Interview: Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, Chief of Solitaire Brand Business, CEO & Director of Prointek Global Innovations

An interview with Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, Chief of Solitaire Brand Business, CEO & Director of Prointek Global Innovations

In an exclusive interview with Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, Chief of Solitaire Brand Business and CEO & Director of Prointek Global Innovations, we delve into his visionary leadership and innovative strategies that have propelled his company to the forefront of the industry.

Dr. Chatterjee shares insights on navigating challenges, fostering creativity, and his commitment to sustainability, revealing the driving forces behind his success.

What inspired you to establish Solitaire, and how did your background influence your journey in interactive technology?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: As the Chief of Solitaire, I reflect on a journey deeply intertwined with the evolution of interactive technology. With over two decades of leadership experience across global MNCs such as HCL, BenQ, NEC, Barco, and at an innovative Indian tech startup like Cybernetyx, I’ve had the privilege of both witnessing and contributing to significant technological advancements.

In 2020, I took a pivotal step into entrepreneurship by launching Prointek, a venture focused on interactive flat panels (IFPDs) and unified communication (UC) products. This move was a natural progression of my passion for AV technology and my commitment to driving innovation in this space.

A key milestone in this journey was the strategic partnership with Mr. VK Bhandari of Supertron Electronics. This collaboration was a thoughtfully considered step, built on a shared vision of establishing a leading technology brand in the IFPD and UC domains.

The acquisition of Prointek by Supertron, followed by the relaunch of the Solitaire brand in 2023, marked a new chapter. This acquisition symbolizes the blending of technical expertise and industry insight with Supertron’s vast infrastructure and financial strength.

At Solitaire, our mission is clear: to revolutionize the way information is shared and absorbed. We aim to transform educational environments and meeting room dynamics across India and beyond. Our vision is to set new benchmarks in the industry, relentlessly pursuing innovation and excellence in interactive technology.

What makes Solitaire’s interactive flat panels and UC products stand out in the competitive landscape?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: At Solitaire, our interactive flat panels and unified communication products are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. We strive to develop advanced solutions that not only elevate learning outcomes but also redefine the meeting room experience.

Our products are meticulously designed with a deep understanding of the unique requirements of both educational institutions and corporate environments.

What truly sets us apart is our exceptional after-sales support network. Leveraging Supertron’s expansive infrastructure, which includes 34 branches, 17 satellite offices, and 60 warehouses across 28 states, we ensure that our customers receive seamless support, no matter where they are located. This robust network exemplifies our dedication to delivering excellence in service.

Moreover, we are making significant investments in research and development, keeping us at the forefront of industry trends. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Noida is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to uphold the highest standards of product reliability.

Beyond hardware, we are building a holistic ecosystem by partnering with software developers and content providers, enriching user experiences and significantly enhancing productivity.

Through these strategic efforts, Solitaire is not merely delivering products; we are pioneering a transformative approach to interactive technology, setting new benchmarks for classrooms, training rooms, and meeting spaces alike.

How do you ensure that your products meet the specific needs of both educational and business environments?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: We ensure our products meet the specific needs of both educational and business environments through a multi-faceted approach. Leveraging my extensive experience, alongside our team’s deep sectoral expertise, we design solutions that effectively address the unique challenges of classrooms and meeting rooms.

We engage in close collaboration with educational institutions to gather real-time feedback and insights. This ongoing dialogue enables us to continuously refine our products, enhancing learning outcomes in a meaningful way.

In business settings, we prioritize the development of unified communication solutions that enhance meeting room productivity and facilitate seamless collaboration.

Our partner-driven Go-To-Market strategy, which includes hundreds of partners across India, ensures we remain responsive to the diverse needs of various sectors. We also work closely with system integrators on large ICT projects and Smart Class tenders, ensuring that our solutions integrate smoothly into different environments.

Additionally, our presence on the e-marketplace of the Government of India (GeM), enables us to effectively and efficiently serve the needs of the government sector.

This comprehensive approach allows us to maintain the versatility and relevance of our products across a wide range of use cases and positions us as a trusted brand in both educational and business environments.

What current trends in interactive technology do you find most exciting, and how is Solitaire positioned to leverage them?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: The current trends in interactive technology are shaping the future of both education and corporate environments in exciting ways.

One of the most promising is AI-driven personalization, where artificial intelligence tailors learning and meeting experiences to individual needs, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.

Solitaire is integrating AI across our product lines to create smarter, more intuitive systems. Another key trend is the rise of seamless collaboration tools, essential for hybrid work and blended learning, allowing real-time co-creation across geographies.

Our Unified Communication (UC) products are designed to integrate effortlessly with video conferencing and cloud platforms, enabling productive hybrid environments. Additionally, the use of AR/VR technologies is making interactions more immersive, and Solitaire is exploring ways to incorporate these innovations to enhance educational and professional experiences.

There is also a growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, with institutions seeking eco-conscious technology solutions. Solitaire is committed to designing energy-efficient products and minimizing our environmental footprint.

With strong R&D investments, strategic partnerships, and a forward-looking approach, Solitaire is well-positioned to leverage these trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern education and corporate settings.

What strategies do you use to engage with your user base and understand their needs?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: At Solitaire, engaging with our users and understanding their needs is central to our strategy.

We actively collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, and system integrators to gather insights directly from the environments where our products are used. This close collaboration helps us continuously refine our IFPD and UC solutions.

We also maintain feedback loops with our customers, ensuring that we respond to their evolving needs in real time. Additionally, our partner-centric go-to-market strategy allows us to reach diverse sectors like education, government, and SMEs, where we customize solutions to fit specific requirements.

Regular training sessions, technical support, and product demonstrations further deepen our connection with users and ensure they maximize the value of our technology​.

In an era where sustainability is crucial, how is Solitaire addressing environmental concerns in its products and manufacturing processes?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: In an era where sustainability is paramount, Solitaire Products is deeply committed to addressing environmental concerns through a multifaceted approach in both product design and manufacturing processes.

Holding prestigious certifications such as ISO 14001, RoHS, and TUV, we adhere to internationally recognized environmental management standards that ensure we minimize our ecological footprint.

Our Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) emphasize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy conservation throughout the production cycle, while our eWaste management initiatives promote the responsible disposal and recycling of electronic components.

Furthermore, our products comply with RoHS standards, which restrict the use of hazardous materials, ensuring that our solutions are not only innovative but also environmentally safe.

By incorporating these sustainability principles into every phase of development—from material selection to energy-efficient designs—Solitaire is actively reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of product reliability.

This holistic approach underscores our long-term commitment to sustainability, aiming to deliver eco-friendly interactive solutions that meet both customer expectations and global environmental requirements.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the technology manufacturing sector?

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee: For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the technology manufacturing sector, my advice is to embrace innovation at every step. The industry is fast-paced, and staying ahead means constantly exploring new technologies and trends.

But beyond the technical side, understanding your market is crucial—listen carefully to customer needs and identify gaps where you can add value, much like how strategic partnerships or customer feedback can be vital in shaping your product development.

Building a resilient supply chain is essential for scaling, as is maintaining unwavering commitment to quality and regulatory compliance—think certifications like ISO and RoHS, which instill trust.

Sustainability should be part of your core strategy from the outset, as the demand for eco-conscious solutions is growing.

Just as important is the culture you build within your company: invest in talent that shares your vision and foster a collaborative, innovative environment. Lastly, be prepared for challenges. The road will not be easy, but resilience and adaptability will see you through.

Whether you’re building cutting-edge products for classrooms or meeting spaces, or leading your company into new frontiers, the ability to evolve and stay ahead will determine your success.

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee’s journey exemplifies the power of innovation and resilience in business. His insights not only inspire future leaders but also highlight the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing market.

As he continues to shape the future of Prointek Global Innovations, his commitment to excellence and sustainability sets a remarkable standard in the industry.

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