From UPES Alumnus to Innovation Leader: Parminder Singh Sethi’s Inspiring Journey with 78+ Granted Patents from the USPTO

Parminder Singh Sethi stands out as a software engineer of exceptional calibre. With over 78 patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and more than 180 pending, his inventive spirit and problem-solving prowess have left an indelible mark on the tech industry. His patents span hardware design, security, UI/UX, Device Management, blockchain, and AI/ML, showcasing his diverse expertise and significant contributions to the field.

Parminder graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) from UPES’s School of Computer Science.
 

Early Inspiration and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Known for a solution-driven approach and a keen eye for detail, Parminder has set a record in India for the maximum patents achieved by an individual from a foreign patent agency. His journey into the world of innovation began during his college years when he became deeply immersed in technology and products. Not content with merely observing, Parminder embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, venturing into freelancing, and starting his own company. It was during this period that he encountered groundbreaking products in the market, sparking a fire within him to innovate and solve real-world problems.

Parminder’s immersion in the world of technology and entrepreneurship during his college years had a profound impact on him, shaping his perspective and igniting his passion for invention. He cultivated a mindset that constantly sought uniqueness, delved into non-obvious factors, and prioritised novelty while tackling complex technological challenges.
 

Commitment to Innovation

Throughout his career, Parminder has remained committed to fostering innovation. His journey as an engineer at Dell is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a fresh-faced graduate, Parminder quickly made his mark within the company. In just six years, he ascended to the prestigious position of Principal Software Engineer, a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His rapid advancement within Dell speaks volumes about his technical acumen and leadership capabilities.

During his tenure at Dell, Parminder played integral roles in various capacities, showcasing his adeptness in driving technological advancements. His active involvement in initiatives such as the Patent Committee and Patent Procurement Journey underscores his relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of innovation. Parminder’s contributions have not only enriched Dell’s technological landscape but have also solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the industry.

As a ‘Mentor for Change’ under the GoI initiative Atal Innovation Mentor, Parminder is actively involved in nurturing innovation in the next generation. His passion for innovation extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he shares his insights on software engineering, innovation, patents, and education through podcasts.
 

A Day in the Life of Parminder

Parminder’s typical day is a testament to his dedication and focus. He devotes his time to contemplating impactful problems that could be addressed through technology, envisioning future solutions, and refining them through relentless brainstorming. His deliberate and structured approach to problem-solving ensures productivity and meaningful strides toward innovative solutions.
 

Excitement for Future Trends

One trend that excites Parminder is space travel. The prospect of planning vacations beyond our planet fuels his imagination, spurring him to explore and contribute to the field of space exploration with innovative ideas and solutions.
 

Advice to Aspiring Innovators

Reflecting on his journey, Parminder advises his younger self to embrace failure as a crucial part of the innovation journey. He emphasises the importance of staying curious, never stopping exploring new technologies and approaches, and trusting in one’s creativity and vision, even in the face of doubt or scepticism.
 

Challenging Conventional Notions of Innovation

Parminder firmly believes that innovation is not solely tied to the number of years of experience or technical knowledge one possesses. He advocates for maintaining a relentless curiosity, and nurturing an insatiable desire to learn, explore, and question the world around you.
 

Key Practices for Inventors

As an inventor, Parminder recommends maintaining a relentless curiosity and embracing a habit of continuous learning. He believes that curiosity is the spark that ignites the flames of innovation, unlocking a world of potential and driving progress.
 

Recommended Read 

Parminder recommends “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen, a seminal work that offers valuable insights into the challenges that innovators and inventors face, prompting them to rethink their approach to innovation and embrace disruptive ideas.
 

Favourite Mantra: “Keep Innovating! Keep Rocking!”

Parminder’s favourite mantra embodies his philosophy of celebrating every innovation, no matter how small. It serves as a reminder to stay driven and focused on creating meaningful advancements.
 

Parminder’s Impact on Innovation

Parminder’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and curiosity. His passion for solving challenges and making a difference continues to inspire and drive progress in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and invention.