At Binance Blockchain Yatra, Ravi Eswarapu Calls for Innovation-Led Blockchain Push

Visakhapatnam recently witnessed a defining moment in India’s emerging tech narrative—the Binance Blockchain Yatra. The event brought together blockchain’s transformative promise and India’s surging entrepreneurial energy under one roof.

Among the standout voices was Ravi Eswarapu—a CXO-turned-entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, currently an advisor at the MeitY–NASSCOM Center of Excellence. Known for his razor-sharp insights and candid take on India’s tech evolution, Ravi delivered a powerful perspective on what it truly takes for India to lead in blockchain innovation, rewire its startup mindset, and reshape education to harness its demographic dividend.

In an exclusive conversation with TICE, he shared a compelling outlook on India’s Web3 potential, the policy paradox around crypto, and why trust—not just tech—will define the next chapter of India’s digital future.

Q: Where does India stand in blockchain technology today?

Ravi: Honestly, we’re in the nascent stage. The real innovation is still happening abroad, but India is fast catching up, especially in execution. Just like the early IT boom, where design was offshore and development happened in India—blockchain is showing similar patterns. However, what’s different now is that government-led missions under Digital India and the integration with AI are opening protected sectors (even defense) to blockchain applications. Expect the tide to turn soon, not just in developer dominance—but also in home-grown innovation.

Q: What trends are shaping blockchain entrepreneurship in India?

Ravi: The startup mindset has evolved dramatically. A decade ago, engineering degrees were about placements. Now, students are asking which institute will sharpen their entrepreneurial skills. Startups no longer feel like high-risk anomalies—they’re becoming a career pathway. Hackathons, idea-thons, incubation centers are energizing young minds. Many now enter corporate life knowing it’s a stepping stone to launching their own ventures. Tier-one cities are ahead, but tier-two and -three hubs are not far behind.

Q: Which sectors will benefit most from blockchain adoption?

Ravi: It’s horizontal—there’s no industry immune to transformation. Fintech and BFSI are the obvious starters, where transparency and asset tokenization are key. But expect breakthroughs in heavy industries, government services, and land records too. The underlying infrastructure—digital ledgers—makes blockchain universally applicable. There will be resistance, yes, but the next generation is more adaptable. While crypto remains ambiguous in India, blockchain’s backbone is set to become mainstream.

Q: How can we convert our demographic dividend into innovation capital?

Ravi: The education system needs a mindset reset. Creativity must be cultivated—not crammed. Today, Indian students study to pass, not to build. In formative years, kids are free to explore. But by Grade 2 or 3, rote learning replaces curiosity. Compare this to how entrepreneurship is inherited and encouraged in family businesses across Gujarat or Rajasthan—kids learn negotiation and sales at their parents' shops. This experiential learning beats textbook theory.

To unlock the full potential, we need policy changes at institutional levels, more labs than lecture halls, and early exposure to entrepreneurial thinking. Homeschooling, holistic development, and risk-taking need to be normalized. Only then will students find the escape velocity to build impactful startups.

India’s Blockchain Moment: What Comes Next?

India’s blockchain journey is still in its early innings. But as Ravi Eswarapu sees it, the country stands at an inflection point.

To lead, India must stop playing catch-up—and start setting the pace. That means rewriting policy, revamping education, and embracing a culture where risk isn’t feared—it’s fuel.

Blockchain’s true revolution won’t be just technological. It will be cultural.