Soumya (pronounced Shomo), is a BITS Pilani (Pilani, ‘13) postgraduate in ME Biotechnology. A Kolkata native, Soumya is a neuroscience researcher and entrepreneur. His journey has been both academically enriching and professionally diverse. After completing his master’s dissertation at NCBS, Bangalore, Soumya began a PhD, which he paused during the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. He founded a start-up focused on brain-computer interfacing and consumer neuroscience. Following a steep learning curve, he secured pre-seed funding and explored applying neuroscience technology in various sectors. Currently, Soumya has returned to finish his PhD and continues to focus on neuroscience research.

How was your experience studying at BITS, and how did it help shape your career path?
Studying at BITS Pilani was transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to live independently, which helped me discover strengths I did not know I had. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the value of things, both academically and in life. On a broader level, I was inspired by my peers—many of them younger than me—who were confidently conducting research in areas I had always considered complex. Their dedication and confidence motivated me to push my own boundaries and pursue my interests more fearlessly.

What motivated you to study Biotechnology?

I have always been fascinated by Biology, especially neural networks, so I chose Biology whenever I had the option. That interest naturally guided me toward Biotechnology, as I saw it as a path that could eventually bring me closer to my goal of working in the Neuroscience field. Even when I took up my PhD, it was driven by that same passion—I wanted to get as close to understanding neural systems as possible, and Biotechnology felt like the right steppingstone to get there.

Can you please tell me more about your Company?
I founded the company with the goal of creating a device that could communicate with the brain and process brain information. Initially, after a poor response from investors, we shifted to a non-invasive approach using EEG and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). With the help of a co-founder who had a PhD in AI, we secured $55,000 in pre-seed funding from Entrepreneur First.

We started by developing hardware to detect brain activity, focusing on consumer neuroscience and unconscious decision-making. During COVID, we shifted towards applying this technology to online products, targeting companies like Jio and edtech firms for pilot programs. Running the company was a steep learning curve, but it taught me valuable lessons in communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship, which ultimately pushed me towards a greater focus on entrepreneurship with the same neuroscience-driven mission.

Why did you choose BITS for Biotechnology?

There was something about the vibe at BITS that stood out to me. The people seemed to have more energy and drive, and I felt I could grow in more ways than just academics. The research opportunities were a major draw as well. I worked on a project isolating the genome in a specific part of DNA to determine what regulates certain genes—called promoter analysis. I was fascinated by how my professor approached research questions, and I noticed that the research was very curiosity-driven, which was inspiring.

What advice would you give current students at BITS Pilani to make the most of their time there?
My advice would be to explore as much as you can. While it is important to focus on what you are passionate about, it's equally important to try new things. You do not really know what you are meant for until you experience it firsthand, and BITS offers so many opportunities. Experiment with different activities and courses, and you will be better equipped to make more informed decisions later in life.

How has BITS Pilani supported your professional development since graduating, such as through alumni networks or career services?
BITS has been a great support throughout my professional journey. No matter where I am, I always end up connecting with fellow BITSians. The alumni network has helped me reach out to companies and facilitated smoother conversations during the early stages of my ventures. I also plan to leverage the BITS Angel Network for funding in my second company, which focuses on genomic analysis for the early detection of health issues and improving the longevity of brain-implanted sensors.

Can you tell us more about your role as a Founder in Residence?
Being a Founder in Residence was an invaluable experience. It is essentially a program that brings aspiring entrepreneurs together, helping them partner with like-minded individuals to co-found companies. It also supports you in pitching and securing funding. Through this program, I met my co-founder for BrainEnTech, and that partnership was a key turning point for the company’s development.

What stands out as your most cherished memory from your time at BITS?
One of my favorite memories from BITS is grabbing an egg cheese mayonnaise burger with a masala Thumbs Up at Skylab after a long, draining day. It was the perfect way to recharge. There was also a time when my friends and I got caught in a situation that nearly got us kicked out of college, but we managed to get through it—definitely one of those unforgettable experiences!