Biography of Ayan Syed Rehmatul: Founder & CEO of Katidhan- Entrepreneur
Biography of Ayan Syed Rehmatul:
Ayan Syed Rehmatul, the founder and director of Katidhan, a
Bengaluru-based startup, was first introduced to the devastating issue of
human-animal conflict when a friend highlighted the severe losses that farmers
were facing. In regions like Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat,
farmers were losing crops due to wild animals, and traditional methods to keep
animals away were often harmful. This sparked Ayan’s curiosity to find a
solution that would help mitigate these losses without causing harm to the
animals.
Recognizing the Severity of the Issue
The more Ayan explored the problem, the more he realized the
gravity of the situation. Farmers around the country were facing enormous
challenges because of wild animals wandering into their farmlands. From
elephants to wild boars and tigers, these creatures caused significant damage
to crops. Ayan realized the issue wasn’t just about protecting crops—it was
about creating a solution that respected the animals’ natural behaviors while
providing relief to farmers.
A Vision of a Solution
Ayan, who had a background in robotics and technology,
decided to create a non-harmful solution. He was deeply passionate about
leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. His vision was clear: to
design a system that would deter animals from entering farmlands using
technology, without causing them any harm. His goal was to help farmers while
also respecting wildlife and animal welfare.
The Birth of Katidhan
In 2016, Ayan founded Katidhan, a company that focused on
creating innovative, animal-friendly solutions for farmers. The name “Katidhan”
was derived from the Hindi phrase “Kathin Samadhan,” meaning “tough solution.”
The company was founded by a team of engineers, designers, and problem-solvers
who aimed to address complex challenges using technological solutions.
Katidhan’s mission was to reduce economic losses in agriculture caused by
wildlife conflict, especially in rural areas.
The Solar-Powered Solution
Katidhan’s flagship product, Parabraksh, was a solar-powered
autonomous light deterrent system designed to keep wild animals away from
farmlands. This product operates on solar energy and uses light patterns to
scare animals. The system activates automatically after sunset and runs through
various flashing patterns throughout the night, simulating the presence of a
larger animal in the area. This deters the animals without harming them, making
it an ideal solution for farmers who previously relied on dangerous methods
like electric fencing.
A Non-Invasive Approach
One of the key features of Katidhan’s solution is that it is
non-invasive. Unlike electric fences, which can harm animals, Katidhan’s
products work by altering the animals’ behavior through lights, not physical
barriers. The flashing lights mimic the presence of predators, making the
animals feel threatened and causing them to avoid the area. The system is
designed to be harmless to both the animals and the environment, a critical
element that sets Katidhan apart from other solutions.
Meeting the Farmers’ Needs
During the development of the product, Ayan spent a lot of
time speaking to farmers to understand their challenges. He realized that
small-scale farmers suffered the most due to animal attacks, often losing more
than 15% of their crops. This motivated him to create a product that would
directly address the farmers’ needs, offering an affordable and effective way
to protect their crops without resorting to harmful methods.
Effective Against Various Wild Animals
The Parabraksh system was designed to be effective against a
range of wild animals, including elephants, tigers, and wild boars. These
animals are known to cause severe damage to crops, especially in rural and
forest-adjacent areas. The product’s ability to protect against such a diverse
range of species made it an attractive solution for farmers in different parts
of India, where wildlife conflicts are common.
Biography of Ayan Syed Rehmatul: Founder & CEO of Katidhan- Entrepreneur/non-harmful solutions for human-wildlife conflicts/age/net worth/investor
Testing the Product in Real-World Conditions
Katidhan’s team conducted extensive testing of their product
in real-world conditions. They installed the Parabraksh system in various
locations, including farms in regions known for frequent wildlife encounters.
These tests proved the product’s effectiveness, as animals were consistently
deterred from entering the farmlands after exposure to the flashing lights. The
team’s dedication to field testing ensured that the system was both functional
and reliable.
Gaining Recognition and Support
Katidhan’s innovative approach caught the attention of many,
including investors. In 2024, Ayan appeared on the popular business show Shark
Tank India, where he presented his product to a panel of investors. He asked
for ₹1.5 crores in exchange for 2.5% equity in his company. The panel was
impressed with his vision, and Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO, made an
offer of ₹75 lakhs for 5% equity, plus a ₹75 lakh loan at 10% interest for
three years. This investment was a significant milestone for the startup.
Expanding the Reach
With the funding from Shark Tank, Katidhan began expanding
its operations. The company has been able to reach over 85% of the states in
India, helping farmers across diverse geographies. Katidhan’s products have
been deployed in some of the most challenging regions, where wildlife conflict
is rampant. The success of their solution has also opened doors for
international expansion, with Katidhan looking to scale its impact beyond
India.
A Holistic Approach to Problem-Solving
Katidhan’s approach is holistic, addressing both the needs
of farmers and the welfare of wildlife. The company doesn’t just provide a
product; it offers a complete solution that takes into account the local
context and challenges faced by farmers. By using a combination of technology
and an understanding of animal behavior, Katidhan creates solutions that are
both effective and sustainable in the long term.
Award-Winning Innovation
Katidhan’s innovative products have earned recognition in
various forums. The company has won several awards for its contribution to
sustainable technology and its impact on the agricultural sector. Ayan has been
recognized as an innovator and entrepreneur who is leading the way in green
tech and robotics. His work has not only helped farmers but has also
contributed to reducing human-animal conflict in rural areas.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Katidhan aims to continue its journey of
innovation and expansion. The company is focused on refining its products and
exploring new technologies to further reduce the impact of human-wildlife
conflict. Ayan and his team are constantly researching and developing new
solutions to address the evolving needs of farmers, with a clear focus on
scalability and sustainability.
The Larger Impact
Beyond just helping farmers, Katidhan’s solutions have a
larger environmental and social impact. By preventing human-animal conflicts,
the company is not only protecting crops but also helping preserve wildlife.
With more innovations on the horizon, Katidhan is paving the way for a future
where technology can be used to address complex environmental challenges
without harming nature.
A timeline for the story of Ayan Syed Rehmatul and Katidhan:
2015
Ayan learns about the severe impact of human-animal conflict on farmers.
2016
Ayan founds Katidhan, aiming to create non-harmful solutions
for human-wildlife conflicts.
2016-2019
Katidhan develops the Parabraksh system, a solar-powered
autonomous light deterrent for animals.
2019
Parabraksh is tested in real-world conditions, proving its
effectiveness against various wildlife.
2024
Ayan pitches Katidhan on Shark Tank India, securing ₹75 lakh
from Ritesh Agarwal for 5% equity.
2024
Katidhan expands its reach, deploying products across India
and planning international expansion.
2024
Katidhan wins awards for innovation in sustainable
technology and its impact on agriculture.
Future
Katidhan continues to innovate and refine products, aiming
for scalable, sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflicts.
