Higher education is in a state of continuous evolution and carries the responsibility of spearheading research and innovation that can positively impact countless lives shared Sivakumar Veerappan, Founder & CEO, Creatrix Campus in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:
Your journey with Creatrix Campus began in 2006, and the company has successfully served more than 200 clients across 28 different countries. Can you share insights into your ongoing leadership journey spanning over 17 years and how you continue to drive positive change within your organisation?
We understand that education is not static; it’s a dynamic field that requires adaptability and innovation. This perspective has driven us to constantly reinvent ourselves and our offerings.
One of the pivotal aspects of our journey has been our embrace of emerging technologies, including low-code no-code platforms. These technologies have revolutionised how we develop and deliver solutions, enabling us to be more agile and responsive to the unique requirements of each institution we serve. This approach aligns with our vision of fostering a culture of innovation within higher education.
As a CEO, my role has evolved from merely leading a company to being a catalyst for change within the education industry. It’s about envisioning the future of education and steering our organisation toward that vision. It’s about nurturing a talented and passionate team that is dedicated to creating meaningful impact.
Our significant milestone has been the creation of an exceptional platform that is not only future-ready but also highly adaptable to global standards while localising seamlessly to any market. A crucial aspect of this journey has been our unwavering commitment to improving student success without compromising faculty performance, achieved through the development of numerous tools that automate faculty paperwork and streamline administrative tasks.
We’ve empowered higher education administrators with an abundance of data pointers and decision-making tools, enabling them to build highly effective institutions that make a profound difference in society. This journey was far from easy, but it became possible through strategic partnerships with world-class universities. Today, we proudly collaborate with some of the world’s top-ranked institutions, collectively addressing some of the most unique and pressing challenges in higher education.
Creatrix Campus is revolutionising the world of higher education software. Could you explain the rationale behind the decision to focus exclusively on the higher education sector with your solutions?
Higher education is in a state of continuous evolution and carries the responsibility of spearheading research and innovation that can positively impact countless lives. It represents a unique arena where individuals have the power to mold the future. This profound mission was the driving force behind our decision to delve into higher education. To our astonishment, we discovered that the industry faces significant challenges in the form of disjointed legacy systems, which not only strain budgets but also fall short of delivering the desired levels of student success and faculty performance. Consequently, we dedicated ourselves to crafting a comprehensive platform that fosters innovation and prioritises institutional effectiveness, aligning with the broader objectives outlined earlier.
How does Creatrix Campus differentiate itself from competitors in the same domain?
Creatrix Campus distinguishes itself from competitors by not merely offering a product but also providing a versatile no-code, low-code platform that grants institutions unparalleled flexibility and agility in addressing their unique challenges. Our platform boasts the most integrated end-to-end capabilities, encompassing the entire student journey and faculty lifecycle, while steadfastly aligning with an institution’s overarching strategic vision. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we meticulously analyze the higher education landscape in each country and tailor our solutions to address localized challenges swiftly and effectively. We don’t just aim to compete; we aspire to anticipate future challenges in higher education, positioning ourselves as trusted partners and advisors, and placing a strong emphasis on listening to our customers to continually enhance our offerings.
As we know, Creatrix Campus has a global presence. Can you discuss the challenges and advantages of operating in different regions and markets?
Luckily, our platform’s design and approach have enabled us to effectively mitigate the challenges associated with operating in different regions and markets. We have taken significant steps to address the challenges including regulatory compliance, localization, and IT infrastructure variability at the platform level.
Our robust platform is prepared to meet local accreditations in over 20 countries, and our team has undergone rigorous training to understand local cultures and languages. We’ve cultivated local expertise through advisors and experts and prioritised language localisation and cultural sensitivity in our offerings.
Creatrix Campus has thousands of satisfied users and successfully maintains partnerships with many institutions across the globe. What is next for Creatrix Campus?
Creatrix Campus is prepared to embrace the future with innovation and adaptation as it maintains its productive partnerships with hundreds of institutions and serves thousands of users globally. Embracing low-code, no-code platforms is one of Creatrix Campus’s interesting new areas. In an ever evolving educational landscape, the ability to swiftly adapt and customize solutions is paramount. Low-code no-code platforms offer the flexibility and agility needed to cater to the unique needs of each educational institution. By incorporating these platforms, Creatrix Campus aims to empower institutions with the tools to rapidly develop and customise digital solutions, fostering innovation and enhancing the overall educational experience.
With a strong foundation built on successful partnerships and a user centric approach, Creatrix Campus is well-positioned to shape the future of education with low code no code platforms playing a pivotal role in this journey.
What technological advances will shape the future of Higher Education?
The future of higher education is poised for transformation through technology. In the coming years, online and hybrid learning models are set to become integral, offering students flexibility and accessibility. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will usher in immersive learning experiences, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) personalised education and streamlines administrative tasks. Blockchain technology will secure and verify academic credentials, and big data analytics will empower institutions to optimise learning outcomes.
EdTech startups will drive innovation, and flexible credentialing options like micro-credentials will emerge. Globalization of education and the advancement of remote learning are set to redefine access to higher education. Meanwhile, technology’s ethical and privacy implications must be addressed. The cost and access debate continues, as institutions strive to balance affordability and inclusivity. Faculty adaptation to new technologies will be critical for successful integration into higher education.
To further enhance student success, faculty performance, and institutional effectiveness, there is a growing need for the development of single-integrated low-code/no code platforms. Low-code, no-code platforms simplify the development of online and hybrid learning, immersive experiences (VR/AR), personalized education (AI), and secure academic credentials (Blockchain). These tools empower EdTech startups to rapidly innovate and introduce novel educational technologies, fostering a culture of innovation within higher education. They even facilitate the implementation of flexible credentialing options like micro credentials, enhancing the overall learning experience for students. To sum up, these tools foster EdTech innovation, expand access, address cost concerns, and ease faculty adaptation, ensuring successful tech integration.
How do you see collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit contributing towards the growth of the education ecosystem?
Collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit contribute significantly to the growth of the education ecosystem by enabling knowledge exchange, networking, and global collaboration among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. WES provides a forum for showcasing innovations, developing effective policies, and addressing common challenges in education.
As it looks to the future, Creatrix Campus remains committed to addressing challenges in higher education, staying updated on industry trends, and contributing to the realisation of a dynamic and inclusive vision for the future of education.
