Why a Technology MBA is the need of the hour- An Exclusive Interview with SaiSatish Vedam, Co-Founder & CPO At IPL

 

In conversation with SaiSatish Vedam, a Product Leader with deep experience in creating & launching disruptive technology products to market. He has held many roles in his professional life - Programmer, Designer, Architect, Analyst, Manager, Mentor, and Strategist in big corporations. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Product Management at Oracle. He is also an Executive Coach and Senior Faculty at the Institute of Product Leadership. The need for tech-aware Management professionals is more pressing than ever. We had a chance to speak with SaiSatish Vedam, Co-Founder & CPO at Institute of Product Leadership, to learn how their new MBA in Technology Management program responds to this expanding industry requirement.

 

Why is a Technology MBA program essential in today’s AI-driven industry?

Q1. The globe is fast moving towards AI-based and digital-first operations. Why do you believe a Technology MBA is important in today's times?

In my work at the institute, I engage with various business and product leaders in India, from startups to large corporates, covering technology and non-technology businesses. One recurring issue that has come up in the past six months is the severe lack of young management professionals who can spearhead technology programs and digital transformation initiatives—most of which are heavily embedded with AI and next-generation technologies.

Interestingly, even though India generated about 300,000 MBA graduates last year, close to 80% of them are not technology-fluent. This represents a stark disconnect between what our management schools are creating and what the industry requires—young managers who can lead technology projects, innovation endeavors, and digital transformation initiatives. This new MBA program is specifically created to bridge this disconnect.

What makes the MBA in Technology Management unique?

Q2. Can you tell me about the MBA in Technology Management and how it is different from other MBA programs?

This program is not merely another MBA; it's an extremely specialized, industry-aligned, career-outcome-focused program designed for early-career professionals. It integrates technology, AI, and business management competencies to equip participants with leadership skills for digital transformation and technology-based projects.

The following are three different elements of the program:

• Experiential Learning – Learners get hands-on experience in leading-edge technology laboratories, an AI laboratory, an analytics lab, and an innovation lab. Additionally, they participate in two company-paid internships on actual company projects.
• Global Faculty & Industry Practitioners – The course is instructed by entrepreneurs, senior executives, and product leaders who have created successful products and companies.
• Techno-Business Leadership Council – The program is directed by an industry leadership council to ensure that the educational experience is in sync with existing and future market needs.

What are the roles of CMR University and the Institute of Product Leadership in this program?

Q3. This show is a joint effort of CMR University and Institute of Product Leadership. What are their roles in this initiative?

The MBA in Technology Management is being provided by CMR University with the knowledge partner being Institute of Product Leadership (IPL). IPL is Asia's first business school for product managers, innovation, and technology, and we have collaborated with CMR University for more than a decade. Over the past 11 years, we have been able to successfully implement an Executive MBA in Product Leadership, creating a network of 4,500+ alumni across 220 companies, including 60 CXOs and hundreds of entrepreneurs. With this strong success, the full-time MBA in Technology Management is the natural next step in our endeavor to create 10,000 product & tech leaders in India.

What career opportunities can graduates expect?

Q4. What types of positions can participants transition into after completing this program?

The program is intended to prepare graduates for high-impact managerial positions in:

• Product Management
• Project Management
• IT and Digital Transformation
• Technology Consulting and Strategy
• AI and Innovation Leadership

These functions are essential today, in which companies require professionals who understand the interface between technology and management.

What are the admission process and eligibility criteria?

Q5. What can potential candidates learn about the admission process?

The admission process is aimed at making us choose the correct candidates who are business and technology enthusiasts. Here's what we do:

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer applications candidates can apply.

Assessment Process:

• IPSAT Assessment – A skill-based aptitude assessment.
• Group Discussion & Personal Interview – Conducted by the panel of admissions.
• Scholarship Evaluation – Shortlisted students may be eligible to apply for merit scholarships sponsored by both IPL and CMR University.

As industries are being revamped by digital transformation and AI, never has there been such a strong need for technology-savvy management talent. CMR University and Institute of Product Leadership's MBA in Technology Management is an opportune initiative to meet the gap by giving young executives the ideal mix of technology, business, and management skills required to drive businesses in the new digital economy. For those eager to future-proof their careers, this program could be the key to unlocking exciting new opportunities in product management, digital transformation, and technology leadership.