Kochi: Harsha Puthusserry, co-founder of the startup Iraaloom, became an entrepreneur after leaving a well-paying job in the IT sector. When she took the plunge into business, her only assets were her confidence and talent for art. However, her art-based idea became popular among friend groups when she combined it with business tactics. Currently, Harsha's business is expanding globally.

She is among the speakers at Manorama Online Techspectations 2025, the sixth edition of Kerala's largest digital summit, which will be held at Hotel Le Meridien in Kochi on February 7.

Artist who launched a startup
Harsha started painting as a child, later participated in several exhibitions, and received orders from friends. Her entrepreneurial journey began on social media while she worked in the IT sector, and in 2019, she quit her job to become a full-time businessperson.

Holding a degree in Biotechnology–Biochemical Engineering, her plan was to produce and market products that are alternatives to plastic items. She created eco-friendly home décor, office stationery, and gift items with materials such as cotton, jute, bamboo, coconut shells, and paper. She also offered customised gifts.

Iraaloom soon earned good orders and international recognition. The honours received include the selections for the 'Best social impact startup' of the United Nations Development Program, Goldman Sachs 1,000 Women Program of IIM Bengaluru and Financial for Growth program. Harsha's firm was among the 11 startups from Kerala that earned the selections. Iraaloom also receives support from Startup Mission, IIM Kozhikode and Digital University. Moreover, several grants have been made to her company.

Soon, Harsha added new products, ranging from designer bags to handicraft items, and during the time of the pandemic, she attempted online branding. When the government announced a ban on plastic in 2019, Harsha's venture took off to new levels, receiving big orders for products such as cotton bags. The startup was also diversified into an e-commerce website selling environment-friendly products with the help of her brother Nidhin.

Microsoft was among the firms that placed orders as it Iraaloom started functioning with the support of the Startup Mission. Harsha could also partner with several organisations making handicrafts and numerous experts in the field.

Iraaloom has achieved a turnover of Rs 1.50 crore and has started exporting its products to other countries. The startup has also installed a traceability system with Blockchain and AI technology to ensure the quality of its products.

Techspectations 2025
The theme of ''Manorama Online Techspectations 2025'' is ''Transforming future; AI for everyday life.'' The sixth edition of Kerala's largest digital summit will discuss the latest trends in the digital world to come up with path-breaking ideas. Manorama Online is organising the summit along with Jain University and Google India. For more details and to reserve seats, check https://www.techspectations.com/

The event will discuss topics such as the most recent opportunities in the constantly evolving digital world, massive changes brought about by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the potential for AI in the news sector, the amazing world of data analytics and the entrepreneurial revolutions enabling the setting up of startups as well as big brands in Kerala and India. A special debate on Kerala's potential and progress in IT is also a part of the event.

The aim of Manorama Online Techspectations is providing a platform to hold discussions that enable the participants to join the rapid advancements in the digital world. Launched in 2016, Manorama Online Techspectations has been successfully conducted in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023.

CEOs, CTOs, CXOs, VPs, senior managers, directors, board members, managers and HoDs of major firms, IT engineers, developers, entrepreneurs, business partners, digital marketing professionals, professors, researchers, students, government officers, business consultants and executives will take part in the event.

The fifth edition of Techspectations took place in 2023 in Kochi with the theme, "Manorama Online@25: Absorb, Evolve & Thrive in New Digital Order.''

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