‘Sita’s character greater than Ram’s’: DKS urges women to take leadership roles

Twins Nishita and Nikita Baliarsingh, founders of deep-tech startup Nexus Power, have been named to the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward developing sustainable battery technology. The recognition highlights their efforts in advancing renewable energy solutions, though the sisters emphasize that the path to success was fraught with challenges, failures, and learning experiences that remain largely unseen in public narratives. The Baliarsingh twins, both alumni of SAI International School in Bhubaneswar, began their entrepreneurial journey during their formative years. While participating in various school initiatives, including organizing events under the UNWIND platform, they gained exposure to leadership roles and corporate structures. This early experience laid the groundwork for their eventual transition into founding Nexus Power, a company focused on innovative battery technologies. Despite the accolades, the sisters acknowledge that the public perception of their achievements overlooks the struggles and setbacks they faced along the way. Their high school mentor, Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, played a pivotal role in shaping their ambitions. When their academic performance dipped in Class 11, Sahoo approached them with encouragement rather than criticism, recognizing their latent potential. This supportive interaction significantly influenced their mindset and career choices. The twins credit this guidance as instrumental in steering them toward entrepreneurship. Their journey, however, was not solely dependent on personal drive; it was supported by a network of mentors, educators, and institutions that provided crucial assistance during critical phases. The Baliarsinghs' initial interest in technology and machinery evolved into a focus on battery innovation after realizing the limitations of existing electric vehicle components. Starting with the goal of creating electric vehicles, they shifted their attention to the underlying challenge, battery efficiency. This pivot led to the formation of Nexus Power, which aims to develop advanced battery solutions that can support a range of applications beyond traditional automotive uses. Recently, the company signed an agreement with Aurassure to conduct battery pack trials for its advanced weather monitoring systems, signaling further expansion into diverse technological domains. Meanwhile, another young entrepreneur, Naman Pushp, has carved a distinct path in the tech industry. At the height of the global pandemic in 2020, Pushp, then a 15-year-old, found himself confined to his home and turned to building drones out of boredom. His initial project, dubbed Open Drone, earned him a modest prize at a hackathon, which he reinvested into refining his prototype. This early success set the stage for his future endeavors. Now 21, Pushp leads Airbound, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup that has raised $37 million in a recent Series A funding round led by Greenoaks. The company's valuation has surged to nearly $50 million, reflecting the rapid growth of its operations. Pushp's journey from a hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of turning personal interests into viable businesses. Born in Mumbai, he spent parts of his childhood in Hyderabad and Malaysia before settling in India for his formal education. His passion for building things emerged early, leading him to participate in robotics competitions and engineering projects. Although he was offered admission to Carnegie Mellon University, Pushp opted to pursue his own ventures instead, choosing to focus on solving real-world problems through his drone technology. Airbound's core innovation lies in its approach to aerial logistics. Recognizing the inefficiencies in conventional aircraft design, Pushp developed a model that prioritizes payload capacity over structural weight. This shift allows for more efficient drone deliveries compared to traditional methods. Currently, Airbound operates over 13,000 autonomous flights annually, with notable partnerships involving healthcare providers like Narayana Health. The company's ability to transport medical samples via drones has demonstrated the practicality of aerial logistics in urban settings. Looking ahead, Pushp aims to expand Airbound's reach across Andhra Pradesh, connecting key cities with a network of autonomous flights. With the support of local governments, the company is working to establish infrastructure that facilitates large-scale drone operations. As these young innovators continue to push boundaries in their respective fields, their stories serve as compelling examples of how early curiosity and perseverance can translate into impactful technological advancements.