Travysys, a travel tech startup from Assam, aims to be the best in the category. Let’s explore the roller-coaster journey of the founder and the vision.
Bhaswati Kalita
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What does it take to turn dreams into reality? Grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in oneself. The story of Travysys is a perfect example of this. A travel-tech startup that began as a vision, Travysys is today an AI-powered, real-time travel aggregator reshaping the tourism industry. Behind this journey is a man who refused to give up: Monoj Protim Bora.
Image: Monoj Protim Bora from serving as a food delivery associate to the founder and CEO of Travysys
His path from serving in the Indian Navy to establishing Northeast India’s first cutting-edge AI-powered travel tech company is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to following passion. Let’s celebrate his journey and endless determination that led to the start of Travysys.
Outline of the Story
Early Career and the Quest for Purpose
Monoj’s professional journey began in 2012 when he joined the Indian Navy after completing his graduation. Despite the prestige associated with a naval career, he soon realized that his aspirations lay elsewhere. Seeking roles that aligned more closely with his passions. Seeking a new direction, he transitioned to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research as a management consultant.
However, the structured world of traditional employment still felt constraining. He craved the freedom to create, to innovate, and to build something of his own. Recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit, Monoj made the bold decision to leave his stable position—even as he prepared for the UPSC examinations, a pursuit he eventually set aside upon realizing it wasn’t his true calling.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Trials and Tribulations
Monoj’s foray into entrepreneurship was marked by a series of ventures, each contributing invaluable lessons:
Brainstorming Ideas
In 2022, Manoj was brainstorming for a potential idea. He saw potential in starting a momo business, being a popular street food in India. He also analyzed the laundry businesses. But the ideas couldn’t convince him to invest ₹1 lakh he secured through a bank loan.
Starting the First Venture
After a few ideas that could not convince him, Monoj delved into the beverage industry, focusing on beverages made of sugarcane juice. His dedication led him across India for extensive research and development. And, finally marketed his first venture, ‘Caneras.’. It was started with a mission to provide natural and healthy sugarcane juice in different flavors. But due to lack of funding and distribution complexities, he had to shut down Caneras.
A Fusion Food Outlet
Although Monoj failed to survive the first venture, the curiosity to start something great was not less. This time he started a fusion food outlet at Ganeshguri, Guwahati. Unfortunately, due to low footfall, he had to shut it down too.
A Real Estate Venture Pivoted to a Travel Startup
After two unsuccessful business ventures, Monoj gained invaluable experience and, fueled by newfound enthusiasm. He started ‘Altoir,’ a real estate company, with two co-founders.
However, this too ended in failure—perhaps fate had a bigger plan for him, guiding him toward something greater. This time, instead of quitting, he pivoted the idea into a travel-tech startup, Travysys.
Sustenance Through Grit
This roller-coaster journey of Monoj was quite challenging. Many days he had to struggle for basic needs. During the challenging times, Monoj took on various part-time roles so that he could support himself and continue to work on his ideas parallelly.
He started working as a part-time telecaller at a gym to meet day-to-day expenses. The telecaller job at the gym was not enough to survive, so he started to look for a different part-time job. Being an ex-Navy personnel, he found a job as a swimming instructor. He did the job for a few months, but in winter the swimming pool got closed.
Now again he had to look for part-time jobs to secure his daily needs and simultaneously work on his ideas. Occasionally Monoj had to work as a Rapido rider, a delivery associate for Zomato and Domino’s, embodying resilience and adaptability for survival.
All these after, he was still focused and managed time to brainstorm ideas at the Assam Startup—The Nest. Throughout his journey, every challenge strengthened his resolve; every failure taught him something invaluable.
The Idea of Travysys: A Call from Inside
Through his struggles and experiences, Monoj began to see a pattern—an opportunity hidden in plain sight. Despite its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and untapped potential, Northeast India remained largely unexplored by mainstream tourism. There was no streamlined way to showcase its rich heritage to the world.
That realization sparked an idea—one that would soon become his biggest venture yet.
In January 2024, Monoj founded Travysys, a travel-tech company headquartered in Guwahati—the gateway to Northeast India. Travysys wasn’t just another travel service; it was his answer to the gap he had long observed. The company aimed to redefine how people experienced the Northeast, bridging the disconnect between travelers and the region’s authentic culture, landscapes, and communities.
This time, Monoj wasn’t just chasing another business idea. He had found his purpose. His journey—from the Navy to entrepreneurship, from failures to resilience—had led him here. And this time, he was ready to transform his vision into reality.
Why Travysys?
Travysys stands at the intersection of technology and tourism, offering:
- AI-Powered Customized Travel Itineraries: Utilizing AI, ML & Big Data, Travysys enables travelers to design personalized journeys, ensuring each experience aligns with individual preferences.
- Real-Time Booking: The platform’s seamless integration allows for instant bookings, enhancing user convenience.
- Diverse Offerings: From bike explorations and aqua adventures to spiritual tours and wellness retreats, Travysys caters to a wide spectrum of traveler interests.
- Sustainable Tourism: Committed to environmental stewardship, Travysys implements practices aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- Group Tours: Curated for diverse age groups and interests, ensuring inclusive travel experiences.
- Luxury and Budget-Friendly Options: Accommodations and activities that cater to various budgetary requirements.
- Expert Local Guides and 24/7 Support: Ensuring travelers receive authentic insights and continuous assistance throughout their journey.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Milestones
The path to establishing Travysys was fraught with challenges. Financial constraints and the departure of initial partners tested Monoj’s resolve. However, his unwavering vision attracted support from the Assam Government through the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) fund. This boosted Monoj’s confidence, and he is grateful to the honorable Chief Minister of Assam for such initiatives, which totally reshaped his entire journey. In March 2024, Travysys was incubated by Assam Startup—The Nest, providing the necessary resources and mentorship to propel the venture forward.
Within three months of its official launch (October, 2024), Travysys successfully organized over 12 trips across Northeast India and other parts of the country. The company’s commitment to affordability, coupled with high-quality services, has been a cornerstone of its early success.
Within a short span, Travysys has made remarkable strides:
- Market Penetration: Without prior marketing, established a presence in the competitive market and won 25 clients across India, generating a revenue of ₹7 lakhs.
- Team Expansion: A dedicated team of five members, including Priyangshu Sarma as the CXO and Tour Operations Head, drives the company’s mission.
Vision for the Future
Monoj envisions Travysys as a catalyst for economic growth in Assam, aspiring to build the state’s first unicorn. His journey underscores the belief that if a market doesn’t exist, it can be created through innovation and perseverance. He wants to establish Travysys not as a tour arrangement service but as a travel tech platform that provides 360-degree hassle-free travel solutions.
Endnotes
Drawing from his experiences, Monoj advises budding entrepreneurs to:
- Dream Big: Set ambitious goals that challenge the status quo.
- Embrace Resilience: View failures as learning opportunities and persist despite setbacks.
- Innovate Relentlessly: Continuously seek creative solutions to unmet needs.
The story of Monoj Protim Bora and Travysys exemplifies the transformative power of vision, determination, and adaptability. From navigating the high seas to charting new territories in travel technology, Monoj’s journey inspires a generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to society.
Bhaswati Kalita is a business analyst and storyteller with years of experience in business operations, management, and marketing. She is an engineering graduate and started her professional career as an operations manager in a tech company. To follow her passion as a storyteller, she loves to write business articles and stories. Reach her at bhaswati@diversityassam.com.
