Founder Magazine Team
Biswajit Baruah’s journey from a young boy fascinated by buses to the Founder and CEO of Hive Sustainable Solutions is a testament to passion and perseverance. A native of Assam residing in Belagavi, Karnataka, Biswajit’s entrepreneurial spirit was fueled by his deep-seated love for buses and a vision for revolutionizing public transport in India. A graduate of KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Biswajit has amassed significant experience in the field of sustainable transport solutions. Before founding Hive, he worked as a Mentor and Director for Bengaluru-based start-ups Bus-Bucket and Ozobus, and as a Consulting Editor for Motor India, a leading commercial vehicle magazine. His extensive background in automobile journalism and his passion for buses provided the perfect foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Hive Sustainable Solutions, founded in 2021, is a Belagavi-based start-up dedicated to improving bus fleet operations in India through sustainable solutions. The company focuses on three main pillars: the well-being of bus drivers and crew, the safety of women passengers, and the comfort of senior citizens. Hive offers a subscription-based platform with packages like Crew Plus, Senior Plus, and Fem Plus, each tailored to enhance safety and security in public transport. These packages provide advanced solutions such as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service), aiming to create a safer, more integrated public transport system in India.
Biswajit’s vision for Hive is deeply rooted in his belief that improving the conditions for bus drivers and ensuring the safety and security of passengers can significantly elevate the public transport experience in India. His initiatives focus on smart passenger mobility, emphasizing the importance of driver well-being, women’s safety, and senior citizen comfort. By addressing these critical areas, Hive is not only enhancing the quality of public transport but also fostering a culture of safety and reliability.
The path to establishing Hive was not without challenges. Biswajit faced significant hurdles, from securing initial funding to convincing stakeholders of the viability and necessity of his vision. However, his perseverance and dedication to his cause have paid off, as evidenced by the growing recognition of Hive’s products and solutions in the market. The company’s impact is already being felt, as it brings awareness to the need for better public transport conditions and offers practical solutions to improve the safety and comfort of passengers.
Throughout his career, Biswajit has drawn inspiration from his mentor, the late Shri K.T. Rajashekhara, Ex-CMD of SRS Travels Bengaluru. Rajashekhara’s guidance and advice were instrumental in shaping Biswajit’s approach to business and his commitment to sustainable transport solutions. This mentorship, combined with Biswajit’s own experiences and insights, has been pivotal in the development of Hive Sustainable Solutions.
The inception of Hive was driven by Biswajit’s recognition of the gaps in the bus fleet operations sector, particularly regarding the user experience. His in-depth case studies and interactions with bus drivers and passengers revealed the shortcomings in the current system, prompting him to develop solutions that address these issues directly. Hive’s unique value proposition lies in its holistic approach to improving public transport, focusing on safety, security, and well-being.
Hive’s future prospects are promising, with plans to further integrate technology and resources through joint ventures with global firms. The company’s goal is to create a better, safer ecosystem within the public transport system, ensuring that the needs of all passengers are met. Biswajit’s dedication to his vision and his commitment to ethical and value-driven business practices have positioned Hive as a leader in the sustainable mobility sector.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Biswajit is a passionate advocate for the bus industry, regularly contributing to discussions and initiatives aimed at improving public transport. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Indian Achiever’s Award for Promising Start-Up in 2022 and the Global Business Achievement Award for Most Emerging Business Personality of the Year in 2023. These accolades are a testament to his impact on the industry and his commitment to making a difference.
Biswajit’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to remain dedicated to their vision and to prioritize ethics and values in their business practices. He believes that personal growth and professional success are intertwined and that a value-driven approach can lead to sustainable success. His journey with Hive Sustainable Solutions serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact, it is possible to achieve great things.
