When Amal Raj saw a LinkedIn post promoting SSE’s Digital Internship Program: Tech Central, he realised it might be the perfect opportunity to further his dream of running an Eastern holistic health practice while gaining valuable insights into Western entrepreneurial practices and concepts.
The business student from Pala, on the banks of the Meenachil River in Kerala in India’s south-west, is founder of health tech business Thoppil Ayurveda Pharmacy. His goal is to bridge the rich tradition of Ayurveda from his family’s legacy with innovative technology to create a holistic health company.
Eastern holistic health meets Western business practices
“I really wanted to acquire knowledge about product development and market dynamics,” Amal explained when asked what he hoped to achieve by doing the program, “and discover some common challenges faced by start-ups in the tech and healthcare sectors [two of SSE’s three showcased companies are healthtech startups].”
“I hoped to improve my problem-solving abilities, which I know are crucial for identifying opportunities in business, and the communication and leadership skills needed to bring my entrepreneurial dream to life.”
The online format of the program particularly appealed to Amal because it allowed him to work at his own pace, which made it easier to balance his studies with other responsibilities.
The ambitious young founder described his experience in completing the program as ‘transformative’, adding that “the opportunity to fuse the profound wisdom of Ayurveda, which is rooted in a century-old family tradition, with cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial insights was really empowering”.
“Exploring how tradition and innovation can work together has really allowed me to realise my vision of bringing our family’s Ayurveda legacy, which is a wellspring of traditional knowledge and remedies, back to life.”
Entrepreneurship not just about running a business
“To me, innovation is the fusion of creativity and practicality. It’s the art of transforming ideas and concepts into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges and create meaningful impact,” Amal said.
“It’s about challenging the status quo, embracing change, and constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and human wellbeing.”
Entrepreneurship, on the other hand? “It’s the pursuit of those opportunities, often in the face of uncertainty and risk, to create value and drive positive change. To me, it’s not just about starting and running a business; it’s a mindset.”
Digital learning for real-world applications
We asked Amal how he hoped to apply his learnings to his new venture.
“From the moment I started, it was clear that this internship was tailor-made for me! I have very clear goals and the program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of product development dynamics and the intricate challenges startups face.”
“I’m in the process of pursuing an MBA in entrepreneurship while simultaneously researching and planning for the launch of my business. Successfully completing SSE’s program and receiving the microcredential feels like a big step forward in my entrepreneurial journey.”
“I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from SSE to create a meaningful impact.”
Thinking of enrolling? Embrace the opportunity!
“Be willing to step out of your comfort zone” is Amal’s great advice to anyone considering the program. “Remember, learning often involves some initial uncertainty, so stay committed, believe in your abilities, and be open to achieving your potential.”
Digital Internship Program: Tech Central is free program that gives learners real-world experience by leading them through challenges faced by three innovative, high-impact Australian startups and scaleups. It’s designed for anyone interested in exploring the world of startups, and to build transferable skills required to work in or create a successful startup.
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