Ashwin Chandranathan Drives Inclusive Innovation in Security Systems

In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and connected systems, Ashwin Maniyankode Chandranathan is pioneering a shift towards making technology more accessible and impactful. As a Senior Product Manager at Vicon Industries, he emphasizes that innovation must prioritize usability and human impact over sheer technical advancement. His journey from Wayanad, India, to leading security technology initiatives marks a significant evolution in how the industry approaches safety and surveillance.

From Humble Beginnings to Technological Leadership

Growing up in Wayanad, a serene region in southern India known for its rich agricultural landscape, Ashwin learned the value of discipline and long-term vision from his farmer parents. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from VTU in Bangalore, he began his professional journey at Tech Mahindra. There, he contributed to a major network infrastructure project for British Telecom, where he utilized TCL scripting to automate router configuration tests, effectively cutting regression testing time by 50%.

His subsequent role at BT e-Serv involved designing testing frameworks for the iVserve platform, managing MPLS VPN configurations across more than 180 countries. By implementing automation strategies, he improved testing efficiency by 35% and reduced live issues by 30% per release, shaping his belief that efficiency stems from smarter systems rather than increased effort.

Leading the Charge in Cloud-Connected Security

Ashwin’s pursuit of knowledge led him to earn a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Systems Management from Northeastern University in Boston. This education enabled him to bridge telecommunications and AI-driven product management, a combination that defines his current role at Vicon Industries. The firm, renowned for its advanced security and surveillance technologies, has undergone a significant transformation under his guidance, moving from traditional hardware to intelligent, cloud-connected ecosystems.

One of Ashwin’s standout contributions is the launch of Anavio, Vicon’s cloud-based access control and video management platform. Designed for scalability and ease of use, Anavio integrates seamlessly with existing systems while providing real-time analytics and encrypted remote monitoring. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global cloud video surveillance market is projected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2024 to over USD 10.5 billion by 2030, driven by innovations like Anavio.

Ashwin underscores the platform’s focus on accessibility. “We’re not just designing for large enterprises,” he states. “We’re designing for school districts, hospitals, and small businesses. These are places where ease of use and reliability are life-critical.”

Innovating with Human-Centered Design

Another significant achievement for Ashwin is the development of the NEXT Modular Sensor System, which combines AI-driven video analytics, modular design, and real-time alerting. Within its first three months, NEXT, in conjunction with Anavio, generated over USD 600,000 in revenue and received multiple international accolades, including the ESX Innovation Award and the iF Design Award.

The NEXT system allows facilities to implement AI-based detection tools without requiring extensive technical knowledge. “We wanted a system that could scale from a school hallway to a city block,” Ashwin explains, highlighting its adaptability and user-centric approach.

A notable initiative under Ashwin’s leadership is the integration of the Omnilert solution into Vicon’s Valerus VMS platform. This system employs computer vision and deep learning to detect firearms on live video feeds, alerting authorities within seconds. This technology addresses urgent public safety concerns; the Gun Violence Archive reported over 38,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S. in 2024. Ashwin emphasizes that while AI cannot replace human decision-making, it can enhance it by providing critical seconds in emergencies.

Championing Accessibility in Technology

For Ashwin, the notion of accessibility transcends mere responsibility; it represents the future of technology leadership. He believes that simplifying user interfaces and improving workflows are essential for ensuring that innovations translate into real-world applications. Many enterprise software implementations fail not due to technical shortcomings but because users find them difficult to adopt.

At Vicon, Ashwin collaborates across various departments, including engineering, marketing, and customer experience, to ensure that every feature is designed with a clear, human-centered purpose. “Technology should never intimidate its users,” he asserts. “When it’s built with empathy, it empowers them.”

His role also encompasses training and client tours across the U.S., London, and Dubai, helping diverse clients implement AI-driven security systems. This global perspective allows him to adapt complex innovations to various regulatory and cultural contexts.

As digital transformation accelerates, Ashwin aims to expand his leadership in AI-driven security platforms and telecommunication-integrated cloud systems. His vision remains clear: “Innovation isn’t about building the most advanced technology. It’s about building the technology that most people can actually use.”

With a focus on accessibility and usability, Ashwin Maniyankode Chandranathan stands at the forefront of a movement that merges intelligence with simplicity, ensuring that the future of security is not only advanced but also inclusive and impactful.