In an exclusive interview with the Jaffna Monitor, we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, Cambridge alumni, a notable figure in the tech world and the Founder & President of the multimillion-dollar company PervasID, a Cambridge University spin-out and Fellow at Girton College Cambridge University. Dr. Sabesan is renowned for his ground-breaking innovation in a nearly 100% accurate battery-free real-time location tracking system, a technology extensively utilised across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and aviation
His recent prestigious accolade, the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) award in the King’s 2024 New Year Honours List, is a testament to his significant contributions and is often seen as a stepping stone towards the esteemed ‘Sir’ title. Originating from the small town of Pallai in Kilinochchi in Sri Lanka, Dr Sabesan’s early life was marked by the backdrop of intense ethnic conflict and the onset of civil war, having been born in 1984, just a year after the escalation of brutal ethnic violence in Sri Lanka. His transition from the challenging circumstances to the esteemed halls of Cambridge University is not just a story of personal success but an embodiment of indomitable spirit and resilience.
His journey from a young boy in war-torn Sri Lanka to a globally recognised tech leader exemplifies the transformative power of education. His story demonstrates that education is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s a key to unlocking potential and driving societal progress. His hard work, dedication, and perseverance serve as an inspiration, proving that with access to education, any obstacle can be surmounted, and remarkable achievements are possible.
In conjunction with growing PervasID, Dr Sabesan has been advocating for the industry through thought leadership and speaking appearances. He was also elected to Enterprise Fellow at Girton College Cambridge in 2022. He is passionate about mentoring students to discover entrepreneurship and develop the key skills needed to commercialise their research discoveries. He is also a passionate ambassador for STEM education in schools in the UK and his home country of Sri Lanka.
Dr Sabesan has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Royal Academy of Engineering Entrepreneurs Award, Royal Academy of Engineering Young Engineer of the Year and Silver Medal, The UK ICT Pioneer of Connected World Award, Sir George Macfarlane Medal, as well as a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. He was also elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and he was named in Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” in 2023.
Join us as we explore the inspiring life story of Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, from his humble beginnings in war-torn Sri Lanka to his illustrious career in the United Kingdom.
How do you feel about receiving the OBE award recently? Could you also, explain the importance of the OBE for our readers who might not be completely aware of what it signifies?
Receiving the OBE, or Officer of the Order of the British Empire, marks an immensely prestigious moment for me, symbolising not just a personal achievement but also the collective hard work and innovative spirit of the entire PervasID team. This esteemed award, conferred by the British monarch, on the adviceof the UK government, recognises individuals for their substantial contributions in various fields, including arts, science, charitable work, and public service.
I am honoured for my contributions to wireless technology and promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in education. The latter is particularly rewarding to me, as it also highlights my efforts to increase female participation in STEM fields. Receiving the OBE transcends a mere accolade; it embodies a profound responsibility. It inspires me to continue my pursuit of societal betterment and to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation. This honour reinforces my commitment to enhancing STEM education and fostering diversity within the technology sector. It’s about paving the way for future generations, inspiring them to make meaningful contributions to their fields and society at large.
How did your childhood and upbringing shape your story of passion, resilience and determination?
I grew up in a middle-class family and faced a pivotal change in my life when I lost my father at the age of 10. We were living in Pallai at the time, and his passing forced us to relocate to Chavakachcheri with the help of my grandmother and Periyamma (mother’s elder sister).
My academic journey wasn’t smooth sailing from the start. I failed my 5th-grade scholarship exam, and throughout my early school years at Chavakachcheri Hindu College, I was not particularly a serious student as I was playing lots of cricket and other games in my early days, with no interest in being a successful student. Despite my aptitude for mathematics and science, my performance in other subjects was mediocre, often ranking towards the middle to bottom of my cohort. Cricket was my passion during those years. I occasionally skipped tuition classes to play cricket, where the winning team earned a tennis ball.
However, a turning point came in the 8th standard when I became acutely aware of my family’s financial situation. This realisation marked a drastic shift in my priorities. I gave up cricket, which I loved deeply, and other leisure activities like socialising with friends. I dedicated myself entirely to my studies. This laser focus paid off in my Ordinary Level (OL) exams, where I achieved 8 Distinctions and a Credit, the latter in English, which was a challenging subject for me.
After securing these results, I moved to Jaffna Hindu College for my Advanced Levels, choosing the Maths stream.
Reflecting on this later in life, particularly during a leadership program at Harvard University, I learned about the concept of ‘crucible moments’ – pivotal experiences that shape a person’s life. From Barack Obama to Steve Jobs, successful individuals have all faced such defining moments. For me, the loss of my father and the ensuing financial difficulties in my family served as my crucible moment, deeply influencing my path and achievements.
How did your experiences and memories as a student at Chavakachcheri Hindu College shape you into the person you are today?
Receiving an Award at Chavakachcheri
Hindu College Prize Giving Ceremony
My time at Chavakachcheri Hindu College played a foundational role in shaping who I am today. The teachers there were instrumental in our development, ensuring that we excelled not only academically but also in cultivating strong moral and ethical values. I fondly remember my class teachers Ravikumar sir and Nageswaran sir and, science teachers Rajalingam sir and Parameswaran sir, maths teacher Arudjothi Varnan sir, social/history teacher Sarveswaran sir and many others. Known for their strict discipline and teaching methods, they importantly instilled in us the values of honesty, integrity, and high moral standards. They were not just educators; they were role models, living examples of the virtues they taught. Their teachings have stayed with me throughout my life. For instance, when Nageswaran sir taught us epic pieces of literature like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, he did so by interpreting these stories with real-life meanings. He drew parallels between these ancient narratives and contemporary life, emphasising the importance of honesty, moral and uprightness. The values of honesty, integrity, and moral fortitude that I learned there have been fundamental to my personal and professional development, significantly aiding me in both spheres of life.
at Jaffna Hindu College, Early 2000s
Could you elaborate on your experiences and memories from your days at Jaffna Hindu College?
I joined Jaffna Hindu College after completing my Ordinary Level exams at Chavakachcheri Hindu College. I studied there for two years.
This period was crucial in shaping my academic aspirations, as it introduced me to a highly competitive environment. At Jaffna Hindu College, top-performing students, including myself, were grouped in the ‘C’ section classroom. This strategy of assembling bright students together was something I later observed at Cambridge University as well. It’s a technique that enhances students’ intellectual capacity and fosters a spirit of healthy competition. Jaffna Hindu College ignited a real desire in me to learn and compete.
The atmosphere there was uniquely conducive to focusing on studies. It helped me channel my energies towards achieving academic excellence.
However, I firmly believe that academic prowess alone isn’t sufficient; good character development is equally vital. Likewise, having a good character without academic skills isn’t enough either. Chavakachcheri Hindu College played a significant role in building my character, while Jaffna Hindu College honed my academic skills. I often reflect on my educational journey by saying that Chavakachcheri Hindu College gave me my heart, and Jaffna Hindu College gave me my brain. This combination of character and intellect has been pivotal in my overall development and success.
Did you attend tuition classes for your Advanced Level examinations?
I attended tuition for my advanced-level examinations. For Physics, I studied from Kumaran sir; for Chemistry, it was Maniyam sir and Rajaram teacher (sadly passed away), and for Maths, my tutor was Senthilraj sir. These four teachers played a crucial role in my AL education, each contributing significantly to my understanding and proficiency in their respective subjects. My Maths and Physics skills were key to my inventions later at Cambridge University, and I am most grateful to Kumaran Sir and Senthilraj Sir for laying the foundation for me.
Could you share the story of how you ended up at Cambridge University?
My journey to Cambridge began with academic success in Sri Lanka. I achieved straight As in all three subjects in the Advanced Level exams in 2003 and enrolled at Moratuwa University, the country’s top engineering university. As an Advanced Level student, I initially aimed to excel at Moratuwa. However, my ambitions grew while I was there; I became aware of globally esteemed institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, MIT and Stanford, and I developed a strong desire to join one of these prestigious universities. I wanted to get into one of these universities badly. I pursued every opportunity that came my way-applied to a few universities in the UK with help from my aunty’s (mother’s younger sister’s) family in the UK. This led to a scholarship offer from the University of Sheffield. So, I took the risk of leaving Moratuwa and coming to the UK, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities it presented.
At Sheffield, where I pursued a BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering from 2004 to 2007, I initially faced significant challenges with the English language. I had completed my schooling in Tamil. Despite these obstacles, I remained focused on my goal of excelling academically to secure a place at Cambridge with a full scholarship. I was ranked 1st in the department every year and was awarded the Sir William Siemens Medal in 2007 for being one of the country’s top 18 science and technology students.
My efforts paid off when I was accepted into the University of Cambridge for an MPhil in 2007, under the supervision of Professor Ian White, with Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, Corpus Christi College Scholarship and EPSRC (TINA and Boeing) Studentship. At Cambridge,
My efforts paid off when I was accepted into the University of Cambridge for an MPhil in 2007, under the supervision of Professor Ian White, with Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, Corpus Christi College Scholarship and EPSRC (TINA and Boeing) Studentship. At Cambridge, I immersed myself in both academics and extracurricular activities. I was elected as the Sports Representative of the Middle Combination Room (MCR) at Corpus Christi College and also served as the cricket captain, reigniting my passion for the sport that I had set aside during my school years in Jaffna. Following my MPhil, I continued at Cambridge for my PhD in Electronic Engineering from 2008 to 2010 on the subject of ‘Passive RFID real time sensing system for intelligent infrastructure’. Cambridge University represented more than just a place of learning for me; it was a transformative juncture that reshaped my life’s path.
The University’s distinguished history, marked by the achievements of 96 Nobel laureates, speaks volumes about its stringent academic standards and its ability to inspire. During my time there, Cambridge sharpened my focus, fuelled my passion, and deepened my drive and vision for success. In this environment, I realised my true potential, setting the groundwork for the successes that would follow in my career. I was also very fortunate to have had exceptional mentors here.
As the Founder of PervasID and a key figure in developing innovative tracking technology, could you share with us your journey from academia to entrepreneurship?
When I arrived at Cambridge University, my original ambition was to pursue a career in investment banking, primarily attracted by the lucrative salaries offered by major firms such as J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. These companies were known for offering starting salaries of around 60,000 pounds per year to fresh graduates, which was about twice what a newly qualified electronics engineer might expect to earn.
However, a pivotal shift occurred during my PhD, sponsored by Boeing, where I tackled the airline industry’s costly issue of lost luggage, responsible for around 400 million dollars in annual losses globally. This challenge led me to invent and develop the world’s most accurate battery-free radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking solution, a solution that later became the basis for my company, PervasID.
My ground-breaking innovation described in my 300-page thesis, condensed into 100 pages, secured patent rights, marking my foray into entrepreneurship. As Founder & President of PervasID, I successfully grew PervasID into a multimillion-dollar global enterprise, transforming multiple sectors, including retail, healthcare, industrial, logistics and supply chain. For instance, in healthcare, my solution enables the precise tracking of hospital assets to ensure that mission-critical medical devices are available at the right place and time for robust and efficient care. The need for this level of traceability of medical devices has been particularly evident in the COVID-19 pandemic. The solution is predicted to save £billions for hospitals and will save lives.
This journey highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to explore new avenues, essential traits for any entrepreneur.
How did you navigate the unfamiliar territory of entrepreneurship?
When I initially ventured into wireless technology and invented the world’s most accurate battery-free tracking system, I was quite new to the world of entrepreneurship. The idea of turning an invention into a business venture was a foreign concept for me. I saw my invention as something that required nurturing and development, much lik n the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning. These programs were invaluable, teaching me how to evolve a lab idea into a commercially viable business. I pursued funding and mentoring from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Fellowship Scheme to spin my innovations out of the university lab and into a commercial endeavour, PervasID in 2011. However, my education in entrepreneurship continued well beyond that. 2018, I engaged in the Authentic Leader Development program at Harvard Business School and the SME Leaders Award program at the Royal Academy of Engineering. These programs refined my leadership skills.
In my opinion, with dedication and effort, any skill can be acquired, and Genius is not an inherent trait but the result of persistent hard work and commitment. When I began my company, I had two inventions.
Today, I am credited with five, which I see as a testament to the skill of inventing being honed over time and becoming a part of one’s identity. This journey has taught me that entrepreneurial skills are not innate but can be learned and improved upon. It’s a journey marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and striving for improvement, essential in my evolution from a PhD student to a technology entrepreneur.
How did being born and raised amidst the brutal war in Sri Lanka affect or shape you as a person?
The war had a profound impact on me. Just months before my Ordinary Level (OL) exams, our family was forced to leave Chavakachcheri due to the conflict and relocate to Vadamarachchi. Amidst this upheaval, I left behind all my study materials – notes, papers, and books. In Vadamarachchi, I relied on borrowing books and notes from friends to prepare for the exams. Despite these challenges, I managed to achieve good results.
Looking back, I realise that this experience, a direct consequence of the war was instrumental in shaping my character and resilience.These qualities, forged in times of adversity, have continually influenced my life. The experience also instilled in me a certain bravery and the ability to face and overcome challenges.
Life would likely have been more straightforward if I had continued my studies at Moratuwa University. I could have settled in Jaffna with a government job. However, I chose a different path filled with risks and uncertainties. For instance, I was not fluent in English when I came to the UK. But, similar to my experiences during the war, I viewed this language barrier as a challenge to overcome, not a setback. The resilience I developed during the war years was invaluable. It taught me to face adversities head-on and to persist despite difficulties. This mindset significantly influenced my ability to adapt to new environments, pursue higher education abroad, and eventually succeed in my professional endeavours.
What are your current initiatives for giving back to the Jaffna society, and could you elaborate on the specific projects you’ve started or are planning to initiate?
I am currently engaged in two main initiatives in Jaffna. The first is titled ‘Realising Your Potential at an Early Stage and Achieving Success’. I firmly believe that every child is born with innate talents, and in this, I don’t think the divine has shortchanged anyone. The crux of the issue is that many children do not get the opportunity to discover and nurture these talents. It’s the fortunate 1% who, either by chance or guidance, realise their potential early and go on to make history. However, this doesn’t mean the rest cannot achieve similar feats. Figures like Steve Jobs, Sir Isaac Newton, Bill Gates, and many other notable achievers realised their true potential early in life, which was crucial to their success. Therefore, I’ve initiated programs in Sri Lanka to help students discover and cultivate their innate abilities from an early age.
My second project focuses on mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. This initiative is in collaboration with Jaffna University. We aim to support talented individuals with innovative ideas or inventions but lack the know-how to transform these into successful entrepreneurial ventures.
By providing mentorship, we hope to guide them to becoming successful entrepreneurs. My vision is for Jaffna University to become a breeding ground for entrepreneurs, emulating the culture of innovation and enterprise fostered by leading universities like Cambridge and Harvard. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a future where Jaffna and its youth play a pivotal role in shaping a progressive and innovative society.
