Hero Vired tackles employability paradox through emerging online programs in collaboration with top universities and corporates: Gunjan Lalchandani
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Gunjan Lalchandani, Head of Growth and Strategy, Hero Vired
- What trends do you see shaping the future of education technology, and how is Hero Vired staying ahead of the curve?
In response to the rapidly evolving technological landscape, there is an escalating demand for skill-based training programs. This demand is particularly seen among early-working professionals and graduates who seek flexible courses from the comfort of their homes to stay relevant in the job market. The existing gap between higher education and industry work standards further emphasizes on the need for continuous upskilling.
Adding to this, Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) has played a pivotal role in disrupting industries, compelling both corporations and professionals to innovate and enhance their technological proficiencies. AI and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as key technologies to address this challenge as they enable personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs and preferences, fostering a more effective educational journey. Real-time monitoring of learner achievements, coupled with personalized recommendations using adaptive technologies, contributes to a dynamic and responsive learning environment. This approach ensures that individuals receive targeted support for continuous improvement.
Additionally, the incorporation of gamification in education is becoming increasingly prevalent. EdTech companies are investing significantly in creating immersive and interactive learning experiences. By making content more engaging and enjoyable through gamification, the companies aim to enhance the overall effectiveness of educational programs.
On the lines of these trends, our mission is to tackle the “employability paradox” by offering online certification courses tailored for working professionals across five key domains: Data, Technology, Finance, Management, and Future Tech. Our specialized courses which have been formulated in In collaboration with renowned global educational powerhouses such as MIT, INSEAD, and the University of Chicago, as well as industry leaders like Snapchat and Nodwin Gaming, help to provide learners with industry-modeled and practical courses, preparing them for the demands of Industry 4.0 and 21st-century skills. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on, application-based learning methods, including code-along sessions, in-class polls, quizzes, industry projects, and case-based learning. To ensure a personalized learning journey, we offer doubt-clearing sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and discussion forums, fostering a supportive environment for better learning outcomes. Our extensive library of self-paced content, featuring unique formats like interactive question banks, task-based simulations, animated videos, and gamified assessments, amounts to approximately 1000 hours of learning. Additionally, our 360˚ degree-integrated approach includes career preparation and assistance, with initiatives such as ‘Vired to Listen’ a mental health helpline, providing ongoing support to learners beyond academics.
- What are the key strategic partnerships in place at Hero Vired and how do they contribute in building deeper engagement with customers?
Our programs stand out through strategic partnerships with esteemed universities and organizations such as MITINSEAD, University of Chicago, Snapchat, Nodwin and UX Design Institute offering our learners a unique opportunity to benefit from sessions conducted by the faculty of the universities and industry leaders directly. This exposure ensures a world-class standard of teaching and content, aligning with global educational benchmarks. On the industry front, our collaboration with Nodwin Gaming guarantees valuable internships, providing learners with direct entry into the dynamic gaming and Esports domain. Additionally, our partnership with Freo involves collaborative initiatives like capstone projects, master classes, and CV-building activities, aimed at enhancing industry readiness. These alliances with both academic and industry leaders contribute to a comprehensive learning experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for our learners.
- Can you talk about the core team of Hero Vired and how has it helped Hero Vired reach where it is today?
Our core team comprises individuals with diverse yet complementary experiences in startups and leadership roles across various industries and functions. Some team members bring a wealth of expertise from the core ed-tech background, having successfully navigated similar terrain in the past. Others have joined from startups or consulting backgrounds, contributing strong general management or functional skills to our collective strengths. Despite these varied backgrounds, a shared passion for ed-tech and startups unites us all. Another common value embedded within our team is an unwavering flexibility to take on any critical task vital for the success of the business.
Rejecting the notion of boundaries, we operate as a cohesive unit, working collaboratively to realize our common objective of establishing the most successful skilling ed-tech company. In just a span of two years, this dynamic team of 330+ employees has delivered success, offering approximately 15 programs in collaboration with best-in-class university partners such as MIT, INSEAD, and the University of Chicago. Hero Vired currently has 3000+ learners with 250+ placements across various industries and roles.
- What are the organization’s growth and expansion plans for the next one year?
We are committed to scaling our existing partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), INSEAD, and the University of Chicago, ensuring a global reach and maintaining the highest standards of education. To enhance our offerings, we plan to launch additional programs within our current domains, providing learners with a more comprehensive range of opportunities. Moreover, a key focus area involves optimizing learning outcomes, be it in terms of career advancements or other notable achievements, for our existing base of learners. At Hero Vired, we are also at the planning stages of expanding in the international markets, in a couple of years. Recognizing the global relevance of our futuristic programs, we aim to offer them to an international audience.
By prioritizing expansion, strengthening partnerships, diversifying program offerings, and ensuring meaningful outcomes, we are poised for continued success and impact in the education landscape.
- The integration of emerging technologies like AI and VR is changing the landscape of education. How is Hero Vired leveraging these technologies to enhance learning experiences?
The rapid evolution of new technologies such as AI, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping industries across the board. Skilling platforms are at the forefront of incorporating these advancements into education, creating innovative and exciting learning environments. Interactive simulations, facilitated through gamification, offer hands-on investigation opportunities, while AI-driven chatbots provide immediate guidance and tutoring. These platforms prioritize customization, allowing students to access learning materials tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, the integration of adaptive learning technologies is set to enhance the learning experience by dynamically modifying content and difficulty levels, effectively addressing and closing skill gaps for learners. The collective impact of these developments signals a transformative era in education, where technology not only facilitates learning but also adapts to the unique requirements of each learner.
In line with this approach, faculty members at Hero Vired are crafting personalized learning paths using AI for each learner based on their pace of learning. Additionally, we are working on building a chatbot for our learners that would offer academic support and measure their efforts through an automated grading system.
- What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders who are interested in making their mark in the EdTech industry?
The journey of a woman entrepreneur or leader is undeniably challenging, yet it presents abundant opportunities for growth and impact. Balancing work and personal life is a common struggle, making it crucial to prioritize tasks efficiently. I firmly advocate for the 80:20 rule, emphasizing that 80% of results stem from 20% of actions. By identifying and concentrating on key tasks, women can maximize their efforts and yield optimal outcomes. Productivity, I believe, is not solely contingent on the number of hours invested but rather on the quality and focus of one’s work. Contrary to the misconception that longer hours equate to heightened productivity, I find that dedicated focus on daily or weekly goals can lead to significant impact in a relatively short time frame. Personally, I adhere to the practice of setting and evaluating goals regularly, breaking down large tasks into more manageable components. Accomplishing these smaller goals on a daily basis provides a tangible sense of achievement, fostering motivation for sustained productivity. This approach underscores the power of consistent, focused efforts on smaller initiatives, ultimately resulting in substantial progress over weeks and months.
