We are partnering with schools throughout India:Bipin Dama

(Saras-3D) India’s first stereoscopic 3D learning solution for science and mathematics that brings international learnings and best practices to India. The company operates in India through its wholly owned subsidiary 3D EdTech Pvt Ltd.

(Saras-3D) India’s first stereoscopic 3D learning solution for science and mathematics that brings international learnings and best practices to India. The company operates in India through its wholly owned subsidiary 3D EdTech Pvt Ltd.

An industry veteran with over 33 years of experience in the technology industry, Bipin has a proven track record of successful product delivery from concept to deployment with substantial revenue generation and shareholder returns. He holds 37 granted US patents.

Bipin founded Saras-3D, Inc. with an aim to create the right foundation for learning and acquisition of knowledge to help shape STEM innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow and empower them to compete and succeed globally.

Prior to founding Saras-3D, Inc., Bipin was key member of two previous start-ups with successful exits, AANetcom acquired by PMC Sierra in 2000 and Lightwire acquired by Cisco Systems in 2012. Prior to the two start-up experiences, Bipin worked as an engineer in AT&T Bell Laboratories, New Jersey, USA and Larsen & Toubro, Ltd, Mumbai, India.

Bipin holds a B.E. (Electrical Engineering) from Marathwada University, Aurangabad and Master of Science Degree (MS – Electrical and Computer Engineering) from Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Recently, in a conversation with Telecom Mirror, Bipin Dama, Founder & CEO of Saras 3D Inc. elaborated on 3D Learning and its online teaching and learning growth and future plans.

Telecom Mirror: How did the idea for Saras-3D come about?

Bipin Dama: We began by observing how the divide between those who do and do not have access to high quality education determines students’ opportunity to reach their full potential. If more students have access, then more will be able to shape their lives and fulfil their dreams. This is how education creates more possibilities in the world. And that’s why we’ve made it our mission to democratize high quality 3D hands-on learning so that everyone can have that chance.

Telecom Mirror: What is Genius 3D Learning?

Bipin Dama: Genius 3D Learning uses 3D simulations and virtual hands-on learning methods to create stimulating, highly engaging learning experiences. It fills two large gaps in the market. First, we noticed that other solutions relied solely on passive learning; i.e. watching videos & reading text. Secondly, we also understood that according to NSSO, only 24% of households have reliable internet access.

We designed Genius 3D with a three-dimensional approach so that students can have a hands-on, interactive learning experience, just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. This promotes sustained engagement and helps students learn faster and more efficiently.

Then, we designed Genius 3D Learning content to be accessible without an internet connection so that it can be used by students across the entire country.

Telecom Mirror: There are already large established players in the education space. Also, 3D learning is not very accessible for the larger number of middle-class consumers, so how are you planning to grow?

Bipin Dama: Middle-class consumers often lack access to devices, a reliable internet connection, or a dedicated quiet place to study. The 2017-2018 report from National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) showed that only 24% of the Indian population had reliable internet access, leaving most students behind. They can only passively read materials they happen to find. While this setup privileges children who have reliable internet service, even families with adequate resources find it difficult to keep children engaged online.

Saras-3D has a broader reach because Genius 3D Learning does not require an internet connection to access the learning content. Everything a student needs to succeed is included with Genius 3D Learning bundles.

Parents are adopting Genius 3D Learning to help their children study from home effectively. We are also partnering with schools and institutes to integrate our technology into their existing systems. It’s this dual demand from both parents and teachers that will fuel continued growth.

Telecom Mirror: What has been the investment so far into developing Genius 3D? Can you elaborate on funding and your expectations?

Bipin Dama: Saras-3D is funded by multiple investors. As we continue to grow, we will seek additional funding rounds to support future growth & expansion.

Telecom Mirror: Saras 3D Learning solution claims to be India’s first 3D stereoscopic learning solution. Can you elaborate on this? What makes it so different from the rest of the products available in the market?

Bipin Dama: To stay engaged, students need a way to mimic real-world learning experiences. Genius 3D Learning uses 3D simulations and virtual hands-on learning methods to create stimulating, highly engaging learning experiences. This empowers students to interact & play with scaled models that depict concepts the way they exist in real life. By learning through exploration, students are engaged just as profoundly as they would be learning in a real-life laboratory. We also utilize virtual labs and 3D videos with online learning fundamentals such as quizzes and analytics. This way, students are guided through multiple media to understand each concept thoroughly.

This technique is based on stereoscopy, a technology that combines special eyeglasses with a booster box to create a three-dimensional, interactive experience. Students can learn twice as fast through interacting with realistic, scaled models because they learn through doing rather than simply learning about concepts. This leads to deeper understanding and better recall. In fact, many students are already using this technology to master competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

Saras-3D has a broader reach because Genius 3D Learning does not require an internet connection to access the learning content. It is interactive, so while students are actually learning, they feel like they are playing in a lab-like setup. Everything a student needs to succeed is included with Genius 3D Learning bundles.

Telecom Mirror: Classroom teaching has been an important part of a student’s life. In the new normal, that interpersonal connection is missing! How is Genius 3D helping bridge those gaps?

Bipin Dama: Through three-dimensional learning, students explore and play in a hands-on, interactive way, just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. This hands-on engagement helps students better understand the material and create meaningful connections.

Genius 3D Learning also provides 3D video lectures that thoroughly explain the concepts behind the material in a way that breaks down difficult concepts to simpler elements and helps students better understand the theories more deeply.

This helps bridge the gap between in-classroom and at-home learning so that students can learn quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are.

We are also working with schools & educators so they have more tools to fire students’ imagination and teach better.

Telecom Mirror: How do you think technology can impact the education industry? How can it help in achieving universal access to education?

Bipin Dama: Technology has the power to democratize high quality education throughout the world. With thoughtfully designed technology, students in rural areas can now have access to the same caliber of education as their wealthier, more urban counterparts. By learning in a virtual, interactive experience, students can explore concepts just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. This creates more opportunities for students to reach their full potential, no matter where they are.

That’s why it was so important for us to provide access to our content without the internet. It opens the possibility for more students to use it and reach their full potential.

Telecom Mirror: Are there any plans to launch Genius 3D in markets other than India?

Bipin Dama: While we are open to future expansion, we don’t have immediate plans at this time.

Telecom Mirror: Tell us about the way forward for Saras-3D?

Bipin Dama: Saras-3D will continue reaching out to a broader range of parents and students across the country to help more students succeed. We are dedicated to equipping them with the best technology available, which also helps them prepare for JEE, NEET, and other entrance exams. Simultaneously, we are also partnering with schools throughout India to support teachers in the classroom. Using this technology, teachers will better retain their students’ engagement and instill the meaning behind complex concepts.