Guidelines for Breakthrough in Innovation Date:   Friday , July 26, 2013 "Going green and affordability do not mix", was the response given when trying to introduce clean energy cars in India. This type of pessimistic ridicule cannot be avoided with attempts to break free from conventional norms. With persistence and courage I dared to do something different and it paid off because presently, Reva has its presence in 24 countries including Europe and Great Britain. Key aspects of instances of this journey can be projected and applied since his inception of REVA in 1994. Having proven my credibility as not just an innovator but also as an entrepreneur, I would like to share on these various aspects of insights and experiences which can also be applied in any sphere of business and innovation. The insights initially included the need for focus while honing down on a particular solution. The solutions should solve problems not only now but in the long run. Further there would be an assurance of being in the right direction because there is a vision in place since the solutions are based on results reserved for the long run. In retrospect it is a fact that there will be life challenges and the final work on solutions towards this area.Ultimately they would be rewarding and they would come through being the success of a larger challenge. Think out of the Box with Change in Perspective The first step towards success is to dare to test unchartered waters. Delving into an untouched vertical offers a clear advantage with respect to less competition and the generation of new ideas revolving around certain solution that is being experimented on. This can also lead to new perspectives in thought, implementation and knowing one's true potential. Having a Positive Attitude It is also imperative that we take feedback positively even if they are adverse or negative. Then apply the feedback in a way so as to change the business or idea better. What can be taken from the application of the strategy of positive feedback is the fact that there would be a change in listening pattern and shift of perspective in context to feedback and comments from people. Having a whole contingent workforce that can conjure amazing possibilities and produce tremendous results can only be possible if you can get them to think positively. The Readiness for Change For me it was initially difficult for to acquire funds because VC's in the late 1990's were more service oriented in India and product oriented business were rarely being funded at that time. I had to shift from being a complete technologist who required focus on the R&D and on getting the product to becoming an entrepreneur in an attempt to procure funds. It was either not having anything to do or making it happen. This decision signifies the readiness to be ready to accept change which is inevitable. Have a Perspective of the Consumer Innovation comes from connecting a consumer insight to an idea where in turn it is then transformed to a technology. These ideas do not depend on R&D entirely but interaction among people within an organization and consumers. In response insights from the consumer are filtered where their feedback can be converted accordingly. Basically in short having the perspective of the consumer brings about tremendous results. In conclusion having a broader picture of the initial vision and being able to dissect it into smaller pieces goes a long way for future growth. Work at each division one day at a time, where the goal could include challenges that are internal but all external; it is how we frame our mindset. One can fix the external things by saying no to anything no matter how big the challenge to make things happen. (The article is based on the keynote speech delivered at SiliconIndia's flagship event- Startup City 2013, Bangalore.)