“My Mission Is To Make Temples Across India Better”
In the bustling world of technology, where innovation knows no bounds, Sharad Pandurang Kamath, Founder and CEO of 3ioNetra emerges as a pioneer in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. His brainchild, 3ioNetra, is not just a software solution but a transformative force reshaping the landscape of temple management. He discusses the narrative behind 3ioNetra's inception and his mission to digitise and streamline temple operations.
Born and raised in a traditional Hindu Mangalorean family, Kamath's journey into temple management technology was deeply rooted in his upbringing. His childhood experiences, accompanied by his affection for his late mother and their visits to various temples, instilled in him a profound reverence for religious practices. It was this upbringing that laid the foundation for his ambitious endeavour to revolutionise temple management through technology.
The Birth of 3ioNetra
Inspired by his experiences as a volunteer and organiser at religious functions, Kamath recognised the need for a comprehensive software solution to address the complex billing and accounting needs of temples. Thus, 3ioNetra was born in 2016, driven by his unwavering commitment to give back to the religious community that had supported his education.
As he recalls, "When I searched for a ready-made software solution, I realised that none were available. This sparked the inception of 3ioNetra, an all-encompassing solution to manage the billing, accounting, and other resources required by religious trusts and temples."
Tech-backed Temple Management
Through 3ioNetra, temple management trustees can now streamline operations, engage with devotees more effectively and embrace digital payments seamlessly. As Kamath puts it, "Our software aims to change the way temple management teams operate, making their processes more efficient while enhancing the devotee experience."
Looking ahead, 3ioNetra's focus extends beyond digitising payment systems, the goal is to provide temples with the tools they need to prioritise their core mission—serving the spiritual needs of devotees—while enhancing operational efficiency. He asserts, "We believe that our software will revolutionise temple management, empowering trustees to navigate the digital age while preserving the sanctity of religious traditions."
The Market Dynamics
The landscape of religious tech in India is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the intersection of tradition and technology. According to Kamath, the contribution of Hindu temples and trusts alone constitutes a significant portion of India's GDP. He highlights, "Currently, only Hindu temples and trusts contribute 10 per cent of India's GDP, with the entire spiritual tech market contributing around 20-25 per cent."
Despite this substantial contribution, Kamath emphasises the need for patience and focus for startups entering this space. "Any new startup founder needs to invest 4-5 years to understand the problem areas and focus on one state," he advises.
Kamath further stresses the importance of a mindset shift and long-term investment. "The next 4-5 years will require capital for building disruptive tech solutions and mentorship," he concludes. As the industry evolves, these insights from Kamath shed light on the numerous opportunities and challenges shaping the future of religious tech in India.
As technology continues to reshape our world, 3ioNetra stands as a shining example of innovation driven by tradition and guided by a deep sense of purpose. As he aptly summarises, "Our journey is just beginning, but the impact we aim to make on temple management and devotee experiences is boundless."
