Leaders

Seamlessly integrating technical prowess with strategic thinking is a hallmark of influential leadership. This dual expertise opens doors to innovation, resilience, and practical problem-solving for women leaders. This unique blend of skills empowers leaders to tackle industry challenges head-on, drive meaningful innovation, and cultivate sustainable growth. Balancing technical depth with strategic acumen allows leaders to break barriers, foster inclusive environments, and spark industry-wide progress. Sai Vandana Lakavarapukota embodies this exceptional balance, particularly in the defense sector.

As the Managing Director of Sunlux Technovations Pvt. Ltd.,, Sai Vandana Lakavarapukota leads with a powerful blend of managerial and technical insight and strategic leadership. Her commitment to excellence, combined with a visionary approach, has begun in the venture as a key player in delivering cutting-edge solutions, supporting India's mission of self-reliance. Sai Vandana's leadership continues to inspire progress and set new benchmarks in the industry, and pave the way for a brighter future.

Below is an excerpt of Sai Vandana Lakavarapukota’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

What are some of the key moments in your professional journey that have had a profound impact on shaping your career?

My professional journey has been a transformative odyssey, marked by strategic risk-taking, innovation, and a passion for excellence, including joining Ultra Dimensions at the age of 18. As a Director, I have had the privilege of contributing to its growth across diverse sectors, such as Defense and manufacturing, with a focus on the Naval and Marine divisions. Another milestone was becoming a major shareholder and Managing Director at Sunlux Technovations in Bangalore, leading Indigenous innovations in Defense, Power & Energy, Industrial, and Aerospace, further solidifying my expertise.

My academic foundation in Electronics and Communication Engineering at BITS Pilani, combined with postgraduate studies and work experience in the U.S., has honed my leadership, technical, and management skills, fueling my commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth in the industry.

How did your experience at BITS Pilani contribute to your growth both professionally and personally?

After completing my plus-two education, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring various career paths. With my family's unwavering support, particularly my father's encouragement to explore global opportunities, I chose to pursue electronics and communication at BITS Pilani Dubai, which is one of the most challenging courses in BITS. Studying abroad broadened my perspective, providing invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and practical knowledge.

The transformation I underwent from entering BITS Pilani to graduating was remarkable. It shaped me into a bold, confident individual and empowered me to be independent. With its strong emphasis on practical learning through internships, I gained hands-on experience in Bangalore and Dubai, further fueling my passion for innovation. Today, my ability to manage multiple ventures and pursue innovative endeavors with ease is largely due to BITS Pilani.

Can you share insights into your dynam­ic, multi-disciplinary professional journey? What essential skills and expertise have you cultivated throughout your years in the industry?

Through internships and mentorship, I gained invalu­able insights into business operations, complemented by learning from my father, who has been a role model to me. Seeking diverse experience, I pursued a bache­lor's internships and post-graduation in engineering management, and worked in a Wall Street finance com­pany. It broadened my perspective, teaching me client interactions, marketing, teamwork, and leadership. Re­turning to India, I leveraged my electronics and com­munication expertise to become a major shareholder and leader at Sunlux Technovations, a company cater­ing primarily to the defence sector.

As a proud player in the defence sector, we relentlessly pursue innovation, driving progress and excellence every day. With passion and immense pride in contributing to our nation's growth and development, we leverage our expertise in design, development, and research to craft future-ready solutions that strengthen our nation's defences and pave the way for a safer, more secure future.

What inspired you to establish Sunlux Technovations, and what was the idea and vision driving the venture?

Sunlux Technovations was established with strong R&D strengths, offering innovative and hi-reliability Products, Turnkey Solutions, and Engineering Services with the vision of contributing to the Indian Defence Sector. Our journey began with a strong emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting self–reliance in Defence manufacturing. Sunlux Technovations specializes in Carbon Removal and Carbon Systems, primarily serving the Defence, Oil & National Gas, and enclosed space sectors. The Company has expertise in handling CO2 concentrations ranging from near ambient to high, optimizing Air Quality to create a healthier and more product work environment and are focused on integrating Regenerative Technologies for enhanced Sustainability and Efficiency.

Sunlux Technovations is where Innovation meets National Pride. Having taken the challenge of devel­oping indigenous systems from scratch, our focus on Innovation and Engineering Excellence has allowed us to create Reliable, High Quality alternatives in-house, that has reduced the dependency on foreign technol­ogy and earned appreciation from the Indian Defence Sector. Our commitment to Innovation, Collaboration, and Self-sufficiency continues to drive our efforts to strengthen India’s Defence capabilities and make India truly ‘Atmanirbhar’.

As the Director of Sunlux Technovations, what are the different roles you take on within the company? How do you manage daily operations while driving the company's growth?

At Sunlux Technovations, as the Managing Director, I am involved in multiple roles, leveraging my unique blend of technical and management expertise to help me effectively contribute to both areas. Collaborating closely with our talented team, I prioritize meeting targets and deadlines, understanding their perspectives, supporting their ideas, and fostering a culture of innovation. We inject fresh ideas and energy into our operations by encouraging internships and embracing diverse perspectives. My team is my greatest strength, and together, we overcome challenges, achieve goals, and deliver exceptional results. While balancing financial, operational, and strategic demands can be daunting, with a strong team behind me, it becomes a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an entrepreneur, and how do you overcome them?

My unwavering determination to excel has been my guiding force. I tackle challenges head-on, refusing to settle for anything less than perfection. My academic journey, including studying in the U.S., broadened my cultural perspective and instilled in me the importance of being strong and bold as a woman. As an entrepreneur, I pave my way in the defence industry. I'm proud to be part of a growing wave of women breaking down barriers. However, I am heartened to see women increasingly joining this journey. To succeed, one must break barriers, step out of their comfort zone, and confidently showcase their talent, which is a mantra I live by.

Reflecting on your professional journey, what have been some of the most significant milestones? As a business leader, what has been your ‘success mantra’?

I take immense pride in being part of diverse companies from a young age, spanning sectors like defence, manufacturing, entertainment, marine, and retail. Each day has been a valuable learning experience, exposure, and offering insights into the inner workings of various industries. Starting young allowed me to develop a unique understanding of multiple sectors, enabling me to manage diverse ventures confidently and giving me a chance to explore opportunities and gain knowledge. My success mantra is simple, which is ‘self-trust’. I've overcome obstacles and achieved my goals by believing in myself and confronting challenges head-on. I'm deeply grateful to my family, company, and team for their unwavering support.

Sai Vandana Lakavarapukota, Managing Director, Sunlux Technovations

Sai Vandana Lakavarapukota is a pioneering leader who com­bines management expertise with technical blend and stra­tegic thinking. As the Director of Sunlux Technovations, she's driving India's defence inno­vation and enhancing India's self-reliance through Indigenous solutions. Her goal is to contrib­ute to India's growth, and her visionary leadership fosters progress, setting new standards in company and technologi­cal excellence, driving industry growth, and inspiring a brighter future for the nation.

An impactful mentor/teacher from BITS Pilani:

I'm truly grateful to my mentors at BITS Pilani, especially Dr Jagadish Nayak, whose guidance shaped my academic journey. His mentorship during Techfest, IEEE, MOSICom, and our research on a Food Quality Monitoring System inspired innovation, built confidence, and empowered me to realize my full potential.

Advice for budding entrepreneurs:

Stay passionate, adaptable, and committed to your vision. If you have an idea, a leap, action is key. With growing support from the government and industry, now is the time. Stay innovative, leverage technology, seek mentorship, and balance your life. I truly believe this generation’s ideas will shape our nation’s future. Stay motivated and focused, and success will follow. Be bold, your vision can change the world.