Krishna Kumar - Learnbay

Building Future-Ready Careers Through AI

Learnbay Founder & CEO shares his journey from software engineering to building an industry-focused EdTech platform. He discusses the importance of practical, domain-specific learning, AI-driven upskilling, industry partnerships, and preparing professionals for an evolving technology landscape.
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Q

Tell us about your journey from software engineer to Founder & CEO of Learnbay.

A

As a software engineer, I understood the challenges faced by the workforce in this age of rapidly evolving technology. I worked with many people across many industries and saw a large gap between the education people were receiving and the skills employers wanted. This gap motivated me to start an EdTech platform that offered a more practical, career-focused education. I founded Learnbay in 2015 to offer working professionals a chance to step into high-demand technology careers through industry-focused training. Since then, Learnbay has helped thousands of professionals learn, build, and grow their careers. 

Q

What inspired you to start Learnbay in 2015?

A

I observed that skilled professionals are experiencing difficulty in securing employment due to a disparity between what they’d studied and what employers actually needed. Many upskilling courses tend to be predominantly theoretical and focused on certification, whereas employers prioritize practical skills applicable to real-world challenges. Education should serve to enhance careers, which motivated the establishment of Learnbay.

Q

If you had to describe Learnbay in one sentence, what would it be?

A

Learnbay is an upskilling platform dedicated to industry-specific training that facilitates career transitions within particular domains and supports professionals in advancing their careers in the AI era across various industries.

Q

Many EdTech companies focus on certifications, while Learnbay emphasizes domain-specific learning. What led you to adopt this approach, and how has it benefited your learners?

A

While certifications form the foundation of a course and can assist in cracking an interview, they won't guarantee you the job without the real-time skills to support them. Employers look at the way you solve the problems that come from the business, not the number of certifications you have. That's why our programs include hands-on projects, BYOP (Bring Your Own Project), domain-specific capstone projects, direct work with real AI startups (AI CoLab), and mentorship from professionals in the respective industries. This helps learners build a portfolio, gain confidence, and be job-ready. Our successful alumni prove that practical learning provides better career results. 

Q

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced while building Learnbay, and what did it teach you?

A

The main challenge has been staying up-to-date with rapid technological progress while ensuring high-quality education. As new technologies emerge, ongoing updates are essential. Currently, Learnbay trainers involved in mentorship are among the most skilled industry experts, providing valuable insights and results related to these technological changes. This experience has shown us that adaptability is crucial. An EdTech company must evolve with the industry to stay relevant.

Q

Which achievement are you most proud of so far?

A

Although I appreciate the accolades and partnerships I've gained, I am most proud of the thousands of individuals who have graduated from Learnbay and gone on to successful careers. Our mission is confirmed by each learner who secures a promotion, transitions jobs, or enters the rapidly expanding tech industries. The greatest reward for us is seeing learners gain confidence and, in doing so, positively impact the lives of their loved ones.

Q

AI is transforming every industry. What skills do you believe professionals should focus on today to remain relevant over the next decade?

A

The ability to utilize artificial intelligence within the commercial sector will constitute a pivotal skill in the upcoming era. Emphasis will be placed on emerging competencies such as developing AI tools, AI automation, and cloud services. But human strengths still matter: critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. The professionals who win will combine deep domain expertise with what AI makes possible.

Q

What role do industry partnerships, such as your collaboration with IBM, play in enhancing the learning experience and employability of your students?

A

Our learners interact with the latest technologies, industry best practices, and current business needs through collaborations with industry partners. IBM has facilitated our learners' access to exemplary business practices by assisting us in enhancing the quality of our curriculum. These partnerships bolster our students' confidence and their capacity to perform effectively in the workplace.

Q

We understand Learnbay is a NASSCOM member. How do these memberships help bridge the gap between learning and employability? 

A

NASSCOM membership grants access to a dynamic network of innovators and thought leaders focused on workforce upskilling. It enhances growth within the community by providing insights into the latest trends and transformative industry results. This guarantees that our learners develop future-ready skills, staying relevant to today's job market and adaptable to the swift changes of the AI-driven economy. 

Q

Where do you see Learnbay and India's EdTech ecosystem five years from now?

A

India is on the verge of a new, industrious chapter, with AI integration across nearly all professions. I imagine EdTech will move towards more immersive, project-based, personalised learning, shifting away from pre-recorded content. Learnbay: To ensure learners gain hands-on experience, we continuously invest in AI-enabled tools, cloud infrastructure, and industry-grade resources. This enables learners to experiment, build, and deploy real-world AI applications through AI-augmented learning, rather than limiting themselves to theoretical concepts. 

Q

Finally, what message would you like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals who want to build successful careers in the AI era?

A

The AI era offers unprecedented opportunities. Those who embrace technological change without fear, seeing it as a chance to learn and grow, will achieve the greatest success. Focus on AI-augmented learning and solving real-world problems rather than just following trends for your business. Ensure your teaching emphasises practical skills and hands-on learning. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are the key skills that will keep you ahead in an AI-driven world. Keep building, improving, and learning, and stay energised by the pursuit of knowledge.

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