DREAMERS are ACHEIVERS… With a never-ending quest for learning, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a dream to achieve big - Subodh Narain Agrawal has tried his hands in many areas and has always come up with new ventures with unique innovations. Emerging technology, renewable energy, investment banking, trading, natural resources - Subodh has his footprints over a long stint of 40 years. His passion for work & persistence toward accomplishing the impossible makes him a Real Achiever… Biocube Technologies is also one such endeavor that Subodh started almost half a decade back – to solve the genuine problems of the Identity domain. As a founder, his vision & guidance has made Biocube a unique, patented identity technology platform today and solve the problems of society in an innovative way. The Society Achievers features his views on leadership thoughts, vast industry experience, and bigger goals in life, shared over a candid interview.

1. Society Achievers - February 2023
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2. Society Achievers - February 2023
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Learning is the only
constant in life.”
A seasoned entrepreneur with
decades of top-level global
business experience, the UK-
based Subodh Narain Agrawal
has built a multi-domain group
with business interests in
sectors as diverse as new-age
digital technology, renewable
energy, investment banking,
commodities trading, natural
resources, mining and more. In
this interaction, this Founder
and Executive Chairman of
Biocube Technologies shares
insights into his entrepreneurial
journey…
Entrepreneur Subodh Narain Agrawal opens up
about his passion for business and making a
difference with every endeavour he undertakes.
By Nichola Marie
Business
“
What are the key factors that powered your entrepreneurial journey?
I believe there are seven elements that are key to becoming a successful
entrepreneur in any field. Self-belief, Curiosity, Risk-seeking attitude, Ability
to convert challenges into opportunities, Perseverance, Willpower, and
Luck. However, these could never become possible without building strong
relationships, which is the crux of every business venture.
How much did your upbringing and environment contribute to your
growth as an entrepreneur?
I come from a business family community called baniyas, who are considered
the best business-minded people in India. I was brought up among some
of the best leaders in the world and was privileged to be a part of such a
community. Although my family has a flourishing business, I decided to take
a leap of faith and entered a self-built path, which eventually transformed
into what it is today.
With Shri Eknath Shinde, Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra (L), and
Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (R).

3. 45
Society Achievers - February 2023
“There are seven
elements that are
key to becoming
a successful
entrepreneur in any
field: Self-belief,
Curiosity, Risk-seeking
attitude, Ability to
convert challenges
into opportunities,
Perseverance,
Willpower, and Luck.”
You founded Biocube… What are the key ways in which Biocube
benefits users?
Biocube is very close to my heart. I began working on Biocube as a
result of challenges I encountered personally. During a visit to Russia,
due to the change in the visa issuing policy, there was a requirement for
biometrics and visiting a visa centre physically. I faced several hassles
during the process and realised subsequently that the majority of the
population needs a visa to travel everywhere and some others need
a visa for selected countries due to reciprocal arrangements. Looking
at the inconvenience for all travellers, I decided that there should be a
system through which people could apply for a visa remotely, and not
compromise the security of the nation’s border. As a result, I started
working on this concept of a digital biometric visa, which is the first
stepping stone for Biocube.
A year later, my identity was stolen and, as a result, I lost lots of funds.
Subsequently, I discovered that hundreds of thousands of financial
frauds happen daily. Driven by a passion that no one should go
through what I have gone through, and that identity fraud should
come to a full stop, I decided to enhance the product to become
a comprehensive platform for a new paradigm of user identity. I
am so happy and satisfied that finally the research, innovation and
development is successfully completed from India, which is now
patented. We successfully went to market with our product last year.
With Family - Elder daughter Tarunna (L), wife Abhinanda
(Ctr), and younger daughter Shruti (R).

4. Society Achievers - February 2023
46
“Biocube is the world’s
first and only artificial
intelligence and data
analytics-enabled multi-
factor and multimodal
biometric identity platform
that truly redefines the
paradigm of identity
verification.”
Biocube is the world’s first and only artificial intelligence
and data analytics-enabled multi-factor and multimodal
biometric identity platform that truly redefines the
paradigm of identity verification. In today’s digital world,
when we consume 80% of our day-to-day services in a
digital format using our smartphones and laptops, identity
authentication is key. And that should be done without
disrupting the user experience and maintaining the utmost
security of user data, which is possible with Biocube.
Biocube will help the world eliminate fraud, curtail ID theft,
make verification faster, and assure user convenience at each
stage. At Biocube, we offer a range of products and services
that benefit global organisations and government bodies.
With Mr Bill Clinton,Honorable Former
President, United States.
With HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

5. 47
Society Achievers - February 2023
“I believe creating a better world
for our future generation is our
responsibility.”
WealsohaveaproductcalledBioKYC,whichistargetedtoward
full-fledged digital remote KYC with zero risk of ID fraud. The
IDenTrip product is focussed on digitising passenger journey
at the airport, railways or any transit hub - and no paper
document verification is required. Similarly, we also have
solutions for healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, law
and order, and border security, among others.
Biocube is also aligned with the United Nation’s
sustainability development goals. It not only eliminates
fraud and makes people’s lives more convenient, but it
also helps minimise paper usage and reduces carbon
emissions by the usage of additional hardware and
devices.
What are your learnings from leading a multi-domain
business group?
I do not come from a technical background. When the
journey of creating Biocube began, it was a black box.
The only thing I was very clear about was the concept of
the platform and the belief that it could be developed.
And with God’s grace and years of persistent effort in
research and development, we have been able to create
such a globally unique platform, offering products in 10
different verticals. I’m happy to tell you, we started our
go-to-market in 2022. And, within a short span of time,
we conducted numerous pilots in multiple domains and
finally converted projects across four continents with
government and private bodies. Shortly, we will start a
full-scale expansion of the product.
You co-founded Sunways Global. What spurred your
interest in clean energy?
I have been a keen initiator of renewable energy. In 1995,
I first initiated the launch of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in
India because it produces 40% lower carbon dioxide (CO2)
than coal and causes a direct environmental impact. As we
are seeing, global warming has become a critical issue for
mankind and every country and global bodies like the UN,
UNESCO, and WEF are putting a greener environment as
their key agenda. I believe creating a better world for our
future generation is our responsibility, and that is the story
of the germination of the Sunways Global venture.
How fulfilling has this enterprise been?
Sunways is focused on decentralised solar energy, and
solving the critical problem of global environmental
issues. It gives power to the last mile connectivity, saves
wastage of transmission loss, and helps farmers go to their
farmland in the night time. Sunways has a current pipeline
of 1000MW projects, focussed in India, South East Asia and
the Middle East. Currently, in India we are developing a
total of 200MW projects at various locations.
With Mr Rudy Giuliani, Honorable Former Mayor of New York. With Mr Lior Suchard, the Master Mentalist.

6. Society Achievers - February 2023
48
“I have come across
so many people from
different parts of
the world, and the
exchange of knowledge
from these people
enriches my learning
curve on a daily basis.”
You mentored the setting up of ViviRooms.
What are the unique features of this platform?
For ViviRooms, I am guiding my two daughters
in creating this innovative product and starting
a unique e-commerce business. My daughters
realised the challenges of online shopping
during the pandemic and decided to develop
this platform. ViviRooms is revolutionising the
online apparel shopping experience by blending
technology into the user experience. By using
a 3D virtual avatar-based fitting room, a user
can try clothes on her own digital twin through
a completely immersive experience. It uses
artificial intelligence to give an online buyer a real
look and fabric experience, just like they would in
a trial room. The AI experience helps customers
feel the fabric as if they were wearing it and
assists with better buying decisions. Thus, it helps
in reducing the return rate of the clothes, making
the logistics much simpler and providing a unique
user experience.
As Founder and Chairman of Euromax Capital, what were
some of the high points achieved?
Euromax became a top boutique investment bank of India, South
East Asia and Africa; and became a banker of choice for all leading
large groups in a short span between 2002 and 2005 - and that
is my biggest achievement and a matter of satisfaction. In 2016,
I received the Leader of the Decade award for creating bonds
beyond boundaries at the Women’s Economic Forum. I was
honoured with the Entrepreneur of the Year award a year later.
In 2018, I was bestowed with the Global Indian Icon award for
exceptional business achievements, among others.
Participating in merger and acquisition transactions valued
at more than US$30bn, you have also advised on equity and
other financing globally… Could you shed light on the role you
broadly played?
Mergers and acquisitions require strong mediation and fine
balancing of the interests of both parties involved. As investment
bankers, we played a critical role in helping the stakeholders achieve
their consensus while creating long-lasting and ever-growing
bonding between two or more unknown/unfamiliar organisations.
With Shri Narendra Modi, Honorable PM of India.
With Mr Raila Odinga,
Honorable Former PM of Kenya.

7. 49
Society Achievers - February 2023
“I have always entered
spheres in which I
had a keen interest.
Therefore, I never
get exhausted from
learning something
new daily.”
You have many more achievements to your credit, including
developing a strategic partnership with the China Centre
for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), pioneering
LNG in India in 1995, and serving as a member on the
boards of various public and private companies across a
wide spectrum of industries. Even as you contributed your
time and expertise, how did these activities help your
learning curve?
Learning is the only constant in life. Every day is a new learning
for me. I learnt that leadership is a quality - and for leading people
you have to lead by experience, by mentoring them through the
right path. So, throughout my life, whatever sectors I have got
into, it has only helped me to become more knowledgeable,
given me a new thinking approach and expanded my horizon of
looking at the world.
Serving as a goodwill ambassador and
spokesperson for the Secretary-General for
IIMSAM, an intergovernmental institution
under a charter of the United Nations for
micro-algae spirulina against malnutrition,
what role did you play in this endeavour?
IIMSAM desired someone who could advocate
their organisational goal and provide
humanitarian service pro-bono. So, I stepped up
to take the initiative. I brought my international
business experience to support the IIMSAM and
the United Nations SDGs 2030.
You have the confidence of business and political leaders in
India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mid East, and East Europe. Do
give us an insight into this world.
Staying committed to building any success requires dedication
toward relationship-building and honesty, caring for each other,
and watching others’ interests over your personal interest and
goals.
Leaders are always looking for someone who is understanding,
adaptive, resilient and can be trusted. The most important thing
in this relationship-building exercise is to help but not expect to
be recognised or get any benefit out of this.
With Team Biocube.

8. Society Achievers - February 2023
50
“Hiring the
correct workforce
is the primary
challenge for any
organisation. The
success of the
business depends
on these people.”
Your vast body of work is staggering!
What is the secret to your endless drive
and numerous accomplishments?
I have always entered spheres in which I
had a keen interest. Therefore, I never get
exhausted from learning something new
daily. And it makes me believe that my
chosen areas of interest are correct and
scalable. It keeps me motivated to enter
new markets and pursue new goals.
What are some of the challenges you
faced over the course of your vast and
enriching career?
Challenges are part of life. There are
challenges in building trust, making people
believe that you have a realistic goal and
an honest intention, and building relations
with new people. Also, since I have always
introduced new ideas and ventured into
unexplored arenas, I constantly face issues
of creating and revamping them. But these
challenges are the fun of life and keep
motivating me to wake up every day and
do something meaningful in solving some
critical problem. Also, several times, I faced
rejection and resistance from different
levels of people. However, persistence and
passion paved the way for getting ahead.
These days, what are some of the
things that spark your interest and
imagination?
Theevolutionoftechnologyinrecentyears
really fascinates me. The innovations
in generative AI, virtual assistants,
metaverse, blockchain and other such
technologies are revolutionising the
world. Also, the spirit of entrepreneurship
in the younger generation today is very
comforting to see.
With Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
With Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,
Honorable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
With Uri Geller, the famous Israeli-British
illusionist, magician and television personality.

9. 51
Society Achievers - February 2023
“My work is my relaxation,
my passion, my kick.”
What is your reading of this current age of
mushrooming startups?
New-age entrepreneurs are of two kinds. One of
them falls under the category of dedicated, while
the other one gives up very easily. Most budding
entrepreneurs have undergone depression.
The fighters often make a great impression
in their first venture. However, they often lack
the same enthusiasm for the next one. The
new-age startup stakeholders often have the
same tendencies. They often put their best foot
forward while starting something new but lower
their dedication, eventually. The trendsetters
among these two types would be the fighters,
i.e., dedicated entrepreneurs who pursue every
business venture with the same dedication as
the first one and never fail to try untested fields.
What are some of the challenges facing
business and our world today?
Hiring the correct workforce is the primary
challenge for any organisation. The success
of the business depends on these people. A
company can easily succeed if such a workforce
receives the right direction and access. However,
if the access or the power is restricted to a
person(s), it will likely not work in the long run.
The global financial crisis the world is going
through, the economic crisis thrust upon us due
to the Russia-Ukraine war, the upcoming risk
of recession in various parts of the world – are
serious challenges to the rising startups and the
entire business world. It is important that there
is peace and harmony – the common man can
lead a much better life.
Do you credit any mentors for inspiring and
guiding you on your journey?
I admire five people - Narendra Modi, Sheikh
Mohammed, Dhirubhai Ambani, Lakshmi Niwas
Mittal and Anil Agarwal. All of them achieved
phenomenal success against all odds.
I am inspired most by the Prime Minister of
India, Shri Narendra Modiji. In the last eight
years, Mr Modi has truly reformed the entire
landscape of India on the world map and given
India a very special, respected position. I was so
inspired by Mr Modi’s passion and vision that I
decided to set up the research and development
centre of Biocube in India – a truly Made-in-
India innovation that can solve a critical global
challenge of digital identity.
Sheikh Mohammed forged his path to create
a place like Dubai. I admire his self-confidence
and belief in achieving his dream. He converted
a small emirate into a global centre of the world,
created an airline that is the finest in the world,
unparalleled connectivity, has ease of business,
security for the people etc.
With Mr Shinzo Abe, Honorable Former PM of Japan.
With HRH Prince Abdulaziz Sattam Aal Saud.

10. Society Achievers - February 2023
52
“I would advise new-
age entrepreneurs to
be dedicated to their
ventures and not
give up hope when it
gets tough.”
“A sensible idea must also
have a great business plan
supporting it.”
Similarly, Dhirubhai Ambani, who started from
nothing, and built an empire with sheer vision,
common sense and persistent effort. Another
man with unparalleled focus and dedication
that I dearly admire is Lakshmi Niwas Mittal.
He started from humble beginnings, and the
dedication and focus to be No. 1 eventually took
him to the zenith of the world’s largest steel-
making company.
Anil Agarwal started getting into business at 16
without a formal college education. He took a
gamble and moved to Mumbai at the age of 19,
and later on to London and started a business
globally. Even the lack of knowledge of English
did not become a stumbling block in his path.
Ifoundcommonsense,determination,resilience,
and belief as the common denominators in all
my mentors, and I forged my path by getting
inspired by them.
What are the key beliefs you adhere to in life, both personal and
professional?
I don’t believe business and professional life are two different things;
everything is personal. To make a success in your personal life, you
need to have a balanced approach in people relationships. You need to
connect with the right people. In an organisation, you should hire the
right people who have confidence in the concept and a belief in you.
Organisations that have a sound business plan but don’t hire the right
people or believe in them, never achieve their full potential. A sensible
idea must also have a great business plan supporting it.
As the Special Guest at Miss Universe, China.
Attending an event with several Heads of African States.

11. 53
Society Achievers - February 2023
How do you strike a work-life balance?
I spend time with family and friends. But true
relaxation, for me, is to keep myself engaged in
work. I am a workaholic. My work is my relaxation,
my passion, my kick. Besides, meeting new people,
sharing knowledge with them, takes away all my
burdens and gives me new perspective.
What’s a regular day like in the life of Subodh
Narain Agrawal?
I usually work 14 hours a day. My typical day
starts and ends with meetings either in person
or over zoom. I make frequent office visits to
interact with the team, and set the progress
path and strategic roadmap.
What is your message for budding
entrepreneurs?
New-age entrepreneurs must be dedicated to their
ventures and not give up hope when it gets tough.
They should not fail to try untested areas, as it can
benefit their growth and offer new avenues.
“I admire five people
- Narendra Modi,
Sheikh Mohammed,
Dhirubhai Ambani,
Lakshmi Niwas
Mittal and Anil
Agarwal. All of
them achieved
phenomenal success
against all odds.”
With Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, Honorable Former President of Nigeria.