Working alongside Mr. Kunwer Sachdev was a transformative experience for those on his team, inspiring both growth and passion. He had taken charge of a struggling cable TV company with just around 50 employees — a chaotic environment where every day brought new challenges. But from the very beginning, it was clear that Mr. Sachdev was a visionary, always thinking beyond the confines of the present.
One of the most pivotal moments came when Mr. Sachdev began to shift his focus from the cable TV business to an ambitious inverter project. His enthusiasm was contagious; it was as if he could see a future where others saw only obstacles. He believed in the potential of his ideas, even when the odds were stacked against him.
Mr. Sachdev often encouraged his team to take initiative and trust their own judgment. His standard line was, “Take your own decisions, and if you feel you’re not capable, then come to me.” This empowerment stemmed from his unwavering belief in the capacity of his team, fostering a culture of innovation and confidence.
The MOSFET Inverter Breakthrough
The inverter project was where his passion truly shone. Despite facing numerous setbacks and failures, Mr. Sachdev never wavered. He was determined to create the first MOSFET-based inverter, a challenge that required not only technical prowess but also relentless perseverance. At that time, no one else had successfully created an inverter with a charger on a single board.
The initial design of the charger, utilizing an SCR driver circuit, was not just functional but a marvel of engineering. Its size, simplicity, and plug-and-play feature meant that anyone could easily replace the board if needed. This was innovation at its best. Compared to the traditional transistor inverters prevalent in the market at the time, this design represented a groundbreaking leap in technology — an innovation later chronicled in Porus Munshi’s Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen — recounted first-hand in our account of Porus Munshi’s visit to Su-Kam.
What was equally astonishing was the power efficiency. Rather than requiring two batteries to run a 500W load, the new design needed only one. This radical change not only showcased the advancement in technology but also reflected Mr. Sachdev’s commitment to creating solutions that made life easier for people.
Throughout this journey, those who worked with him witnessed firsthand how Mr. Sachdev tackled challenges with tenacity and vision. His drive and passion made working at his company a remarkable experience. This was not just a business endeavour; it was a mission to innovate and improve lives.
In the end, working alongside Mr. Sachdev offered invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of believing in one’s vision. His ability to dream big and inspire those around him left a lasting mark, and his passion for innovation has continued to shape India’s power-backup industry.
News & Coverage
Su-Kam’s early engineering firsts went on to earn wide recognition. India Today named the company’s plastic-body inverter an “Innovation of the Decade,” and Su-Kam’s run of industry firsts — the first MOSFET-based, microcontroller-based and DSP sine-wave inverters in India — is documented across the recognition and inventions archives on SolarManOfIndia.com. Independent coverage and profiles include siliconindia and a feature interview on CrazyEngineers, while the broader record is summarised on Wikipedia for Kunwer Sachdev and Su-Kam Power Systems. Related on this site: the pure sine wave inverter that changed everything. Much of the original coverage from the early years appeared in print magazines such as India Today and Business India, predating the web archives.
Disclaimer
Mr. Kunwer Sachdev, the original founder and visionary behind Su-Kam, is no longer associated with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. He has not been involved in the management, operations, or decision-making of the company for several years. Any products, services, communications, or representations made under the Su-Kam name have no connection to Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. His current efforts are entirely focused on new innovations and ventures under different entities, including his latest initiative, Su-vastika, which is redefining the energy storage and power backup industry.