Pioneering Aerospace IT Solutions with Vision and Purpose: Mini Jairaj
At the intersection of cutting-edge aerospace innovation and agile IT consulting, Merchuian Solutions is quickly becoming a name to watch. Founded in 2020 by Mini Jairaj, the company has carved a niche for itself by delivering deeply customized, domain-specific IT solutions to highly regulated, precision-driven industries—most notably Aerospace. Headquartered in Bangalore and connected globally through strategic collaborations, Merchuian Solutions stands as a testament to what vision, resilience and heart can achieve in the world of tech.
In this exclusive feature, we sit down with Mini Jairaj for an open and inspiring conversation about her journey from corporate corridors to entrepreneurial leadership. We talk about the values that drive her, the lessons she’s learned along the way and her mission to create not just a successful business—but a legacy of purpose, inclusion and innovation.
TFS: Mini, it’s such a pleasure to have you with us today. Welcome!
Mini Jairaj: Thank you so much! I am thrilled to be here. It means a lot to have this opportunity to share my story with your readers.
TFS: What inspired you to start your own business and how did the idea for Merchuian Solutions come about?
Mini Jairaj: That is such a meaningful question because the “why” behind starting a business is often more important than the “what.” For me, the inspiration came gradually over the course of two decades. I had spent over 20 years in the IT industry in Bangalore, working with some of the most respected brands in tech. I was fortunate to gain deep experience across domains collaborating with clients across the globe. On paper, everything was stable and fulfilling.
But internally, something shifted.
I began to reflect on the nature of the work we were doing. Yes, we were delivering great solutions, but was that enough? Could I use all this accumulated knowledge to do something more meaningful, more personal—something that genuinely improved the way people experienced technology at work?
Even more than the tech, I started questioning the culture—how organizations treat people, the values they hold and the environments they create. I often saw brilliant professionals burn out, not because of the work itself, but because of how they were managed or misunderstood. That really bothered me. I thought, “What if I could create a company where both technology and culture co-exist in harmony?” That led to a turning point.
That’s when Merchuian Solutions was born in 2020. We did not have grand offices or massive funding—but we had clarity of purpose. We started with a simple but powerful mission: to create domain-rich, tailor-made IT solutions for various industries while cultivating a workplace culture that values human connection as much as technical competence.
TFS: Tell us more about Merchuian Solutions and the sectors you serve.
Mini Jairaj: Of course! Merchuian Solutions began as a modest venture, offering consulting services, people strategy and customized software development. In the initial phase, we served various industries where agility and adaptability are critical. We primarily worked with clients in healthcare, hospitality, and retail—industries that are constantly evolving and needed IT solutions that can grow with them. We built digital solutions that helped their businesses become more efficient, resilient, and responsive to customer needs.
As we matured, we started noticing patterns. Certain industries needed something much more specialized—solutions that did not just check boxes, but deeply understood their domain. One of those niche industries was aerospace. Aerospace is unlike anything else—it requires precision at an entirely different level.
Today, aerospace is our flagship vertical. A significant milestone for us was partnering with Beyer Flight Sciences (BFS) in Wichita, USA, and together, we work on building applications for aircraft design and development. This collaboration allowed us to support BFS in revolutionizing aircraft design and development using cutting-edge digital tools. Our work has become a bridge between deep tech and real-world engineering and that’s incredibly exciting. We are confident we’re contributing to the future of aviation.
TFS: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in those early days and how did you overcome them?
Mini Jairaj: Oh, there were plenty of challenges—too many to count, honestly! One of the biggest hurdles was gaining that crucial first bit of credibility. When you are new, small and competing against established giants, every potential client becomes a critical opportunity. We had no legacy, no big-name endorsements and minimal marketing muscle. All we had was our conviction, our skills and our commitment to delivering value.
I knew we could not afford to be everything to everyone. So, we focused on being indispensable to the few who gave us a chance. We immersed ourselves in their challenges, offered tailored solutions and made sure that working with us felt like a partnership, not a transaction. That strategy paid off. Word-of-mouth became our biggest marketing tool.
In the meantime, I invested heavily in networking. I made it a point to attend industry forums, connect with like-minded professionals and seek collaborations over competition. Slowly but steadily, we began to grow—not through aggressive tactics, but through trust, results and relationships.
TFS: Aerospace is a highly specialized sector. How do you tailor your IT solutions to meet its specific needs?
Mini Jairaj: Great question. Aerospace is not just another domain – it’s a deeply regulated, data-intensive and mission-critical field. There is zero room for error because every system we design has downstream implications for safety, efficiency and compliance. That is a lot of responsibility and we take it very seriously.
Our teams work closely with experienced aerospace engineers to understand every nuance of the systems we are enhancing. We do not just write code – we derive empirical formulae for building databases. One of our most impactful projects involved the re-distribution of BFS’s weight management system.
In addition to that, we are also working on the development of aerodynamics databases, as well as payload and external loads development systems. These tools integrate seamlessly with commercial applications both CAD and CAE, assisting aircraft manufacturers in their efforts to bring new products to market faster than ever before.
We ensure that our software is intuitive, making it easy to use, while also being precise in generating reports required for regulatory compliance.
TFS: What’s your long-term vision for Merchuian Solutions?
Mini Jairaj: I see Merchuian growing into a global leader in digital solutions for the aerospace industry. In the next 5–10 years, we want to create tools and platforms that support every stage of aircraft development—design, simulation, testing, compliance and even sustainability.
Digital transformation is changing the way aircraft are built and maintained. We want to lead that change – not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner with deep understanding of the domain. We are also exploring work in similar industries like defence-tech and advanced manufacturing, where accuracy and customization are just as important.
Another big part of our vision is our people. We want Merchuian to be a place where diversity is a strength. Our teams include interns, fresh graduates and experienced professionals from all kinds of backgrounds. We do not hire based on where someone studied – we focus on their potential, passion, and purpose.
TFS: What personal values guide your decisions and leadership approach?
Mini Jairaj: Integrity is non-negotiable for me. Even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular, I choose to do what feels right. I believe your values should guide you like a compass—especially in business.
Empathy is another core principle. Earlier in my career, I was often told that I was not assertive enough to lead. But I have always believed that true leadership is not about loudness—it is about creating space for others to grow. I want Merchuian to be a place where people feel, they are seen, heard, and supported. Our decisions are made collectively, with input from all levels. People always just talk about collaboration—but we live it every day.
TFS: What’s been the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
Mini Jairaj: Without a doubt, it’s the ability to shape something from the ground up. Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique. As an entrepreneur, you create a culture, a way of working and a vision for what is possible. That freedom is overwhelming.
I also find immense joy in seeing the impact of our work—whether it’s a client achieving breakthrough efficiency, a teammate discovering their leadership potential or a young woman saying she felt inspired to start something of her own. These moments are priceless.
Also, the transition from employee to employer is a profound one. It changes your perspective completely and you start thinking beyond tasks and outputs—you think about livelihoods, long-term vision and the ripple effects of your work. Of course, there are plenty of challenges along the way, but they really help you grow both personally and professionally. And honestly, making the leap from being an employee to an employer and contributing to the economy is such a rewarding experience.
TFS: Why do you think women’s entrepreneurship is vital for India’s growth?
Mini Jairaj: India is on the peak of transformation and women’s entrepreneurship is the untapped engine that can accelerate this journey. I think there is no better time than now in India to start your own venture. Women especially have this incredible ability to uplift their families and create a fairer society. Running a business is so empowering—it lets you make independent decisions and makes you stronger in the process.
What excites me is that the old playbook is being rewritten. We’re seeing more women break barriers in fields like tech, aerospace, finance and agriculture. But we still need to go further. We need ecosystems that not just support women entrepreneurs but celebrate them—mentorship circles, funding access, supportive hiring practices and inclusive leadership models.
This isn’t just about gender equity—it’s about national progress. When women rise, the whole country rises with them.
TFS: What lessons has this journey taught you as a woman in business?
Mini Jairaj: It has taught me to own my voice. In the beginning, I often felt like I needed to conform or be more like the leaders I saw around me. But over time, I have realized that authenticity is not a weakness—it is your greatest strength.
There were moments when I was underestimated or talked over. But I learned to assert myself with clarity and compassion. And I learned that leadership can be nurturing without being harsh – that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about being the most grounded.
I’ve also learned the power of community. I actively mentor aspiring women founders and collaborate with women-led ventures. I want to help build an ecosystem where women don’t just succeed—they thrive, lead and lift others as they rise.
This journey taught me that through our businesses, we build ecosystems of empowerment.
TFS: What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Mini Jairaj: Start with something you love—something you are passionate about. But don’t skip the groundwork. Understand your market, know who your customers and competitors are. Passion is important, but preparation is everything.
Also, free yourself from the pressure of being “perfect.” Society often places impossible expectations on women, especially around motherhood and family roles. Being an entrepreneur is not as glamorous as it might seem. The reality is, every role you play is tough—it will test you in every way. You will need to learn, unlearn and re-learn.
I also remember to celebrate my wins, however small. And remember—you do not need permission or position to lead. Just start, you will figure the rest out along the way.
TFS: How do you personally maintain balance between your professional and personal life?
Mini Jairaj: Balance is not a fixed state and I never felt it as a challenge because I enjoy my work and life. I have learned to be fully present in whatever I am doing. During work hours, I give my 100%. But when it is time for family, friends or personal downtime, I unplug completely.
I prioritize everything that brings me joy—travel, cooking with my family, listening to music or just spending time in nature. These moments ground me. And I have let go of the illusion of perfection. Some days are chaotic and that is okay. What matters is staying aligned with your values and protecting your energy.
Having a strong support system—family, friends, mentors—makes a big difference. It is not always about balance. To me, it’s more about harmony.
TFS: With India’s startup scene booming, what would you tell your younger self today?
Mini Jairaj: Well, It’s inspiring to see the rise in startups, which shows how the entrepreneurial spirit in India is growing at a remarkable pace. More young founders are stepping up and taking on challenges instead of settling for traditional white-collar jobs.
I believe, growth isn’t always linear. Some of the most powerful lessons come from setbacks. Every job, every project, every mistake—it all adds up. I would not change a thing, because those experiences taught me resilience, humility and vision. The lessons I learned in the past have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I am deeply thankful to my younger self for the mistakes I made during the formative years of my career, as they laid the foundation for my success.
“Trust the journey. You are more capable than you think.”
TFS: Mini, thank you for this enriching and heartfelt conversation. Your journey is deeply inspiring.
Mini Jairaj: Thank you so much! It has been a joy to share this chapter of my journey. I hope it encourages someone out there to believe in themselves, take that leap and lead with both heart and conviction.