Building a R&D Team in India: Sachdev’s Challenges and Triumphs

Kunwer Sachdev’s journey as the founder of Su-kam is a testament to his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to innovation in India’s power backup and solar storage solutions industry. His establishment of a dedicated R&D centre and pursuit of technology patents marked a significant milestone in the country’s technological landscape.

Sachdev’s narrative offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering innovation in a complex cultural context. His efforts to build a capable R&D team were hindered by the scarcity of experienced engineers and the prevailing cultural resistance to experimentation. Through perseverance, he successfully cultivated a mindset that embraced risk-taking and learning from mistakes.

While Sachdev successfully created a culture of innovation and product development, he acknowledged the challenges of instilling a sense of ownership within his R&D team. Many engineers lacked pride in their creations and struggled to see the impact of their work, hindering their motivation and potential.

Leadership and team dynamics also presented significant obstacles. Finding a suitable leader proved difficult, and Sachdev often took on managerial responsibilities. Despite efforts to hire and train new talent, many left due to a lack of solid leadership and a culture of nepotism.

Sachdev’s experiences in R&D taught him valuable lessons, including the importance of continuous learning, fostering a collaborative environment, and addressing the challenges of managing experienced engineers. He observed firsthand how a fear of change and a focus on maintaining one’s position can hinder individual and organizational growth.

One notable example of Sachdev’s approach to innovation was his response to a customer complaint about inverter overload. By introducing a multi-stage overload protection system, he gave customers more flexibility and control, preventing accidental shutdowns.

Sachdev’s journey also highlights the challenges of maintaining a culture of innovation over time. He realized that many engineers lose their drive and curiosity once they achieve job security, becoming complacent and neglecting personal growth. Addressing cultural barriers such as knowledge hoarding and siloed thinking is essential for building effective R&D teams.

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Porus Munshi’s book, “Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen,” provides valuable insights into Kunwer Sachdev’s journey and the establishment of Su-kam’s R&D centre.

Key takeaways from Sachdev’s journey:

• Overcoming cultural challenges: Fostering a culture of innovation requires addressing deep-rooted cultural beliefs and practices.
• Building a sense of ownership: Empowering R&D teams to see the impact of their work is crucial for motivation and engagement.
• Effective leadership: Strong leadership is essential for creating a supportive and collaborative environment within an R&D team.
• Continuous learning and adaptation: Staying updated with emerging technologies and trends is vital for driving innovation.

Sachdev’s story is a valuable resource for those seeking to build and lead innovative R&D teams, particularly in challenging cultural contexts. His experiences offer practical insights and lessons that can be applied to various organizational settings.