Dexian, in partnership with the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), has introduced the pioneering Dexian-CUTN Initiative to address the pressing need for industry-academia collaboration. This unique approach is tailored to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, aligning academic learning with industry needs. By blending academic insights with hands-on experience, the initiative aims to produce professionals well-equipped to navigate the modern digital landscape.
Vision and Mission
Dexian’s CUTN initiative is driven by an “In the Business for Good” vision. Dexian chose to support underprivileged students from underdeveloped regions and, therefore, collaborated with CUTN in Thiruvarur to provide them with valuable career opportunities that, in turn, benefit their families and communities. This aligns with Dexian’s broader goal of creating a positive impact through education and technology.
Key aspects include:
- Improving Employability: The initiative boosts students’ employability by offering hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills through fellowships and internships. It prepares them to qualify and secure an entry-level job in the industry, build a strong foundation for a long-term career in the job market, and support their families. This also aids underdeveloped areas’ socio-economic development by securing appropriate employment.
- Untapped Talent Markets: The initiative seeks to explore and tap into emerging talent pools, offering opportunities for students in previously overlooked regions.
“Being associated with a cause as impactful as this fills me with immense pride and purpose. At Dexian, our motto of ‘in the business for good’ isn’t just words—it’s a commitment we live by every day. Leading in this space means walking the talk, embodying our values, and making a real difference. It’s a privilege to contribute to such a noble cause and to help drive meaningful change.” – Kumar Rajagopalan, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Country Head at Dexian India
Dexian-CUTN Partnership
The initiative features an 18-month fellowship program that integrates students into real-world projects and provides hands-on experience:
- Phase 1 (First 6 Months): Involves 40 hours per month (10 hours per week), adaptable to students’ academic schedules, establishing a solid foundation.
- Phase 2 (7-12 Months): Focuses on increased responsibilities and deeper involvement in industry projects.
- Phase 3 (13-18 Months): Caters to those engaged in advanced research or project work, potentially leading to Ph.D.-level involvement.
Hiring Managers
Dexian has appointed a team of leaders to mentor and oversee students throughout their fellowship:
- Kumar Rajagopalan – Strategic Initiatives & Head of Operations – Dexian India
- Venkat Lakshminarasimha – Head of Solutions, India, and Middle East – Dexian India
- Neeraj Kumar – Executive Director, Human Resources, Dexian India – Dexian India
- Kalyanasundaram S – Executive Director, Managed Services – Dexian India
- Nirmal Nath – Executive Director, Finance and Accounting – Dexian India
- Ananthakrishnan Balasubramanian – Director, Technology Incubation Centre – Dexian India
- Sathish Rajendran – Director, Managed Services – Dexian India
From CUTN:
- Prof. Natarajan Gopalan – Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
Selection Process
- Interest Form: Over 100 students expressed interest in the program.
- Leadership Talk: Dexian leaders shared insights and inspiration.
- Initial Screening: 61 students were selected based on academic performance and programming knowledge.
Interview Phases:
- Level 1: Conducted by Dinesh S, Sathish R, and Ramachandran S (61 interviews).
- Level 2: Conducted by Venkat L and Kalyan S (28 interviews).
Integrated Team and Projects: Students work on projects in various domains, including AI, Agritech, Digital Transformation, and Quantum Cryptography. Dexian’s integrated team collaborates across departments to address complex challenges and drive innovation.
Evaluation and Feedback: Regular evaluations assess the progress of projects, internships, and training programs, with feedback from students, faculty, and industry professionals used to refine and enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.
Infrastructure and Resources
- Dexcellence Labs: An incubation center at CUTN equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, work desks, and chairs.
- Virtual Cloud-Based Platform: Dexian has developed a cloud platform for students to access project materials and collaborate effectively.
- Internship Programs: Dexian offers short-term (45-90 days) unpaid internships for students outside the fellowship program. These internships provide further practical experience through mini-projects with industry partners.
- Periodic Program Enhancements: Regular monitoring and adjustments ensure the programs meet the evolving needs of students and industry partners.
Impact and Benefits
“Working with the brilliant and energetic minds from CUTN has been an enriching experience. Designing this program alongside the college members allowed us to connect with the next generation of innovators and see their passion and creativity firsthand. I am thrilled to share that 100+ students have already reaped the benefits of this initiative, with 18 securing internships at Dexian. These interns now contribute to diverse projects, showcase their talent, and add fresh perspectives to our team. It’s exciting to be part of such dynamic collaborations that drive personal and professional growth.” — Venkat Lakshminarasimha, Head of Solutions, Dexian India
Partnership Details
- Kumar Rajagopalan, Strategic Initiatives & Head of Operations – Dexian India, and Sulochana Shekhar, Registrar of CUTN, signed the MOU on May 13, 2023. It is valid for three years with an extension provision.
- The first short-term batch began on June 11, 2024, and the first long-term internship batch (DE-Yashas) started on August 21, 2024.
Benefits
- Training and Research: Offering short and long-term training and research opportunities.
- Collaborative Projects: Developing research projects funded by external agencies.
- Joint Events: Organizing symposia, workshops, and training.
- Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating faculty and staff exchanges and access to knowledge-sharing facilities.
- Dedicated Facilities: Establishing the Dexcellence Labs with essential infrastructure and a cloud-based platform.
Integrated Courses: Offering work-integrated post-graduate and PhD courses for Dexian employees, with mentoring roles for students
Conclusion
The Dexian CUTN initiative represents a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The initiative impacts the tech industry and the educational sector by fostering collaboration, enhancing research and innovation, and improving employability. Through its commitment to collaboration and socio-economic development, Dexian is leading the way in shaping the future of education and technology. The initiative’s ongoing evolution and expansion promise to drive technological advancements, strengthen industry-academia partnerships, and contribute to the growth of communities and economies.
About Dexian India
Dexian is a global leader in talent consulting and technology solutions, driving innovation and long-term growth for organizations. We combine People, Processes, and Technology to help clients meet their business objectives and tackle challenges. Specializing in recruiting top global talent, Dexian provides access to a diverse talent pool in technology, finance, and other fields. Our NextGen technology solutions foster digital excellence, innovation, and superior customer experiences. We also help establish Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as innovation hubs, offering strategic benefits, operational efficiencies, and cost optimizations for global expansion. In AgriTech, Dexian transforms agriculture with solutions that benefit farmers, agricultural professionals, and consumers across the entire value chain. Since 1994, Dexian has been dedicated to empowering businesses, with over 12,000 employees in 70+ locations worldwide, serving 250+ Fortune 500 companies with a customer-centric approach.
Contact
Venkat Lakshminarasimha – Head of Solutions, India, and Middle East at Dexian India
Venkat Lakshminarasimha exemplifies transformative leadership with his adeptness at turning complex challenges into groundbreaking solutions. His empathetic and transparent approach builds trust and fosters clear communication, while his visionary mindset motivates teams to strive for excellence. Renowned for his expertise in Agritech and advancing Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Venkat has significantly impacted digital innovation across his regions. His leadership has shaped Dexian’s technological landscape, particularly in application development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and business intelligence.
Venkat’s global influence is evident through his management of operations in the US, Middle East, and India and his key role in strengthening government partnerships in various states in India. By enhancing Centers of Excellence in AI, data science, and AR/VR, and adopting a consultative approach to software development, Venkat continues to propel Dexian India’s journey toward innovation and excellence. His dedication to advancing technology and fostering collaborative relationships underscores his impact on the industry.
