When Vivek Athawale began his MSc in International Human Resource Management at the University of Sussex Business School, he didn’t imagine that an idea formed in the classroom would one day evolve into a thriving technology company. Today, as Founder and CEO of AariyaTech UK Limited, Vivek leads a growing team dedicated to developing responsible, human-centric AI systems that make technology more accessible and meaningful for people everywhere. 

AariyaTech UK Limited delivers end-to-end customised AI and software development services to individuals, startups, and enterprises.  

“The inspiration came from my fascination with how AI, human decision-making, and business transformation intersect,” says Vivek. At the Business School, he realised that innovation should be practical and inclusive. “Our mission is to create responsible, human-centric AI systems that empower innovation, streamline business processes, and make technology accessible to all.”   

Building the idea 

Before coming to the UK, Vivek worked for nearly eight years with a major FinTech company in India serving Fortune 500 banking clients worldwide. His role in global recruitment gave him a deep understanding of the technology sector and the challenges organisations face in hiring and innovation. 

“When I came to the Business School, I wanted to build on that experience with an international perspective,” he explains. “After completing my studies, the job market was very competitive, and one of my Sussex connections approached me for help developing a custom software solution. I decided to take on the challenge, and that project became the foundation of AariyaTech.” 

What began as a freelance software assignment soon grew into a full-fledged business. With guidance from the Careers and Entrepreneurship team and later support from the Sussex Innovation Momentum Incubator Programme, Vivek refined his business model and transformed his vision into a scalable enterprise. 

The programme allowed Vivek to gain access to expert mentorship, practical advice, and a community of entrepreneurs who helped him refine his business model and scale sustainably. 

A team born at Sussex 

A key part of AariyaTech’s story lies in its people, many of whom Vivek met through the University of Sussex network. 

Among them is Bharkha Hinduja, a classmate from the MSc Human Resource Management programme, who now supports the company’s HR operations and client relations. Suraj Howale, a graduate of MSc Advanced Computer Science, leads the development of the company’s AI projects, including Project XOne and AariyaTalk. Sude Umac, a neuroscience graduate with a MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems, bridges research and technology as AariyaTech’s AI Software Project Manager. 

Through the Sussex Innovation network, Vivek also met Preetysh Raj, a BSc Economics student, who joined as an intern under the Momentum Programme, and Ella Karabiber, a Law and Criminology student, who volunteers on legal and compliance matters. 

“Every member of our team has been vital in transforming AariyaTech from a vision into a working ecosystem, bringing a unique skill set and passion,” Vivek says. “Most of them balance studies or other commitments while contributing to AariyaTech, and their belief in the vision keeps us going.” 

Lessons from the Business School  

Vivek credits his time at the Business School with shaping AariyaTech’s core values of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.  

“The curriculum’s emphasis on strategic management, leadership, and entrepreneurship taught me how to recast abstract ideas into scalable solutions. Sussex also reinforced the power of purpose-driven innovation, the belief that technology should serve people, not replace them,” he reflects. 

He also acknowledges the Careers and Entrepreneurship team, which offered early-stage guidance and mentorship. “Their encouragement helped turn academic knowledge into real-world impact,” he says. 

Advice for current students 

Vivek’s message to current Business School students is clear: “Use your time at Sussex to experiment, connect, and build. The University offers a unique ecosystem through its Business School, Careers and Entrepreneurship team, and Sussex Innovation Centre. Take advantage of every mentoring session, pitch event, and collaboration opportunity. 

Every startup begins as a small idea backed by persistence and belief.” 

Looking ahead 

Today, AariyaTech is scaling its Job Search Optimiser platform, an AI-powered tool that helps job seekers optimise their CVs and applications using data-driven insights. Alongside this, the company is advancing other AI-driven innovations such as AariyaTalk(AI voice agents), Project XOne (AI cognitive monitoring), and AariyaIQ (an AI-powered learning platform).  

“Our long-term goal,” says Vivek, “is to establish AariyaTech UK Limited as a trusted name in responsible AI development and digital transformation, where innovation and human capability go hand in hand.” 

He adds, “Thanks to the University of Sussex Business School, the Careers and Entrepreneurship team, and Sussex Innovation for shaping the foundation of this journey and continuing to support our growth.” 

Learn more about the MSc in International Human Resource Management and other master’s programmes at the University of Sussex Business School.