Think Tankers: Udbhav Anand on Building a Multi-Domain Innovation Powerhouse
In the traditional startup world, the goal is often to build an idea, scale it, and sell it. Udbhav Anand, Co-founder of Think Tankers Innovative Solutions, is taking a different path. By building a company that functions as an incubator for internal talent and a powerhouse for cross-domain innovation, Udbhav is proving that long-lasting impact comes from building a robust team rather than just a single product. From EdTech to digital branding, Think Tankers is redefining what it means to be a modern innovation firm.
Udbhav's journey began in 2015, right after he finished college. Along with his brother Vaibhav, who brought experience from Infosys, and their friend Abhilash, he set out to build a company that would "survive the ages." "We didn't want a typical exit-focused startup," Udbhav recalls. "We wanted to create a system that could keep growing and providing value across different emerging markets." This philosophy led to the creation of four distinct verticals: Think Edu, Think Digital, Think Ventures, and Think Branding.
The 'Read, Learn, Know, Do' Philosophy
Think Tankers' EdTech approach is built on a four-stage circle of learning. "We mapped current affairs to classroom syllabus," Udbhav explains. "Students read about the world, learn the concepts, gain deep knowledge through workshops, and finally 'do' through internships. It's about making education professional and practical from a young age."
Innovation Through Z Labs
One of the unique aspects of Think Tankers is Z Labs (short for Zeitgeist, the spirit of the time). Z Labs functions as an internal incubation center where employees are encouraged to pitch and develop their own business ideas. "We want our team to be entrepreneurs, not just employees," Udbhav says. This initiative has already birthed successful products like Think Pure and Think LPG, proving that innovation flourishes when talent is given the resources and the freedom to experiment.
This culture of internal growth has allowed Think Tankers to scale to a team of 75 people, working remotely across Hyderabad, Vizag, and Mumbai long before the pandemic made it a necessity. By hiring designers from NIFT and analysts from top business schools, Udbhav has built a multi-disciplinary team that can tackle everything from SAT coaching to business consulting for SMEs.
The 'Blank Paper' Recruitment Round
Think Tankers' hiring process is as innovative as its products. Beyond technical skills, Udbhav looks for observational ability and creativity. "One of our most interesting rounds is the 'Blank Paper' round," he shares. "We give candidates a blank sheet and 10 minutes to do whatever they want. It’s a way to see their clarity and passion without the bias of a resume. We've seen everything from complex business ideas to a single dot representing the start and end of everything. That's where we find the true thinkers."
He emphasizes that a startup environment is not for everyone. The final interviews are designed to "grill" candidates to ensure they can handle the pressure and the ambiguity of building something new. "Once you're a Think Tanker, you're always a Think Tanker," he adds, noting that former team members remain part of their extended professional network.
Udbhav's Roadmap for Future Disruptors
- Commit for the Long Haul: Entrepreneurship is committing your blood, sweat, and tears for at least 1,000 days. If you're not ready for that grind, don't start.
- Identify a Real Problem: Don't just build a 'cool' app. Build something that solves a problem better, cheaper, or faster than what's already out there.
- Team is Everything: Your success is a dedication to the team you work with. Build a culture where everyone feels they are part of a shared mission.
- Be Patient with Lows: You will feel low four out of five days. Success comes on that fifth day when you see the results and the appreciation of your clients and team.
A Vision for Lasting Impact
Looking ahead, Udbhav aims to continue investing in emerging technologies and markets. He believes that the next decade will be about design thinking and keeping the customer at the center of every service. For Udbhav, Think Tankers is more than a company; it's a legacy of innovation that aims to inspire the next generation of Indian leaders to start their entrepreneurship journey as early as possible.
Think Tankers at a Glance
- Scale: 75+ team members across 4 distinct business verticals.
- Education: Developed 150+ hours of government training content and global SAT coaching tools.
- Innovation: 3+ successful internal startups launched through Z Labs.
About the Guest
Udbhav Anand is the Co-founder of Think Tankers Innovative Solutions. A graduate of Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Udbhav is a visionary leader dedicated to building sustainable and impactful business systems. He is a recognized expert in EdTech and business strategy, with a passion for design thinking and youth empowerment. Udbhav is a vocal advocate for starting entrepreneurship education at an early age and is frequently involved in mentoring students and young professionals across India.
Think Tankers Innovative Solutions is a multi-domain innovation and investment company. With a presence in EdTech, digital marketing, business consulting, and branding, Think Tankers provides high-impact solutions for businesses and educational institutions, leveraging deep research and creative execution to drive growth and transformation.