An Interview with Mr. Akand Pratap Singh, Alumnus of EPCET Bangalore

Established in 1999, East Point College of Engineering and Technology (EPCET), Bangalore, is affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. EPCET Bangalore is approved by AICTE, and accredited by NAAC with an ‘A’ grade, and the NBA (for EC, CS, and IS). EPCET courses for the students include B.E., M.Tech, and Ph.D.

This article shares an exclusive interview with Mr. Akand Pratap Singh, who is an alumnus of EPCET Bangalore. Mr. Akand Pratap Singh is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in driving innovation and business growth across industries such as Aviation, Defence, Education, Energy, and Manufacturing through immersive technologies like AR/VR/MR and Metaverse. He speaks about his study experience at EPET Bangalore.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested in, or did you switch?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: Yes, I transitioned from a traditional electronics/IT sales background into emerging technologies and innovation, specifically AR/VR and Metaverse applications. My current field aligns more with technological innovation and strategic transformation, indicating a deliberate career switch toward his evolving interests in immersive tech and digital ecosystems.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: I began my career in 2009 as a Sales Engineer working with defence and research organizations like BEL, DRDO, and ISRO, where I focused on technical solutions and customer engagement. Over the next few years, I transitioned into business consulting and inside sales roles at global firms like Capgemini and Brillio, supporting clients across North America and Europe in areas like big data and digital transformation.

My career took a significant turn in 2017 when I ventured into the world of immersive technologies. I established the Indian subsidiary of EON Reality, where I led initiatives in AR/VR/MR for Education and Enterprise. Since then, I’ve held leadership roles in companies across India, Bahrain, and the ANZ region, helping organizations adopt Metaverse-driven solutions for industries like aviation, energy, manufacturing, and education.

Currently, I serve as the Co-Founder of Integrate X Infolabs, where I focus on building industrial metaverse ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and scalable digital innovations. With over 15 years of cross-industry experience, my journey reflects a strong evolution from sales and consulting into tech innovation and strategic leadership in the AR/VR/MR and Metaverse domain.

Careers360: Is industry work different from what you learned at East Point College of Engineering & Technology?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: Yes, industry work has been quite different from what I learned at East Point College of Engineering & Technology—and that’s both expected and valuable.

While my engineering education in Electronics & Communication provided me with a solid foundation in technical concepts, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, the real-world industry experience brought in many new dimensions:

In College, we focused on theoretical knowledge and lab-based experiments. But in the industry, especially in sales, consulting, and later immersive technologies, the emphasis shifted to solving real business problems and understanding customer needs.

Multidisciplinary Skills: My work required blending technology, business strategy, communication, and stakeholder management—skills that go beyond the engineering curriculum.

Tech Evolution: When I studied, fields like AR/VR, Metaverse, and AI-driven analytics were either emerging or not yet part of the curriculum. I had to learn continuously on the job and through certifications (like my Metaverse expert credential) to stay ahead.

College, projects were mostly academic and individual or small-group based. In the industry, I work with global cross-functional teams, manage multi-million-dollar contracts, and interact with diverse stakeholders—from clients and partners to government agencies.

In short, college gave me the base; the industry taught me how to adapt, evolve, and lead in dynamic environments. The learning never really stops—especially in tech.

Careers360: How do you think your time at East Point College has added value to your life, both professionally and personally?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: East Point College didn’t just prepare me to be an engineer—it shaped my mind set to be a continuous learner, a team player, and eventually, a tech leader. It was the Launchpad for everything that followed.

My time at East Point College of Engineering & Technology laid the foundation for both my professional and personal growth.

Professionally: The engineering curriculum helped me develop analytical thinking, technical curiosity, and structured problem-solving skills—all of which became essential as I transitioned through roles in sales, consulting, and eventually immersive technologies like AR/VR and the Metaverse. It instilled a disciplined approach to learning, which helped me later pursue a Global MBA and acquire new skills in rapidly evolving tech domains.

Personally: College life taught me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and communication—whether working on team projects, organizing events, or navigating challenges with peers.

It was also the place where I began shaping my self-confidence and leadership qualities, which are now central to how I lead teams and drive strategic initiatives across regions.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined East Point College?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: When I first joined East Point College, my mindset was a mix of excitement, curiosity, and ambition. Like many aspiring engineers, I was eager to dive into the world of technology and understand how things work—from circuits and communication systems to real-world innovations.

At the time, I saw engineering not just as a degree, but as a gateway to endless opportunities—whether it be in core electronics, software, or even management. I chose East Point because it had a growing reputation, solid infrastructure, and a diverse peer group, which I believed would offer a good environment to learn and evolve.

My initial focus was simple: gain strong technical knowledge, build a solid academic foundation, and figure out how to apply it meaningfully in the real world. What I didn’t realize back then—but truly value now—is how those four years would also shape my resilience, adaptability, and ability to work with people from all walks of life.

Careers360: You must have spent a memorable time at East Point College. Do you miss being a part of it? Share a few good memories.

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: Absolutely, I do miss those days. Life at East Point was truly special—a perfect blend of learning, friendships, and personal growth. One of my fondest memories is organizing the National Level Technical Fest for the first time. From late-night planning and running around for sponsorships to designing promotional content and coordinating logistics, it was an exciting and enriching experience. It taught us teamwork, leadership, and resilience—lessons that extended far beyond the classroom.

Spending all four years in the hostel created a second home for me—full of support, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life on campus—the activities you used to do and your daily routine.

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: My East Point college life was a balanced mix of academics, self-learning, and personal development. Days began with classes focused on strengthening core concepts. Post-college, I’d head to the Internet Lab to explore new-age technologies and write technical articles, which kept me updated with industry trends. The library became my second home, where I delved into books beyond the syllabus, driven by curiosity for emerging tech.

Evenings were more relaxed—walks with friends, conversations over tea, and moments that helped build lasting bonds. After dinner, I’d nap briefly, then spend the night on research, my most productive hours. I also took part in events like paper presentations and Robo Wars, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Careers360: Apart from academics, what other activities were you involved in, and how did East Point enrich your life?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: Beyond academics, I was actively involved in organizing technical events and workshops at college. One of the most memorable experiences was coordinating technical fests that brought together students from various institutions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and learning. These events sharpened my leadership, planning, and teamwork skills.

Another key highlight was getting involved in research early on. Even during my third semester, we were encouraged and supported to pursue innovative projects. Presenting our ideas on different platforms helped me gain hands-on experience in technical problem-solving and shaped my passion for innovation.

Careers360: How did you stay updated with industrial requirements, and what role did East Point Institute play in that?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: During college, I took every opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. I often studied reference materials and engaged with faculty to discuss real-world applications of concepts. Conversations with our HOD, who shared valuable industry insights, helped broaden my perspective.

The college also offered industrial visits, internships, and seminars, giving us much-needed practical exposure. Placement training sessions on communication, aptitude, and interview techniques further boosted our confidence and prepared us well for placement drives.

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top college. What is the best part of East Point Institute from a student's perspective?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: The best part of my time at East Point was the unwavering support from both the college and the department. Whether it was organizing fests, participating in events, conducting workshops, or working on innovative projects, we were always encouraged—never told “no.” This support gave us the freedom and confidence to think big and act boldly.

East Point wasn’t just a college—it was a life-changing experience. It helped me discover my strengths, conquer my fears, and shape me into the person I am today.

Careers360: What is your suggestion/guidance for engineering course aspirants?

Mr. Akand Pratap Singh: Along with academics, it’s crucial to engage in technical activities that shape your future. Don’t limit yourself to classroom learning—participate in seminars, conferences, workshops, and competitions to gain exposure to real-world challenges and industry trends. In today’s digital era, information is easily accessible. Use the internet wisely to explore new tools, stay updated, and sharpen your skills.

My advice to aspiring engineers: build both technical and soft skills, and craft a strong personal brand. Aim to reach a point where companies seek you out—let your knowledge, skills, and attitude open doors, not just your résumé.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between Careers360 and EPCET Bangalore.