Catalyst IT Solutions: Chandra Shekhar Chitrala on Pioneering Digital Transformation and the Future of Work
Entrepreneurship is not just about owning a business; it's an instinctive drive to find solutions and spot opportunities. Chandra Shekhar Chitrala, the Founder of Catalyst IT Solutions, has embodied this mindset for over two decades. From launching one of the first government websites in Odisha in 1996 to developing complex ERP systems for Kirana stores and hospital management, Shekhar's journey is a masterclass in organic growth and technological foresight. Today, as he prepares to launch his next venture, mera number.com, he warns that the AI revolution makes an entrepreneurial attitude a necessity for survival in the coming decade.
Shekhar’s first "venture" began in the 8th grade, when he and a friend built a slide projector out of a carton and magnifying lenses, charging neighborhood children for a slideshow. This early spark led him to XIMB and eventually to the forefront of the IT boom in India. "In 1996, we created the entire Odisha Tourism website and pitched it to the department," Shekhar recalls. "It was the first government website in the state. We didn't wait for a tender; we built the solution first."
Services vs. Products: The Funding Divide
India has long been a services powerhouse due to the cost-arbitrage of manpower. "Services provide immediate billable hours, but products require deep pockets and patience," Shekhar explains. "Developing a product like our Kirana ERP means dealing with shifting regulations like GST and a culture accustomed to free software. Without an ecosystem that respects failure and long timelines, scaling a product remains a herculean task in India."
The AI Paradigm Shift: 2029 and Beyond
Shekhar presents a sobering outlook on the future of traditional employment. "By 2029, it is estimated that a thousand-dollar computer will have the computing power of a human brain," he notes. "The arbitrage of low-cost manpower will disappear as AI begins to write software, manage testing, and handle support. If the next generation is not preparing for this paradigm shift, they will find themselves obsolete."
The only defense, according to Shekhar, is the entrepreneurial attitude. "Whether you are in a job or building a company, you must take ownership of results. You must be a problem-solver, not just a task-executor. The future belongs to job creators and high-level thinkers, while manual and routine mental roles will be automated."
Building Organically: Growth without VC Pressure
Catalyst IT Solutions was built organically, starting with a single developer and growing as the products found traction. "In the early 2000s, getting funding was impossible unless you were from a business family," Shekhar shares. This forced a focus on sustainability. Today, he advises entrepreneurs to focus on building a satisfaction-driven business model before chasing valuations. "Don't go for VC funding if your product doesn't have massive scalability. VCs need thousand-percent returns to offset their risks; if you just want a stable business, bootstrap it."
Shekhar's Roadmap for the AI Era
- Inculcate an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Stop being a job seeker; start being a solution provider. This is the only way to retain relevance in an automated economy.
- Destigmatize Failure: In India, failure is often equated with criminality. We must learn to respect the risks entrepreneurs take, as failure is a necessary precursor to success.
- Focus on High-Level Thinking: As routine tasks get replaced by machine learning, focus on skills that require empathy, complex decision-making, and high-level strategy.
- Start Small, Start Now: Don't wait for the perfect idea or massive funding. Solve a small problem in your locality and grow organically from there.
The Future: mera number.com
Shekhar is currently applying his own advice by building a new venture, mera number.com. The platform aims to eliminate waiting times for services, starting with doctor appointments and specialized clinics. "It's about ensuring a customer's time is respected," he says. "I'm back in the 'hopeful startup' stage, building an MVP and proof of concept. The thrill of solving a new problem never goes away."
Catalyst IT at a Glance
- Heritage: Over 20 years of expertise in digital transformation.
- Impact: Pioneered Odisha's digital presence and government reporting systems.
- Portfolio: Multi-product range across Hospitality, ERP, and Financial Reporting.
About the Guest
Chandra Shekhar Chitrala is the Founder of Catalyst IT Solutions and a veteran of the Indian software services industry. A graduate of the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), Shekhar has spent over two decades helping businesses and government departments navigate the shift to digital platforms. He is a passionate advocate for technological literacy and entrepreneurial mindset development. Shekhar is currently focused on leveraging technology to improve service delivery and efficiency through his new venture, mera number.com.
Catalyst IT Solutions is a software services and product company specializing in application development, legacy system management, and digital strategy. With a diverse portfolio ranging from tourism portals to specialized accounting ERPs, Catalyst IT Solutions helps organizations leverage technology to drive growth and operational excellence.