NEW DELHI: State-run Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a master system integrator and engineering company said that it is supporting Indian start-ups, and handholding them to become financially strong. In a recent media interaction, Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, TCIL spoke on multiple issues such as Indigenous 4G technology, UPI platform, early warning system, and company's strengths. Edited excerpts.

What are your key strengths at a time when several public sector companies are grappling with challenges?

During the last 3 years the TCIL top line grew by nearly 50% while revenue per employee increased by 72% reaching to Rs. 3.6-crore per employee which is highest among its competitors. EBITDA of TCIL increased by 44% in the last 3 years.

We have taken multiple steps to improve productivity, efficiency, reduce time in decision making and bring sense of responsibility within the organisation.

What technological area, according to you is poised to see a lot of innovation coming out from within India?

India has a bright future with start-ups in artificial intelligence (AI) space that are coming out with a lot of innovation. I feel future belongs to India.

The government is also working to facilitate start-ups and MSMEs. How are you enabling them?

TCIL has empanelled more than 300 start-ups and MSMEs as technology or executing partners for projects. We have very flexible policy for awarding work to start-ups and MSME companies without financial or experience eligibility. We can award up to Rs 10 crore of work to them. This helps them to build their financial strength and experience criteria.

How is TCIL helping Indian companies in penetrating overseas markets?

We have presence in overseas countries. We are also closely following up with clients there for the deployment of indigenous 4G technology. Countries like Angola, Gambia, and Zambia. In addition, we have a focus on telemedicine and e-education solutions as well.

What are the other technologies you are seeing traction outside India?

Other than 4G, UPI (Unified Payment Interface) and digital ID are getting a lot of recognition in foreign countries. TCIL is also pursuing opportunities to deploy UPI and digital ID solutions in overseas markets.

Which countries have expressed interest in deploying Indian technologies?

We are in advanced with countries such as Angola, Gambia and Zambia who have shown interest to deploy India's 4G technology. Most of the countries are keen to deploy UPI application in addition to early warning system as a part of disaster management that also demonstrates India's unique technology prowess. Several European countries as well as Australia have shown interest in India's early warning system, based on Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) technology.