CEO Insights Magazine

Cochin University of Science and Technology boasts a rich tradition of nurturing visionary leaders in various industries. Its alumni network comprises trailblazers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Among these distinguished leaders is Premy Varghese, a dynamic entre-preneur renowned for his pioneering work in embedded electronics.

Armed with a biomedical engineering back ground from the university, Premy embarked on a journey marked by innovation and perse-verance. Over the years, he has leveraged his expertise to establish a thriving company focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with CEO Insights magazine, Premy shares the imperious details of his journey as one of the influencing leaders in the country. Let’s delve into it.

What distinctive experiences does Cochin University of Science and Technology provide, and what non-academic lessons have you gained from being on campus?

Cochin University of Science and Techno-logy offered me invaluable experiences that extended beyond academics. One of the most significant lessons I learned was the empowerment to overcome fears and take initiative. Transitioning from an introverted nature in school to assuming leadership roles within the college's organizations instilled in me a sense of responsibility, leadership, and ownership.

Additionally, the university provided access to essential infrastructure and facilities, such as high-end equipment, through collaborations with professors and departments. This support enabled me to pursue projects and experiments that would have otherwise been financially prohi-bitive at my startup stage. Moreover, the culture of reciprocity encouraged me to give back to the university community through knowledge-sharing sessions and faculty development programs.

Could you describe Z-Crossing Solutions and its market position?

Z-Crossing Solutions transforms customer ideas into tangible products. Specializing in electronics, embedded software, and mechanical design, we collaborate closely with clients to architect and develop innovative solutions. From initial concept to mass manufacturing, we offer end-to-end services encompassing electronics

design, mechanical ID and enclosures, embedded firmware & software development and application software.

Our ultimate goal is to serve as a compre-hensive solution provider, where clients can entrust us with their product requirements and focus solely on bringing their vision to market. Beyond product development, we also offer product miniaturization, obsolescence management, cost optimization and sustenance support, ensuring the longevity and relevance of our clients' products in dynamic markets.

In the industry, Z-Crossing Solutions occupies a strategic position as a trusted partner for companies seeking efficient and reliable product development services. Our expertise, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence distinguish us, enabling us to carve out a niche in the competitive market landscape.

What inspired you to take up entrepre-neurship in this industry?

My journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a passion for electronics and a desire to contribute to my hometown's economic landscape. As a biomedical engineer with a keen interest in electronics, I recognized a gap in the market and a fear among professionals regarding the complexity and risks associated with electronics design. This realization, coupled with my vision to create more job opportunities in Cochin's and more in India’s electronics sector, inspired me to establish my company.

Having previously worked in prestigious companies such as Larsen and Toubro Medical, Motorola, and Wipro, I gained extensive experience in highly complex electronic product design with high speed design exposures and product manufac-turing. However, my heart was always set on returning to Cochin to nurture a thriving electronics industry. By founding my company, I aimed to alleviate the fear surrounding electronics design and foster a culture of innovation and employment in the field.

You are also associated with the Kerala Startup Mission. Would you like to elaborate more on this role of yours?

My involvement with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Maker Village has been a multifaceted journey aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation within Kerala's electronics ecosystem. Initially joining as a senior fellow, I dedicated time each month to collaborate on programs fostering

entrepreneurship in electronics & product development, guiding fledgling companies, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

Working closely with KSUM, I played a pivotal role in reviewing grant appli-cations, assessing project viability, and recommending funding allocations to promising startups. This responsibility extended to Maker Village, where I contributed to selecting incubatees and advising on the setup of essential facilities like the 3D printing lab in collaboration with MIT.

Beyond grant allocation, I've endeavored to raise awareness among colleges and students about the opportunities at Maker Village, advocating for their involvement in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Additionally, my engagement with the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) allowed me to support students from various educational stages in realizing their innovative ideas, further fostering a culture of entrepre-neurship from an early age.

What have you envisioned for the future?

My vision is to establish our company as the premier destination for customers seeking end-to-end solutions in product development, validation, and manufac-turing. We aim to become the top choice for aspiring engineers in electronics, mechanical, and computer science fields, offering a stimulating and innovative work environment. Additionally, we aspire to play an active role in academia, colla-borating with educational institutions to cultivate a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of the embedded product engi-neering industry.

Premy Varghese, Founder & CEO, Z-Crossing Solutions

Premy Varghese graduated with the third rank in Biomedical Engineering from Cochin University's Model Engineering College in 1999. He honed his management skills through a Management Development Programme in Product Development at IIM Kozhikode. He is currently pursuing his certificate programme in Global Senior Leadership with specialization in Chief Financial Officer with IIM Lucknow with the aim of taking the company to the next stage. With over 23 years of experience, he has held pivotal roles in top MNCs such as L&T Medical Ultrasound, Motorola, and Wipro Technologies. Additionally, he has served as a Senior Fellow and currently serving as Honorable fellow at Kerala Startup Mission and Maker Village to foster entrepreneurship and innovation

•Favorite Hobbies: Travel, Net-working, Event management
•Favorite Cuisine:Kappa & Fish Curry
•Favorite Book:Wings of Fire by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam
•Favorite Travel Destination:Dubai
•Awards & Recognition:B-Tech 3rd Rank from CUSAT, VBA Business Excellence Award 2020 for the excellence in Business Innovation