Karthik Raja Karnan - The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

As a child, Karthik was constantly creating homemade toys from scrap metal, always wondering not just what things were, but how they functioned, and more importantly, how to fix what didn’t even seem broken. This innate drive to improve everything around him never left. The seed of what would eventually become MADique was planted during his college years. He couldn’t shake the idea after noticing that many small food-selling businesses lacked access to affordable machinery. It was a real gap in the system, and the ones most affected were homemakers, differently-abled individuals, and those in small towns with big dreams but few resources. This seed eventually blossomed into MADique Technologies OPC Private Limited, a venture built not only with tools and wires, but with empathy and a mission. It wasn’t about large-scale industries or mass production. It was about helping everyday people build something of their own. With compact, low-cost, and locally usable machines, MADique has quietly become a revolution in the food-tech space.

It all started with food. He didn’t just see food as a business opportunity, he saw it as a bridge between culture, livelihood, and dignity. Fascinated by traditional cooking methods, he dove into how labor-intensive items like murukku and idiyappam were to make. This led to the creation of MADique’s first series of machines, which were compact, easy to use, and time-saving for small vendors. These were not ordinary machines. They were gateways that opened doors for thousands of people who never imagined such support could exist.

The true difference of MADique lies in its heart. Most machines are designed to be fast and massive. MADique builds machines with people in mind. Every product is affordable and simple to use. It isn’t a brand for the elite; it’s a voice for the overlooked. Whether it’s a woman in a remote village or a differently-abled individual in the city, MADique’s machines become quiet companions on their journey to self-reliance. This social mission extends beyond business. For every machine sold, ₹500 is donated to the Smiles of India Foundation. This isn’t just a figure on paper, it translates into a child’s lunch, a student’s notebook, or clean water in a rural school. Over the years, the foundation has planted over 10,000 seed balls across various regions to increase green cover and distributed more than 1,000 books on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to inspire young minds. Most recently, they’ve started installing water purifiers in village schools to ensure children don’t fall ill due to unsafe drinking water.

Smiles of India is an extension of MADique’s values: zero bureaucracy, targeted impact, and transparent giving. The idea is simple. Every customer becomes a part of a chain of good. Purchasing a machine isn’t just a transaction, it’s a contribution. And it isn’t faceless giving. The buyers are acknowledged, and their emotional connection to the cause becomes part of the impact. One of the most powerful stories to emerge from this journey is that of a visually impaired woman from Kerala. With a single MADique machine, she started an idiyappam business from her home. Today, she not only supports her own family but also employs two other women. It’s not just about income, it’s about dignity and independence. “It’s stories like hers,” Karthik says quietly, “that get me out of bed every morning to start building all over again.”

Naturally, none of this came easy. The company began operations in a small car shed. Budgets were tight, materials were scarce, and self-doubt was constant. People laughed at the idea of a machine-making startup in a small town. But every failure taught something new. Every setback was a cue to rethink, refine, and rebuild. Slowly, things started to change. Over time, belief turned into momentum. At MADique, creativity and business, usually seen as opposites, go hand in hand. Karthik takes time to experiment but always listens to customer feedback. For him, the sweet spot lies in solving real-world problems. “We don’t build unless it’s going to help someone,” he insists. That’s the rule.

MADique is a truly Indian company, rooted in Indian culinary heritage, yet evolving for the future. From automatic murukku makers to compact dough rollers, each product carries a piece of India. The tagline says it all: Make in India, Innovate for the World. Its ambitions are global, but its soul remains local. By 2030, MADique hopes to empower over 10,000 entrepreneurs around the world. The roadmap includes expanding its product line, launching a training academy for aspiring food business owners, and deepening its environmental and social initiatives. But even as it scales, the mission stays the same: to build machines that generate jobs, not just profits. “Start with what you have. Keep learning. Just keep at it.” There’s no secret formula, just consistent effort and a clear purpose. Many people wait for the perfect moment. He didn’t. He started in a shed and turned it into a launching pad for thousands.

He Shares, Don’t chase success. Chase purpose. When your work has meaning, everything else follows. These aren’t just words, they’re a way of life.