Siddharth is a visionary entrepreneur and institutional leader revolutionizing higher education in India through the establishment of ATLAS SkillTech University. Driven by a passion for nation-building and empowering students, he envisions a transformative learning model that goes beyond traditional academics to embrace experiential, multidisciplinary, and design-driven education. In this conversation, explore Siddharth’s inspiration behind founding ATLAS SkillTech University, its unique approach to bridging academia and industry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and adapting education to the evolving demands of the 21st century and beyond.
1. What inspired you to establish ATLAS SkillTech University, and how did you envision redefining the traditional model of learning in India?
With India being one of the largest higher education systems in the world, it has always focused on imparting knowledge through well-established academic disciplines. However, with the changing needs and demands of the 21st century and the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, industry, and society - universities of the new age need to prioritise innovation, adaptability, and flexibility. This fundamental shift is what inspired us to start ATLAS SkillTech University.
We reimagine higher education as experiential, design-driven, and multidisciplinary, where students explore, collaborate, prototype, and innovate. Rather than teaching what to think, we empower students to think critically, solve complex problems, and lead in an unpredictable world. Learning at ATLAS is anchored in real-world outcomes, enabling students to apply knowledge, test ideas, and make an impact. Our ecosystem continuously evolves with society and industry, preparing students not just for jobs, but for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
2. How is ATLAS bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice to prepare students for the future of work?
At ATLAS, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice is at the core of our education model. Our industry-aligned curriculum, designed in collaboration with leading organisations, equips students with future-ready skills for Industry 4.0, seamlessly integrating technology across both design and business disciplines, from AI and data analytics to advanced design tools and rapid prototyping.
With strong global connections, including international faculty engagements, master progressions, and summer schools, ATLAS nurtures innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Through experiential learning - internships, industry visits, capstone projects, and collaborative initiatives, students gain hands-on, real-world experience that sparks creativity, cultivates entrepreneurial thinking, and drives meaningful impact. Our tech-enabled labs and studios, from product and fashion labs to 3D animation and rapid prototyping, empower students to create, build, and innovate, ensuring they graduate as confident, skilled, and future-ready professionals.
3. How do you foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty at ATLAS?
The ATLAS-ISME School of Management & Entrepreneurship partners with MSME, supporting student projects and promoting home-grown entrepreneurship aligned with Make in India and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission. Through initiatives like the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), ATLAS Shark Tank, Inter Seller, MVP Showcase, D2C Challenge, Startup Street, and Saturday Startup School, students gain platforms to showcase ideas, build prototypes, and launch ventures. Industry leaders including Peyush Bansal, Nikhil Kamath, Ronnie Screwvala, Falguni Nayar, Deepak Parekh and many more have visited campus, mentoring and inspiring our students. ATLAS was the only university personally visited by Tim Cook on his recent India trip, a powerful endorsement of our rising influence on the world stage.
Our faculty engage in research, global immersion programs, and industry collaborations, bringing emerging trends and technologies into the classroom. This synergy ensures ATLAS delivers globally-informed education in India, nurturing creative, entrepreneurial, and future-ready leaders while contributing to nation-building.
4. With rapid technological disruption and evolving job markets, what do you believe the next decade of higher education in India will look like?
Higher education will increasingly focus on nurturing not just knowledge, but adaptability, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Institutions that succeed will be those that can continuously evolve, empower students to be future-ready, and foster a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.
At ATLAS SkillTech University, we integrate AI into all our programs, offering hands-on learning in AI, machine learning, robotics, data analytics, and cybersecurity through projects and industry internships.
The next decade of higher education will focus on adaptability, creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and future-readiness, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to the nation and global workforce.
5. How is ATLAS adapting its academic offerings to meet the demands of an evolving industry landscape, and are there any new courses or programs in the pipeline?
At ATLAS, we continuously adapt our academic offerings to keep pace with the evolving industry landscape. Our curriculum is regularly updated based on insights from industry experts, ensuring students acquire new-age skills and become the future-ready workforce.
As part of this commitment, we have introduced several forward-looking programs across disciplines:
BBA (Hons.) in Digital Branding & Advertising
AI & Emerging Technologies, and Business Psychology
B.Sc (Hons.) in Finance
BBA LLB
Our new Law School
Integrated B.Tech + MBA
B.Tech in IT, AI & Cybersecurity
B.Tech in CS, AI & Robotics
B.Tech in CS, AI & Data Science
MBA in FinTech
MBA in Investment Banking
Each program combines contemporary knowledge, hands-on learning, and industry-relevant skills to prepare students for high-growth sectors and emerging opportunities.
Notably, ATLAS SkillTech University is the youngest university in India to receive NAAC “A” grade accreditation in its first cycle, reflecting our commitment to excellence, innovation, and future-focused education.
6. As an education leader and entrepreneur, and what advice would you give young leaders aspiring to create impact in the education sector?
My journey as an education leader has been guided by the belief that world-class education should be accessible in India, empowering students to study in India. At ATLAS SkillTech University, we bring in global industry leaders and educators to mentor our students, while focusing on building India by nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and socially responsible leaders.
For young leaders in education, my advice is to cultivate agility, persistence, and positivity, embrace challenges, and focus on creating opportunities that uplift communities and contribute to nation-building. True leadership lies in empowering minds to innovate, lead, and make meaningful impact both in India and globally.
