Turning Ideas into Impact: SLIIT Alumnus Redefines AI Innovation
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From a passionate IT enthusiast in school to a globally recognised entrepreneur in artificial intelligence, SLIIT alumnus Mr. Uditha Bandara, the CEO, Bluechip Technologies Asia, has built an inspiring journey of growth, innovation, and leadership. His story reflects how dedication, curiosity, and the right educational foundation can empower students to create meaningful impact in the world of technology.
Q: Mr. Uditha, Could you share how your journey into the IT field started?
A: Even during my school days, I had a strong interest in IT. Although I followed the Mathematics stream for my A/Ls and IT wasn’t a main subject at the time, I always explored basic programming and tech-related activities on my own. That passion eventually led me to pursue my degree at SLIIT, where I could properly build on that interest and gain structured knowledge in the field.
Q: How did your experience at SLIIT help shape your path in the industry?
A: SLIIT provided both academic and practical exposure. One of the unique advantages was the opportunity to follow weekend classes while gaining industry experience during the week. From my second year onward, I started working in the industry, which gave me hands-on experience even before I graduated.
In addition to the curriculum, I was involved in several extracurricular activities. I joined the Microsoft Student Ambassador Programme in my second year, representing SLIIT and collaborating with Microsoft Sri Lanka on knowledge-sharing and community initiatives. I also participated in the Microsoft Imagine Cup, where I became a semi-finalist. Those experiences really opened doors for me to explore technology and innovation beyond the classroom.
Q: That’s impressive! You mentioned working in the industry while studying—how did that experience contribute to your professional growth?
A: It was a huge advantage. My first job was through SLIIT’s Concept Nursery incubator programme, which gave me real exposure to projects and teamwork. Later, I worked with several major companies in
Sri Lanka while continuing my studies. Balancing academics, a full-time job, and community programmes taught me valuable time management and problem-solving skills that I still rely on today.
Q: You’ve also worked abroad. Could you tell us about that phase of your career?
A: Yes, after completing my degree, I worked as a Technical Consultant in Singapore for a few years. That experience allowed me to work with global clients and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Even after returning to Sri Lanka, I continued to work with regional partners as a consultant while also contributing to SLIIT as a Visiting Lecturer for the Data Science programme around 2015–2016. That opportunity to give back to the university was very meaningful to me.
Q: What inspired you to transition from consulting to becoming an entrepreneur?
A: After working for different companies and managing projects independently, I realised that to truly scale up and create impactful solutions, I needed a team. Around 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw an opportunity to start something new as remote and hybrid work became the norm. That’s when I founded my company, focusing on AI-driven products and consulting services. It began as a small team but quickly grew as we attracted clients from Sri Lanka and overseas.
Q: Could you tell us more about your company and its impact?
A: Our company primarily focuses on artificial intelligence technologies, offering both our own AI products and customised solutions for organizations. We also provide consulting for large enterprises. Currently, we have a team of around 20 professionals, including several SLIIT graduates and interns.
One of our flagship products, SolarSense AI, was recognised by the International Solar Alliance in India, and we’ve also received regional recognition from the Asia-Pacific and Cyberport Hong Kong programmes. These recognitions helped us establish a regional office in Hong Kong in addition to our operations in Sri Lanka.
Q: Entrepreneurship often comes with challenges. What have been some of yours, and how did you overcome them?
A: Challenges are part of the journey. Managing time, prioritising tasks, and staying resourceful were essential lessons I learned early on at SLIIT when balancing work, studies, and extracurriculars. Starting a company during COVID-19 was not easy, and then the economic challenges in 2022 tested us again. But those experiences made our team stronger and more adaptable. Every challenge taught us how to innovate and evolve despite uncertainty.
Q: What advice would you give to current SLIIT students or aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: There’s never a “perfect time” to start. Whether you’re still studying or already in the industry, entrepreneurship is about taking that first step and learning along the way. You’ll face risks and challenges, but that’s part of the process. Build your skills, gain some practical exposure, and then take the leap with confidence. It’s important to believe in your ideas and stay committed.
Q: Finally, do you have any memorable moments from your time at SLIIT that you still cherish?
A: Absolutely. During my first year, I used to stay late on campus, sometimes until 7:30 or 8:00 p.m., just exploring new technologies and reading about Microsoft tools and frameworks. Those quiet evenings, learning on my own out of pure curiosity, were some of the best times. SLIIT provided not just education, but the environment that encouraged that kind of passion and self-learning.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
A: I’m truly grateful to SLIIT for providing the foundation that shaped both my career and my entrepreneurial journey. The exposure, the network, and the practical learning opportunities I gained there continue to influence how I approach technology and leadership today.
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Mr. Uditha Bandara
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