront of ground breaking technologies and innovations in the domain, catalyzing a remarkable transformation in the direction of my life. I gained valuable knowledge, confidence, and business acumen from international managers from the parent company, Mat Holding in Barcelona, which have significantly contributed to the company's achievements.
Tell us about your academic experience at VIT. How does your previous experience impact your current role in developing water management technologies?
I had an enriching academic experience at VIT. The transition from Hindi-medium schooling to an English speaking environment posed a challenge that motivated me to learn English, along with extracurricular languages like German and Spanish. VIT's global reputation facilitated a unique three-month internship at ARCELORMITTAL in Spain during my third year, followed by an eight-month final project in Belgium. Beyond academics, participation in the Society of Automotive Engineers enriched me with valuable skills and diverse experiences.
My prior background in mechanical engineering, energy, research, EPC companies, and water treatment equips me with a holistic grasp of water management technologies, treatment processes, and NRW (NonRevenue Water) management. Engaging in projects like surge and water hammer analysis, along with WTP sand pipeline design, has honed my ability to manage water distribution networks effectively. This foundation enables me to relate to the challenges others face and communicate adeptly in my marketing role, significantly contributing to the advancement and promotion of water management technologies.
India's water networks currently suffer considerable losses, posing a challenge. However, our solutions are meticulously designed to mitigate these losses, offering utilities a path toward improved efficiency and sustainable progress.
Define Hidroglobal India as an organization and its position in the market.
Hidroglobal India, a dynamic five-year-old entity, specializes in water management, aiding government bodies, municipalities, industries, and irrigation departments to enhance water network efficiency
In the water management industry, the emphasis should be on technology that works & fulfills the conditions required, rather than solely on being the low-cost option
Tell us about your academic experience at VIT. How does your previous experience impact your current role in developing water management technologies?
I had an enriching academic experience at VIT. The transition from Hindi-medium schooling to an English speaking environment posed a challenge that motivated me to learn English, along with extracurricular languages like German and Spanish. VIT's global reputation facilitated a unique three-month internship at ARCELORMITTAL in Spain during my third year, followed by an eight-month final project in Belgium. Beyond academics, participation in the Society of Automotive Engineers enriched me with valuable skills and diverse experiences.
My prior background in mechanical engineering, energy, research, EPC companies, and water treatment equips me with a holistic grasp of water management technologies, treatment processes, and NRW (NonRevenue Water) management. Engaging in projects like surge and water hammer analysis, along with WTP sand pipeline design, has honed my ability to manage water distribution networks effectively. This foundation enables me to relate to the challenges others face and communicate adeptly in my marketing role, significantly contributing to the advancement and promotion of water management technologies.
India's water networks currently suffer considerable losses, posing a challenge. However, our solutions are meticulously designed to mitigate these losses, offering utilities a path toward improved efficiency and sustainable progress.
Define Hidroglobal India as an organization and its position in the market.
Hidroglobal India, a dynamic five-year-old entity, specializes in water management, aiding government bodies, municipalities, industries, and irrigation departments to enhance water network efficiency
and reduce losses. Focusing on core systems like control valves, air valves, automation solutions and filtration systems, we've also entered leak detection with Israeli collaboration, launching pilot projects nationwide.
Over these 5 years, our team has steadily expanded, fostering a loyal and unified workforce. Our flat management structure values each voice and encourages innovation and ownership. Moreover, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Within our realm, we hold a substantial market share.
How do you promote a learning culture in your team? What is the future destination you are headed towards?
Hidroglobal India focuses on innovation and collaboration, fostering a learning culture through regular meetings with application engineering teams in Israel and Barcelona. The team is versatile and cross-trained, ensuring autonomy and adaptability. Despite being a small team, we efficiently manage a $5M business, focusing on reliable solutions.
Our future goal is to help utilities upgrade their networks and educate the market about the importance of reliable solutions over cheaper alternatives, particularly in the water management industry. We plan to establish a local manufacturing facility in India by the 1st Quarter of 2024, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. The organization aims to expand its product and technology portfolio to become a market leader in water automation and achieve a revenue target of $10M by 2025.
What would be your advice to budding industry leaders?
Industry leaders should prioritize providing reliable solutions. Focus on technology that meets necessary conditions rather than being the low-cost option. Collaborate with competitors, clients, and customers to standardize and streamline the industry.
Your background doesn't define your potential, be open to new challenges and take risks. Embrace opportunities for growth, learn continuously, and explore different roles. Step out of your comfort zone and take on diverse responsibilities, as these experiences shape you as a leader and provide a strong foundation for future success.
I would be delighted to assist fellow alumni in discovering their right paths and guide them toward the individuals who have generously shared invaluable guidance and knowledge with me throughout the journey.
Saurabh Jain, Director, Hidroglobal India
Saurabh Jain is a leader in the field of water management, known for his innovative solutions and commitment to sustainable practices. As the Director of Hidroglobal India,he drives the company on a trajectory to emerge as a key player in the water automation industry, all while empowering and guiding his team.
Over these 5 years, our team has steadily expanded, fostering a loyal and unified workforce. Our flat management structure values each voice and encourages innovation and ownership. Moreover, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Within our realm, we hold a substantial market share.
How do you promote a learning culture in your team? What is the future destination you are headed towards?
Hidroglobal India focuses on innovation and collaboration, fostering a learning culture through regular meetings with application engineering teams in Israel and Barcelona. The team is versatile and cross-trained, ensuring autonomy and adaptability. Despite being a small team, we efficiently manage a $5M business, focusing on reliable solutions.
Our future goal is to help utilities upgrade their networks and educate the market about the importance of reliable solutions over cheaper alternatives, particularly in the water management industry. We plan to establish a local manufacturing facility in India by the 1st Quarter of 2024, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. The organization aims to expand its product and technology portfolio to become a market leader in water automation and achieve a revenue target of $10M by 2025.
What would be your advice to budding industry leaders?
Industry leaders should prioritize providing reliable solutions. Focus on technology that meets necessary conditions rather than being the low-cost option. Collaborate with competitors, clients, and customers to standardize and streamline the industry.
Your background doesn't define your potential, be open to new challenges and take risks. Embrace opportunities for growth, learn continuously, and explore different roles. Step out of your comfort zone and take on diverse responsibilities, as these experiences shape you as a leader and provide a strong foundation for future success.
I would be delighted to assist fellow alumni in discovering their right paths and guide them toward the individuals who have generously shared invaluable guidance and knowledge with me throughout the journey.
Saurabh Jain, Director, Hidroglobal India
Saurabh Jain is a leader in the field of water management, known for his innovative solutions and commitment to sustainable practices. As the Director of Hidroglobal India,he drives the company on a trajectory to emerge as a key player in the water automation industry, all while empowering and guiding his team.