Salem, India – December 2024 – The extraordinary journey of Karthik Raja Karnan showcases how creativity, perseverance, and a deep commitment to social impact can transform an industry. As the founder and CEO of MADique Technologies, Karthik has redefined the food processing industry by designing affordable, sustainable, and efficient machinery for small-scale entrepreneurs. His life story is a testament to how a humble beginning can lead to a remarkable legacy.
Early Life: The Foundation of a Visionary Leader
Born on May 30, 1994, into a middle-class family in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Karthik grew up in Ammapet, a small town steeped in weaving traditions. His parents, Mr. Karnan and Mrs. Kaladevi were skilled weavers who nurtured Karthik’s curious and inventive nature. Since the family could not afford expensive toys, Karthik began creating his own, showcasing an innate talent for innovation from a young age. Karthik attended a government school, where his aptitude for science and experimentation became evident. Known for applying classroom lessons through practical experiments at home, he earned multiple accolades during his school years, including the Brahma Award, the District-Level Best Student Award, and the State-Level Best Student Award.
From Engineering Graduate to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer
After excelling academically, Karthik pursued engineering at the Knowledge Institute of Technology in Salem, specializing in Electrical and Electronics. During his college years, he developed several innovative products that earned national recognition. Prestigious honors such as the Young Scientist Award, the Edison Award, and the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award celebrated his creativity and ingenuity. Graduating in 2016, Karthik was offered a job at Titan. However, his entrepreneurial spirit burned brighter. Despite familial pressure to accept the secure job, Karthik made the bold decision to decline the offer and follow his dreams. With little more than his vision and determination, he started a small company in a car shed, becoming its sole employee.
Overcoming Challenges and Building MADique Technologies
Karthik’s entrepreneurial journey was far from easy. His first project a Murukku Machine failed, but he remained undeterred. Neighbors mocked him for looking like a “mechanic boy” while his peers secured lucrative jobs. Facing mounting failures, Karthik’s mother repeatedly urged him to take a stable job, but he asked his parents for one year to prove himself. That pivotal year marked a turning point. Karthik successfully developed the Automatic Murukku Machine and the Automatic Idiyappam Machine, which quickly gained popularity. His focus on creating low-cost, high-quality food processing machines helped countless middle-class entrepreneurs launch their businesses. In 2021, Karthik unveiled the world’s smallest Automatic Idiyappam Machine at an unprecedentedly low price, earning a record in the prestigious Kalam Book of World Records. This milestone paved the way for MADique Technologies to expand internationally, reaching over 30 countries.
Innovating to Empower Small-Scale Food Entrepreneurs Since its inception in 2013, MADique Technologies has become synonymous with innovation, efficiency, and affordability. The company’s flagship product, the Idiyappam Machine, consumes
only 60 watts of power—comparable to a ceiling fan—and produces 400 pieces per hour. Priced at just ₹41,300, the machine enables small-scale entrepreneurs, including housewives, differentlyabled individuals, and rural business owners, to enter the food processing industry without significant financial burdens. MADique’s product range now includes dough kneaders, murukku makers, and other innovative machines designed to simplify food production processes. Over 3,000 entrepreneurs globally have benefited from these technologies, which provide an affordable pathway to success.
A Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainability
MADique Technologies stands out for its focus on social impact. Karthik offers a 10% discount to differently-abled entrepreneurs, fostering inclusivity in business. In a tribute to his inspiration, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the company gifts a copy of Dr. Kalam’s biography to every customer, encouraging lifelong learning and self-improvement. Environmental sustainability is also a cornerstone of MADique’s mission. With every machine sold, customers receive seed balls to support reforestation efforts, aligning with the company’s commitment to a greener planet. Moreover, MADique’s energy-efficient designs help reduce the carbon footprint of small-scale food production.
Awards and Recognitions
Karthik’s relentless dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
• Fast Growing 500 CEO Award – Benchmark Trust, Mumbai (2024)
• Young Achiever of the Year Award – Global Triumph Foundation (2024) • Tamil Nadu Business Icon Award – IBTHINK Academy (2024)
• India Top 500 Best Brand Award – INDIA 5000 MSME Business Awards (2024)
• Innovative Company of the Year Award – GTF, World Business Summit (2024)
• Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award – JCI Metro (2024)
• Best Innovative Entrepreneur Award – IMPA Association (2024)
• Star Young Entrepreneur Award – Thozhil Valarchi Media (2023)
• Global Excellence Award – World Peace University (2019)
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award – Institute of Engineers (2015)
These accolades are a testament to Karthik’s tireless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world. Vision for the Future Karthik’s unwavering focus on research and development drives MADique Technologies forward. The company’s ambitious goal is to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs globally by 2030, further solidifying its impact on food processing and entrepreneurship. Karthik’s journey from a car shed to global recognition has inspired countless individuals.
For more information, visit https://madique.com/.
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