IIT Kanpur Startups: Three Young Innovators Recognized by Forbes

The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is celebrating the success of three of its alumni who have been featured on the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2024. Pratyush Rai, Siddhartha Saxena, and Sirsendu Sarkar, the co-founders of a burgeoning startup named Merlin, were recognized in the Consumer Technology category, a testament to their innovative spirit and potential to disrupt the industry.

A Look at the IIT Kanpur Tech Powerhouse Trio

• Pratyush Rai, the CEO of Merlin, brings a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world experience to the table. He graduated from IIT Kanpur with a BTech degree in Civil Engineering, demonstrating a strong foundation in problem-solving and complex systems. Before co-founding Merlin, Rai actively sought out diverse experiences through internships at the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Axis Bank, and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This exposure to various sectors likely honed his business acumen and strategic thinking, which are crucial for leading a successful startup.
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• Siddhartha Saxena, another co-founder, brings in-depth knowledge of computer science to the Merlin team. He holds a BTech degree from IIT Kanpur, showcasing his proficiency in core coding principles and software development. Saxena's experience extends beyond academics, as evidenced by his research and development internships at Envestnet | Yodlee and Wadhwani AI. 
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• His international research stint at Finland's Aalto University further broadens his perspective and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. Finally, his role as a Machine Learning Engineer at Jumio Corporation in Canada demonstrates his expertise in a field that is revolutionizing various industries.
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• Sirsendu Sarkar, the third co-founder, completes the well-rounded team with his background in Materials Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur. Sarkar's academic prowess is evident from his stellar performance. Beyond academics, his internships at Applop Mobile Solutions and GyanDhan provided him with valuable insights into the mobile app development industry and business development strategies. He further honed his analytical skills through a stint as a Business Analyst at Quantiphi before co-founding Merlin. 
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How This Trio Aims to Shape Consumer Technology

While details about Merlin's specific product or service remain undisclosed, the recognition by Forbes suggests they are developing a groundbreaking solution within the Consumer Technology space. Given the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the co-founders, it's likely Merlin is tackling a complex challenge that requires a unique blend of engineering know-how, business acumen, and an understanding of consumer behavior.

This achievement by the IIT Kanpur trio not only brings recognition to the institute's exceptional talent pool but also highlights the potential of Indian innovation to make a significant impact on the global consumer technology landscape. It will be exciting to see how Merlin unfolds and revolutionizes the industry in the years to come.