Power transmission plays a defining role in the energy security of a region but because the industry is more operationally intensive it rarely makes headlines, often working silently in the background to ensure critical services are kept running at all times. Fluctuations in demand directly affects the rotation of generators leading to more or less watts on the line as required. Power systems engineering controls that. Behind the scenes there is a complex system of tools from transformers and switchgears to HVDC converters and actual power lines to make this transmission happen. These tools require highly standardized conductors and insulators to operate and their manufacturing is specialised. At events in New Delhi I was fortunate enough to connect with engineers who specialise at component level engineering whether its automated systems that close the power line on towers ,the so called isolators, to manufacturing of electrical grade insulators whe...
Recently I had a chance to engage with representatives from IIT Kanpur and University of Waterloo during events organised by Society for Information Display and IHFC, IIT Delhi. In the decade and half that has passed since I graduated, an unmistakable change can be noticed in the way educational institutions view post graduation employment opportunities for their students. While campus placements remain a key focus point entrepreneurship is now increasingly being viewed as a viable , though risky,career opportunity. This shift is, of course, a welcome change as it rightly views entrepreneurship as a path to wealth and job creation that has the potential to transform the prevailing economic realities and create new opportunities where none existed before. The inclusion of many of these entrepreneurial programs is also because of pioneering VC and incubator firms like Ycombinator[1] and the immense success of silicon valley startups who have proven beyond an...