Amruta Desai: Building India’s Cyber Defense Powerhouse

From a small town in Karnataka to leading a global cybersecurity company, Amruta Desai’s journey is proof that resilience and vision can rewrite the rules.

Born in Gadag, Karnataka, she grew up in a middle-class family where ambition was often expected to remain modest. At just 17, while studying computer science at MSRIT, she co-founded Globals ITES Private Limited. Today, she leads one of India’s most recognized cybersecurity and defense technology companies, with operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Globals: A Cybersecurity Pioneer

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Globals specializes in sovereign-grade cyber defense solutions for critical infrastructure, national security, and AI systems.

Its flagship innovation—the Tactical Security Operations Center (Tactical SOC)—is redefining resilience with a “SOC in a Box” designed for battlefields, maritime zones, and disconnected environments. Recognized as a DSIR-certified R&D organization by the Government of India, Globals works with institutions such as ISRO, BEL, NSIL, AIIMS, and the Ministry of Defence, alongside partnerships with RRU, CDAC, and CDOT.

What Sets Globals Apart

Traditional SOCs often fail in high-risk, mission-critical environments. Globals bridges this gap with AI-powered, rapid-deployable Tactical SOCs that can function in the harshest conditions.

This deep specialization, combined with Amruta’s leadership, has earned Globals global recognition, including presenting insights at OneConference in The Hague and being named Company of the Year at Aero India 2025.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Stepping into boardrooms, defense summits, and government meetings as one of the few women—often the youngest—Amruta faced skepticism at every turn. Her capabilities were questioned, her presence challenged. But instead of retreating, she let her work speak louder.

“There were moments I was the only woman in the room. I chose to see that not as a setback, but as my strength.”

Her perseverance has since been honored through YourStory’s SheLeads, Facebook’s SheSparks, and recognition as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum.

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Amruta’s advice is bold and direct: women don’t need to shrink to fit expectations.

“Don’t wait for the perfect business plan or validation. Learn as you go. It’s okay to fail—what’s not okay is letting fear stop you.”

Her philosophy is simple: build with confidence, surround yourself with challengers and cheerleaders, and embrace being among the first. As she says—don’t just break the glass ceiling, own the floor.

Quick Facts

• Founder & Leader: Amruta Desai

• Business Name: Globals ITES Private Limited

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India

• Website: www.globalsinc.com

• LinkedIn: Amruta Desai