In this insightful conversation, Tirumalesh Chalamarla shares his expertise as a data engineering and AI leader, bringing years of experience in hardware and software architecture to his role as Co-Founder and CEO of Induz. Based in Hyderabad, Tirumalesh drives innovation in data security and confidential computing, focusing on developing cutting-edge solutions like YSafe, a zero-trust cloud storage platform that leverages Intel SGX technology to ensure encrypted data management.
Who is Tirumalesh Chalamarla?
Tirumalesh Chalamarla is the Co-Founder and CEO of Induz, a Hyderabad-based startup specializing in secure data storage and confidential computing. With a strong background in hardware and software architecture, he has played key roles in designing ARM64-based server platforms and advanced data processing systems. Tirumalesh holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from IIT Roorkee and has a proven track record as an entrepreneur, including co-founding Parimitha Technologies and leading it to a successful exit. He also served as Site Lead at DataPelago and co-founded Parimitha Technologies, successfully driving innovation in cloud HSMs and data pipelines.
Leveraging deep expertise in data engineering, AI, and digital innovation, Tirumalesh now leads Induz to develop advanced solutions like YSafe, a zero-trust cloud storage platform using Intel SGX technology. His work emphasizes securing data with encrypted management to prevent unauthorized access, demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of privacy and cybersecurity in the tech industry.
Q1. What problem were you trying to solve when you started Induz?
Tirumalesh: We started Induz because we saw how broken digital trust had become. People are using the cloud every day saving files, photos, personal documents but they have no real sense of control over what happens to that data once it’s uploaded. We wanted to change that. The goal was simple: make digital storage feel safe, personal, and effortless. What if managing your data was as natural as putting something in your own drawer and knowing it’ll stay there until you decide otherwise? That idea drove everything we built.
Q2. What do you like most about DPDPA?
Tirumalesh: What I like most is that it puts the power back into the hands of the individual. For too long, people didn’t know who was using their data, how it was being shared, or why they were being bombarded with things they never signed up for. The DPDPA finally says, “You own your data.” That one shift is powerful. It’s not just good law, it’s the right direction for the country.
Q3.What do you dislike most about DPDPA?
Tirumalesh: Honestly, the intentions are great, but the actual playbook for companies like us especially startups is still a bit unclear. There are parts of the law that feel open to interpretation, and that makes it hard to plan long term. Also, some parts give the government a bit too much leeway while holding private players to a very high standard. That imbalance could become a challenge if not handled carefully.
Q4. Why does traditional cloud storage fall short for privacy-conscious users?
Tirumalesh: Traditional cloud storage platforms were built for speed and accessibility, but not necessarily for giving users full control over their data. In most cases, the service provider still holds the keys to access your files even if the data is encrypted. That creates a layer of dependency: you’re trusting them to stay secure, to not look into your content, and to follow good practices.
Q5. Can you walk us through the core architecture behind YSafe?
Tirumalesh: At its core, YSafe is designed so that your data is always encrypted and you’re the one who holds the keys. That means only you decide who can access your files, when, and under what conditions. We’ve built the system in a way that we, as the provider, simply don’t have the ability to view your content even if we wanted to.
What sets YSafe apart is how flexible it is. You can share documents that expire after a certain time, can only be opened in a specific location, or are viewable just once. It’s about giving you full control, without needing to jump through hoops.
Q6. What makes YSafe “keyless,” and how is access managed without traditional encryption keys?
Tirumalesh: “Keyless” means the user doesn’t have to worry about manually handling security keys or passwords to unlock files. Instead, we’ve built a system where access is granted using secure tokens generated based on your intent like sharing a file with someone just for the next 10 minutes, or only allowing access from a particular device. You don’t need to memorize anything or fiddle with settings. It just works in the background, the way good tech should.
Q7. How does sharing work securely in YSafe, and how is that experience different from mainstream platforms?
Tirumalesh: In most platforms, once you send someone a link, they can use it whenever they want and sometimes even share it with others. YSafe is different. Sharing is more like giving temporary access to a room, not handing over a copy of the key. You can set time limits, device limits, even location limits. You’ll also get a complete log of what’s been accessed and by whom. It’s control without the clutter.
Q8. Why did you choose to focus on the Indian market initially?
Tirumalesh: India is in the middle of a massive digital shift. With systems like UPI, Aadhaar, and the rollout of the DPDPA, people are engaging with digital services at an unprecedented scale. But while the tools have evolved, the control users have over their data hasn’t kept pace. We saw an opportunity to offer something better that give people real ownership of their digital lives. If we can get it right here, in a market that’s incredibly diverse and fast-moving, we can build solutions that scale globally.
Q9. How do you compete against global players like Google, Dropbox, and Box?
Tirumalesh: We’re not trying to outdo them on breadth, they’ve got that covered. Our focus is different: we build around control and transparency. We don’t scan your content, we don’t sell ads, and we don’t mine your data. Our platform is lean, focused, and designed to adapt quickly to local regulations and user expectations. Where the big players move slowly, we move with intent.
Q10. Who is most vulnerable in the current data storage ecosystem, and how are you helping them?
Tirumalesh: Small businesses and regular users are the most vulnerable. They trust big platforms without really knowing how their data is used. Sometimes, they only realize there’s a problem when it’s too late like when a file leaks or they’re locked out of their own data. With YSafe, we’ve tried to build something that’s simple but solid. You don’t need to understand encryption or security settings we’ve baked all that into the way the product works. It’s like using a safety deposit box: you don’t need to know how the vault works, just that your stuff is secure.
Q11. Can you tell us about any sectors or industries that have shown strong adoption?
Tirumalesh: We’ve seen strong interest from healthcare and legal firms, two sectors where confidentiality and compliance are non-negotiable. Fintech startups and smaller educational institutions are
also coming onboard, especially for secure document handling and controlled sharing. For many of them, the real value lies in knowing their information stays with them unmonitored, untouched, and uncompromised.
Q12. How does Induz ensure compliance with Indian and global data protection laws (like DPDPA, GDPR)?
Tirumalesh: From the start, we’ve designed YSafe with data rights in mind. We give users full control over their data, we don’t keep anything we don’t need, and we make it easy to delete or export data anytime. We also make sure our systems follow data localization rules and consent requirements. We’ve even had independent experts audit parts of our approach to ensure we’re on the right track.
Q13. Are there upcoming features or products we should be excited about?
Tirumalesh: We’ve also developed a CISO Dashboard designed specifically for security leads and compliance teams. It gives a high-level yet actionable view of data flows, user access patterns, and policy enforcement all in one place. The goal is to help CISOs make faster, informed decisions without getting buried in noise. It’s clean, real-time, and focused on what actually matters from a risk and governance perspective.
Q14. What are the biggest myths people believe about cloud storage today?
Tirumalesh: One big myth is: “If it’s a popular service, it must be secure.” But popularity doesn’t always mean you’re in control. Another common belief is that encryption alone is enough but if someone else holds the keys, they still call the shots.
And then there’s the idea that “my data isn’t important, so it doesn’t matter.” That’s a dangerous assumption. It’s not about how big or sensitive the data is it’s about knowing what’s being stored, who can see it, and when. Even small pieces of information can end up being used in ways you never expected.
Q15. Why is now the right time for a product like YSafe to exist?
Tirumalesh: People are finally asking questions they never asked before: Who has my data? What are they doing with it? Can I take it back? At the same time, new laws like DPDPA and GDPR are forcing companies to take data seriously. And tech-savvy users now want more than just speed they want security and transparency. YSafe is built for this moment. It’s like offering people a better lock for their digital home, right when they’ve started worrying about break- ins.
Q16. Where do you see Induz and YSafe in 3 years?
Tirumalesh: In 3 years, we want Induz to be the name people think of when they want real control over their digital world. With YSafe, the vision is simple: your files, your rules no second- guessing, no surprises. Whether you’re a business owner managing sensitive records or a school teacher storing lesson plans, it should just work quietly, reliably, and in the background.
We want YSafe to become something you don’t have to think twice about. It’s there when you need it, and it’s built to give you that calm confidence that what matters to you is exactly where you left it accessible when you want it, off-limits when you don’t.
In Summary
Tirumalesh Chalamarla’s vision with Induz and YSafe is all about giving people real control over their data in a world where privacy often feels out of reach. By combining advanced technology with a user-first approach, he’s helping businesses and individuals build trust and security in the cloud. As regulations like the DPDPA take shape, Induz is ready to lead the way with solutions that are both practical and powerful. The future of data protection looks promising, and YSafe aims to be a trusted companion on that journey.
