Revolutionizing Lighting: A Conversation with Ashish Kothari

An interview with Ashish Kothari, the co-founder of Litomatic, a pioneering company specializing in remote-controlled tunable and dimmable lighting solutions

In this interview, we speak with Ashish Kothari, co-founder of Litomatic, a trailblazer in the realm of remote-controlled tunable and dimmable lighting solutions.

With a passion for innovation and sustainability, Ashish shares his insights on the evolution of smart lighting technology, the challenges faced in the industry, and the vision that drives Litomatic to redefine how we experience light in our everyday lives.

Litomatic has made a strong impact in the lighting industry. Can you tell us about the journey of founding Litomatic and what inspired you to start the company?

Ashish Kothari: The journey of Litomatic is rooted in both legacy and innovation. Originally established as Kardhar Electric Co. in 1992, the company underwent a transformative evolution when Raj Kothari joined the family business in 2011, bringing with him a fervent passion for lighting design and technology.

This infusion of fresh perspective, combined with my three decades of industry experience, catalysed the formal founding of Litomatic in 2016. Our shared vision was to redefine the lighting landscape in India through advanced, user-centric solutions.

The inspiration stemmed from a desire to bridge the gap between traditional lighting and modern, adaptive technologies, offering products that not only illuminate spaces but also enhance the ambience and functionality tailored to diverse environments.

What were some of the key challenges you faced when launching Litomatic, and how did you overcome them?

Ashish Kothari: Launching Litomatic came with its share of formidable challenges. One of the early hurdles was the rejection of an initial collaboration proposal in 2014, which could have been a significant growth lever.

Rather than viewing this setback as a deterrent, we reframed it as an opportunity to innovate independently.

Another challenge was navigating the complexities of importing lighting goods while establishing a distinct brand identity domestically. To overcome these obstacles, we invested heavily in R&D, established a robust in-house testing facility in Udaipur, and cultivated a resilient dealer network.

This strategic focus on quality control, technological advancement, and market adaptation enabled us to turn challenges into catalysts for growth.

How do you see the future of smart lighting and IoT integration in everyday homes and businesses? What role do you see Litomatic playing in the future?

Ashish Kothari: The future of smart lighting is intrinsically linked with the broader evolution of IoT, where lighting systems will transcend their traditional roles to become integral components of intelligent environments.

This future envisions lighting that adapts autonomously to user preferences, environmental conditions, and energy efficiency mandates.

At Litomatic, we are poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation. Our focus on remote-controlled, tunable, and dimmable solutions is just the beginning.

We are continuously advancing our R&D to develop products that seamlessly integrate with smart home ecosystems, leveraging data analytics, AI-driven customisation, and sustainable technologies to redefine how lighting contributes to well-being, productivity, and ecological responsibility.

Can you walk us through Litomatic’s product development process? How do you ensure that each product meets the needs of today’s modern consumer?

Ashish Kothari: Litomatic’s product development process is a meticulously structured journey from concept to creation. It begins with market research to identify emerging trends and consumer needs, followed by collaborative ideation sessions between our design, engineering, and R&D teams.

We prioritise user-centric design, ensuring that functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability are seamlessly integrated. Prototypes undergo rigorous in-house testing within our advanced lab facilities to validate performance, durability, and energy efficiency.

Feedback loops with architects, interior designers, and end-users are integral, enabling iterative improvements.

This holistic approach ensures that every product aligns with contemporary consumer demands for smart features, energy efficiency, and aesthetic versatility, delivering solutions that are both innovative and reliable.

As co-founder of a tech-driven company, how do you stay on top of industry trends and technological advancements in the lighting space?

Ashish Kothari: Staying at the forefront of industry trends requires a dynamic and proactive approach. I engage in continuous learning through global industry conferences, trade exhibitions, and professional networks that provide insights into emerging technologies and design paradigms.

Additionally, fostering strong relationships with technology partners and thought leaders in the lighting sector enables knowledge exchange and early adoption of groundbreaking innovations.

Within Litomatic, we cultivate a culture of curiosity and experimentation, encouraging our R&D team to explore new materials, smart technologies, and sustainable practices.

This multi-faceted strategy ensures that we not only keep pace with industry evolution but also anticipate future developments, positioning Litomatic as a leader in lighting innovation.

Smart lighting is becoming more popular in homes and businesses. How does Litomatic differentiate itself from other competitors in the market?

Ashish Kothari: Litomatic differentiates itself through a synthesis of technological excellence, design innovation, and user-centric functionality. While many competitors focus on either aesthetics or smart features, we integrate both seamlessly.

Our proprietary remote-controlled, tunable, and dimmable lighting solutions are engineered with advanced LED and Chip-On-Board (COB) technology, ensuring superior colour rendering, energy efficiency, and longevity.

Furthermore, our in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities allow us to maintain stringent quality control and rapidly adapt to market demands.

The emphasis on customizability, coupled with our commitment to sustainability and exceptional after-sales support, positions Litomatic as not just a product provider but a comprehensive lighting solutions partner.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to innovate in a technology-driven industry like lighting?

Ashish Kothari: Aspiring entrepreneurs should embrace resilience and adaptability as core tenets of their journey. In a technology-driven industry like lighting, innovation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and refining.

I advise focusing on a deep understanding of market needs, fostering a culture of curiosity, and investing in robust R&D capabilities. Strategic risk-taking, coupled with data-driven decision-making, can pave the way for transformative growth.

Additionally, building strong networks—with mentors, industry peers, and customers—can provide invaluable insights and support. Ultimately, success lies in balancing visionary thinking with operational excellence, ensuring that each innovation genuinely adds value to the end user.

As we conclude our conversation, Ashish Kothari’s commitment to transforming the lighting landscape is evident.

His vision for Litomatic not only emphasizes technological advancement but also prioritizes user experience and environmental sustainability.

With a focus on innovation, Ashish is poised to lead the charge in creating smarter, more adaptable lighting solutions that enhance our lives while respecting the planet.

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