iWeb Technology: Akshay Shah on Building Smart Universities and the Future of EdTech ERPs
While the spotlight in EdTech often shines on content delivery and test prep, the real backbone of the educational revolution lies in the systems that manage institutions. Akshay Shah, the Founder and CEO of iWeb Technology, is the architect behind this digital infrastructure. By building enterprise-grade ERP solutions for universities and colleges, Akshay is turning traditional campuses into "Smart Universities." His mission? To ensure that the millions of students in Indian higher education have a seamless, digitized journey from enrollment to graduation.
Akshay's entrepreneurial journey began right after college. "I knew I wanted to build something in the IT space that could solve real-world complexities," he shares. "Higher education in India is a massive industry with over 40 million students. Yet, many institutions were still running on legacy systems or manual processes. iWeb Technology was founded to bridge that gap with a comprehensive, end-to-end solution."
The Smart University Concept
For Akshay, a "Smart University" is one where every operation is data-driven and automated. "It's not just about fee collection," he explains. "It's about digitizing exams, automating attendance, managing faculty workloads, and providing real-time analytics to the management. We provide the technical 'nervous system' that allows an institution to function at 21st-century standards."
Beyond Content: The Rise of Infrastructure Tech
Akshay observes a crucial distinction in the EdTech landscape. "Companies like Byju's and Unacademy are content companies. We are a technology company," he asserts. "Our focus is on the operational efficiency of the institution. As universities look to scale, they need robust ERPs to manage the complexity. This is the next frontier of EdTech—moving from the classroom to the campus level."
He identifies several key trends that will shape the next decade:
- AI and Automation: Reducing manual errors in exam processing and scheduling.
- Virtual Reality (VR): Building virtual labs where students can perform complex experiments from their homes.
- Data Analytics: Helping universities predict student performance and tailor interventions.
Bootstrapping and the Investor Challenge
Scaling a technology company in India requires grit, especially when it comes to funding. "Indian VCs are often very picky and look for tried-and-tested models," Akshay notes. "In the early days, we relied on our own savings and a small group of supportive friends. If you want to innovate, you have to be ready to sacrifice your own financial security first. You have to believe in the product enough to bootstrap it until the market catches up."
His hiring philosophy centers on communication. "I don't just look for coding skills," he says. "I look for the ability to express ideas. If you can't communicate what you want to build, you can't lead an operation. In a startup, every team member must be able to voice their thoughts clearly to iterate fast."
Akshay's Advice for EdTech Founders
- Solve an End-to-End Problem: Don't just build a feature; build a solution that addresses the entire lifecycle of your customer's pain point.
- Prioritize Digitization: The data you collect today is the AI you'll build tomorrow. Ensure your systems are capturing clean, usable data from day one.
- Be Patient with Higher Ed: Selling to universities is a long-game. Build deep relationships and focus on proving the reliability of your system.
- Bootstrap as Long as Possible: It gives you the freedom to innovate without the immediate pressure of quarterly returns that a VC might demand.
The Vision: A Global EdTech Powerhouse
Looking ahead, Akshay aims to take iWeb Technology beyond Indian borders. He envisions a future where "Smart Campuses" are the global norm, enabled by the robust ERP systems built in India. For Akshay, the ultimate goal is to create a frictionless educational environment where technology empowers both the teacher and the student to focus on what matters most: learning.
iWeb Technology at a Glance
- Sector: Enterprise EdTech (University ERP).
- Impact: Powering digitization for major colleges and metro universities.
- Innovation: Pioneering the integration of VR and automation in campus management.
About the Guest
Akshay Shah is the Founder and CEO of iWeb Technology. A graduate of the University of Mumbai, Akshay is a visionary entrepreneur who has dedicated over a decade to modernizing the educational infrastructure of India. He is an expert in enterprise application development and a passionate advocate for digital transformation in the higher education sector. Akshay is frequently consulted for his insights on the intersection of technology and policy in the Indian EdTech landscape.
iWeb Technology is a leading EdTech company specializing in enterprise ERP solutions for higher education institutions. By providing comprehensive tools for academic management, financial operations, and campus automation, iWeb Technology helps universities transition into the digital age and operate as high-efficiency "Smart Campuses."