SYNERGEN Technology Labs employs skilled engineers and executes a phased approach to product development, resulting in transformative healthcare solutions such as advanced baby monitors and ECG devices. It nurtures potential tech leaders through targeted talent development and rigorous hiring procedures while clear career progression paths, transparent communication, and a performance-oriented culture motivate employees, the ingredients that fuel success in a competitive landscape.
As one of the Best Workplaces for Millennials by Great Place to Work, what factors contributed to your success in creating an appealing work environment for this demographic?
At SYNERGEN Technology Labs, 90% of our team are millennials. We stand out as an ideal workplace by not only providing a positive work environment but also a clear career path and a high level of autonomy. Our culture is built on trust, creating a fulfilling workspace for millennials. While recruitment standards are high, we aim for a long-term partnership with our employees, sharing in success and growth.
As an IoT company, we focus on healthcare innovation, creating advanced products for the US and beyond. Our team consists of highly skilled engineers in electronics, communication, software, and biomedical fields. Operating on a hybrid model, we foster robust interaction between our teams in the US and Sri Lanka.
Our current innovations include a sophisticated baby monitor and a special-purpose three-lead ECG monitor, both aimed at transforming healthcare through real-time, proactive monitoring of vital signs.
How does SYNERGEN Technology Labs foster a culture of innovation to develop industry-leading IoT solutions in a market dominated by giants like Google and Apple?
A significant number of skilled Sri Lankans are making their mark in top-tier tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon, often contributing to world-class technology developments. For instance, one of our partners, Ajit Amarasekaran, a Sri Lankan who obtained his PhD in the UK before moving to the US, worked at Texas Instruments for around 25-30 years. His team was instrumental in developing the touch screen for the Apple iPhone – a noteworthy achievement that many are unaware was led by a Sri Lankan
Ajit has shared with us that the level of skill and intellect currently prevalent is far higher than in the past, making it a perfect time to harness this talent pool. His insights have led us to consider hiring from universities, allowing us to recruit individuals who are equipped to become global leaders in technology.
When it comes to product development, our ambition is to create innovative solutions that have the potential to be sold to large companies like Google. We’ve adopted a phased approach to this, focusing heavily on one product before moving on to the next, understanding that this process is a long-term commitment. We’re patient and optimistic about the outcomes, hoping to become the first Sri Lankan company to develop a healthcare product for international markets.
What strategies do you employ to appeal to millennials specifically, and ensure you are attracting the quality of talent you seek?
SYNERGEN Technology Labs has built a robust brand image, especially within the academic community. We began our journey with a six-member team, which expanded to 50 over time, despite not having significant revenue in the early years. This growth was fueled by our investment in talent development through training and coaching, which we believe are crucial for attracting the cream of the crop.
Our hiring process is meticulous, aimed at selecting the best fit from the pool of millennial candidates. We receive a substantial number of applications for each opening, but we are stringent in our selection, striving to recruit the top five out of 30-40 applicants and we’ve communicated to prospective millennial employees that joining SYNERGEN is a long-term investment in their future.
How are you creating opportunities for growth and career progression for millennials at SYNERGEN Technology Labs?
We understand millennials’ drive for rapid career and personal growth. We’ve mapped a clear career trajectory offering opportunities for advancement and a culture centred on trust and understanding. Our team members are aware of the challenges in product development, and we maintain open communication to eliminate any confusion regarding promotions or benefits.
We reward successful product launches with a dual bonus system and have a transparent policy outlining promotions, salary increments, and ways to assume more responsibility. Our robust evaluation policy fosters a performance-oriented culture appealing to millennials, ensuring we cater to their unique ambitions and work ethics.
How have you fostered a culture that empowers millennials that drives impressive results for the company?
At SYNERGEN Technology Labs, we empower our engineers with autonomy, cultivating an environment where they become self-managers within our structure. Our culture emphasizes personal growth, creativity, and collaboration, essential for harmoniously coordinating intricate facets of product development like design, software, and compliance.
We’ve achieved a significant milestone with our hardware products gaining FDA approval in the US, a testament to our effective compliance team’s effort. We are now navigating through the software approval stages.
Our culture extends beyond fostering a friendly environment; it encourages smart work, interaction, and mutual respect. This has significantly contributed to our growth over the years and helped us stand apart.
Despite the challenges in bringing innovation to market in Sri Lanka, we leverage our established position in the US healthcare technology sector to bridge this gap. Our team is motivated, self-driven, and resilient, thriving under minimal external pressure. This unique attribute underscores our success.