From Rejection to Recognition: The Journey of Otomatiks

Eight years ago, standing before a group of people at a college, I found myself in an unexpected situation. I had just finished explaining the idea of integrating robotics education into their curriculum when someone in the audience scoffed and said, “For the sake of money, you guys will scam with any stupid programs like this? How can a first-year college student learn all these?” It was a question loaded with disbelief, doubt, and rejection. It wasn’t just the skepticism of one person; it symbolized the larger sentiment of a city that had yet to embrace the concept of robotics.

The Seed of an Idea in an Unlikely Place

Back then, the word “robotics” was almost alien in Vellore, a city known more for its deep-rooted traditions than for cutting-edge technology. Starting Otomatiks was more than just a business decision; it was a vision that I believed would transform education by equipping students with skills for the future. But the road was not an easy one. At every step, there was resistance, doubt, and the looming question: Would this idea even work?

Turning Doubt into Determination

That moment in the college was just one of many instances where my resolve was tested. There were times when potential partners dismissed the concept as impractical, and others when students and parents were hesitant to commit due to a lack of understanding. Financial struggles added to the pressure, and I knew that if Otomatiks was to succeed, it needed more than just a good idea—it needed persistence, innovation, proof of its value and today, we train students starting from grade 3 😎.

Small Wins and Building Trust

The journey from skepticism to acceptance began with small wins. I focused on demonstrating the value of robotics education through workshops and interactive sessions that engaged students in problem-solving and creativity. Slowly, the perception started to shift. The students who participated found themselves not just learning robotics but developing critical thinking and teamwork skills. Their enthusiasm spread through word-of-mouth, and parents began to take notice.

The Tipping Point and Growth

Over time, those small wins began to snowball. Otomatiks started receiving invitations to conduct more sessions, and soon, what was once seen as an impractical idea became a sought-after program. Our model grew from a single center to multiple branches, expanding both in reach and impact. Today, Otomatiks stands proud with over 150,000 students trained, 14 branches, and a workforce of more than 100 dedicated professionals. We currently train over 17,000 students—a testament to the power of persistence and belief. Today, our CTO, who has been associated with me for the past 8 years, was selected through a campus interview from the same college that later supported us by providing the venue for our first robotics competition.

Coming Full Circle

One of the most significant milestones for me personally was being invited back to the very same college where I once faced harsh skepticism. This time, it was different—I was honored as the chief guest for the inauguration of their startup incubator cell. It felt like a poetic moment of closure, proving that even the deepest doubts can transform into validation over time. Ironically, today, many of Otomatiks’ recruits come from colleges, further strengthening our roots in the community that once questioned our existence.

Key Lessons from the Journey

• Perseverance Pays Off: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that rejection is not the end. It’s a sign that you need to refine, adapt, and push forward.

• Stay True to Your Vision: No matter how many times people questioned the relevance of robotics education, I held onto the belief that it would make a difference.

• Build Trust Through Value: Providing genuine value through quality education helped change perceptions and build trust with students, parents, and partners.

1. Winning with Integrity: In a world where shortcuts and compromises are common, we choose a different path. For us, the only way to move forward is to win by upholding our values. These values are at the core of who we are and guide every decision we make. They drive us to strive for excellence, build trust, and make a lasting impact. Success isn’t just about reaching a goal; it’s about how we get there. And we choose to get there with integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication.
   

Where We Stand Today

The Otomatiks of today is a far cry from its early days. Our programs are more advanced, our reach is wider, and the acceptance we receive is overwhelming. But none of this would have been possible without embracing the early rejections as stepping stones to growth.

Encouragement for Future Innovators

To those who have a vision but face skepticism, I say this: Stay the course. There will be moments when you question yourself, when others will question you, and when progress seems slow. But with each challenge overcome, you’re building something that will stand the test of time.

With Love

Sathish S