Dr Ashok Bakthavathsalam is a software engineer turned entrepreneur. Armed with a PhD in Software Engineering, his experience spans across diverse business ventures that include IT Products, Services & Consulting, BPO, IT infrastructure, Healthcare, Education & Solar. He is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully created companies & institutions using various business models, including JVs, SPVs, Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Built-Operate-Manage (BOM). The World Bank has acknowledged for vision- turned-reality in establishing the largest IT SEZ in Coimbatore and for placing the city in the IT map of India. He is also widely recognized for entrepreneurship, commitment to excellence and delivering high-growth value to alliances and partners. He was the Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Coimbatore Zone (2012-2013). He is an ardent squash player, coffee enthusiast and a TDD evangelist. He loves to work with students and also dabbles in coding to this day!