Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: Mr. Saswat Kumar Panda, a Bhubaneswar-born technocrat and global entrepreneur, is redefining what it means to build world-class innovation from Eastern India. As the Founder and CEO of Quocent, a technology solutions company headquartered in Malaysia with strong operational roots in India, Mr. Panda has built a business that not only delivers cutting-edge solutions in Artificial Intelligence, IoT, ERP, and digital systems—but also champions the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
What makes Mr. Panda’s journey stand out is not just where he is today, but where he started. In 2009, after graduating from an engineering college in Odisha, he co-founded a startup with a group of peers. Like many early ventures, it faced hurdles. Co-founders left. The team disbanded. But Mr. Panda stayed the course. He rebuilt from scratch, with a new vision and deeper resolve. That determination laid the foundation for Quocent—a company that today works with clients across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, delivering enterprise-grade technology solutions with global relevance.
For Mr. Panda, expanding into Malaysia wasn’t a random move—it was rooted in historical perspective and strategic clarity. “Odisha had maritime trade routes with Southeast Asia centuries ago. I wanted our next venture to reflect that cultural continuity,” he shares. He earned the rare Malaysian Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) permit, making him one of the few foreign tech founders to do so. Today, he serves as an adviser to Malaysia’s National AI Office and South Korea’s National IT Promotion Agency (NIPA), helping Korean SMEs expand into the ASEAN region.
While he is recognized globally—having received awards like CeBIT’s Best Exhibitor (India), STPI’s Youngest Entrepreneur Award, World Trade Centre’s Exporter Award, and recently featured in Fortune Magazine—Mr. Panda remains deeply committed to Odisha’s development. He is vocal about the systemic gaps that hinder the region’s entrepreneurial growth.
“Talent is not the issue. Perception and execution are,” he says. “Clients still ask, ‘Where is Bhubaneswar?’ That tells you the brand value challenge we face.” Despite policy announcements, he believes implementation often lags. “Projects that take two years elsewhere take five here. There’s potential, but we need urgency and accountability.”
Mr. Panda believes Odisha needs to shift from glorifying superficial success to celebrating those who are creating real, ethical impact. “We need to back genuine entrepreneurs—not just in words, but with networks, access, and policy support. Our local ecosystem must support one another’s growth.”
Through Quocent and beyond, Mr. Panda has become a mentor and advisor to numerous startups and academic institutions. He actively collaborates with Startup India and works closely with universities like Sri Sri University, CV Raman Global University, Utkal University, MSU and UPM Malaysia. He also serves on the board of Malaysia’s Tri-E Group, driving digital innovation for the BFSI sector. His leadership programs with NUS Singapore and CII India focus on reskilling, ethical tech deployment, and AI disruption readiness.
His belief in system thinking is clear. “You can replicate Singapore’s buildings, but unless you adopt the systems—discipline, professionalism, accountability—you’re just building empty walls.” He believes Odisha has the potential to build its own model of excellence, but only if supported by strong execution and cultural alignment.
One of Mr. Panda’s most powerful contributions is his advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. “If you’re consistent and persistent in your efforts, results will come. You don’t need to compare your journey with anyone else’s,” he says.
For those starting out, he’s direct: “Passion is good. Emotion is good. But if there’s no demand for what you’re building, you’re doing the wrong thing. Understand the customer. Study the market. Validate your idea—don’t just assume it’ll work. Get outside, speak to people, gather real feedback.”
He stresses the importance of building a solid foundation. “You must make your own business plan. That’s not optional—it’s critical. Every successful company has worked hard, stayed consistent, and kept refining its model. There’s no shortcut.”
According to him, patience is a non-negotiable. “You won’t get results overnight. You need to align your offering with real market need. Build a brand that fits that space. Create the right environment for its execution—and then stay at it. You’ll succeed.”
At a time when many are chasing vanity metrics, Mr. Saswat Kumar Panda stands apart—as someone who builds with depth, mentors with honesty, and speaks with clarity. His journey proves that meaningful innovation doesn’t need noise; it needs purpose, persistence, and a belief in building something that truly lasts.
