Ashish Fernando of iSchoolConnect
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Ashish Fernando, the co-founder and Head of Product of iSchoolConnect, which was honored in our:
Tell us the origin story of iSchoolConnect – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
When I decided to study abroad, I had a Masters in biotechnology and wanted to further pursue an MBA in the USA. In the process of finding the right university and talking to education consultants, I discovered that there was immense bias and ambiguity involved in the university recommendation process. Using AI to eliminate that bias and make the university application process hassle-free for international students is what led me to form iSchoolConnect and enter the industry. The EdTech industry is rapidly revolutionizing and has never been as dynamic as it is now.
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
Instead of having one big hurdle, I think iSchoolConnect went through a series of small bumps. Common challenges that, I think, all startups go through. If there was a problem with funding, we’d look for alternative solutions. If there was a problem with staffing, we’d prioritize. However, I’d like to think we overcame these problems and that I instead started a list of things not to do. So, if you ask me, no startup ever encounters one big hurdle. With a startup, it’s always a series of small ones that you constantly learn from.
What does the future hold for iSchoolConnect?
iSchoolConnect is exploring all avenues possible with our AI tools and use cases. Apart from assisting students with their study abroad plans, iSchoolConnect also has 4 different centers, namely Recruitment, Marketing, Assessment, and Engagement. In light of the global COVID pandemic, iSchoolConnect has worked on several solutions that would leverage AI to help organizations and institutions with remote proctoring solutions.
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Marlborough?
Marlborough, due to its proximity to Boston, has a great scope for upcoming startups. Another major startup, Quantiphi Analytics, is making great strides in the AI/ML space. The future looks bright for startups getting incubated in Marlborough.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Focus on building a team of professionals that are driven by the same organizational goals. I’ve always believed that you can come up with the most effective business plan, but if you don’t have the right team to execute them, it’s all in vain.