On August 21, 2020, a tech start-up from Kerala has won a government challenge to create a video-conferencing platform similar to Zoom. The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s Digital India (MEITY)’s ‘Grand Challenge,’ rolled out on April 12, to develop a world-class video-conferencing solution amid a boom in demand for the same due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 44-year-old Joy Sebastian took the challenge and developed a world-class video-conferencing solution and a whopping cash prize of Rs 1 crore.
Equivalent to Zoom
There was a rise in demand for video conferencing apps because the existing player Zoom had safety concerns due to which a homegrown app was needed. The app Vconsol has addressed it with tighter measures like each participant will have a different password. To ensure that only those expected or invited are able to join the video-conference, an OTP verification code will be sent to mobile phones of participants. Now, the company will be provided with the financial support of Rs 1 crore, and an additional Rs 10 lakh for operation and maintenance for the next three years.
Joy Sebastian
Joy Sebastian left his career as a tech consultant in Kochi, moved to a village near Alappuzha, and took a leap of faith with one dream — starting an R&D centre for video-conferencing solutions. He runs Techgentsia Software Technologies Pvt Ltd and employs about 65 people.
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