Kavita Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Ziyyara Edutech brings 14 years of diverse professional experience across functions and industries. She believes that 2024 will witness continued growth in online learning, increased integration of emerging technologies, and a focus on skill-based education.
Education is big business in India. We are a nation that takes education very seriously and it reflects in the India edtech growth story.
Currently worth $6 billion, India is the second largest e-learning market globally, second only to the US. Reports suggest that the Indian edtech market is expected to touch $10 billion in value by 2025.
It also comes as no surprise that k-12 education holds the largest chunk of the edtech market. School education is a major need in today’s contemporary world and Indian startups are catering to these very requirements.
Kavita Sharma, an edtech entrepreneur believes that Indian edtech startups have been able to gain traction by making prudent use of technology for creating personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse learning needs of Indian school students.
Kavita, who had herself faced challenges as a young Indian student, co-founded Ziyyara, an online tuition platform in 2018. Observing fellow students’ anguish with respect to lengthy travel times and the loss of valuable hours in transit to and from tuition classes, gave her the insight into the need for an online tuition platform for Indian students.
Noida based Ziyyara aims to connect students with the best teachers through a digital platform. Kavita currently leads the development of Ziyyara’s short- and long-term strategies.
Kavita also brings to the table diverse professional experience spanning over a decade. Her journey commenced with expertise in teaching, sales, customer service, procurement, and human resources management. With her extensive 14 year of experience, she has extensive experience in different sectors like Teaching, B2B Sales, Payroll Management, and Supply Chain Management to name a few.
In a brief conversation with Women Entrepreneur India magazine, she speaks about her entrepreneurial journey and also highlights the current trends in the Indian edtech space.
Briefly describe your journey as an entrepreneur, particularly highlighting the key milestones that have shaped your career in the edtech sector?
My entrepreneurial journey has been marked by diverse experiences and a commitment to addressing educational challenges. It began with ventures in the UK Mortgage and Pension Insurance, and Merchant Navy Admissions, where I gained valuable insights into business operations. However, the pivotal shift occurred when I identified the need for accessible, high-quality education, leading to the founding of Ziyyara in 2018.
Were there any significant challenges you faced during your entrepreneurial journey? If so, how did you overcome them, and what lessons did you learn?
Yes, numerous challenges emerged while building and leading Ziyyara, some of the most pressing roadblocks were, managing diverse time zones, platform development and creating demand. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
The key lesson that I learnt by overcoming these challenges is the importance of adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities has been crucial in the growth of Ziyyara.
In your opinion, how are Indian edtech startups differentiating themselves in an increasingly competitive market?
Indian edtech startups stand out by leveraging technology for personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse learning needs. The focus on regional languages, affordability, and accessibility has been a key differentiator. Continuous innovation, and adapting to the evolving needs of students and educators, also sets Indian edtech apart in the global landscape.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the dynamics of the Indian edtech market, and what long-term changes do you foresee as a result?
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education, making it a necessity rather than an option. This shift is likely to have lasting effects, with a continued preference for online learning, blended with traditional methods. The edtech market will witness sustained growth as digital literacy becomes increasingly vital for students and professionals alike.
Are there any emerging technologies or innovations that you believe will have a transformative impact on the Indian edtech sector in the coming years?
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) are poised to revolutionize the Indian edtech sector. These technologies can enhance personalized learning experiences, making education more engaging and effective. Additionally, advancements in data analytics will contribute to more informed and data-driven decision-making in education.
As we look forward to 2024, what trends do you anticipate shaping the Indian edtech industry?
Anticipating trends in 2024, the Indian edtech industry is likely to Collaborative and interactive learning experiences, along with a global expansion of edtech services, are expected to be prominent trends in shaping the industry's future.
