Back in 2006, Mehul Sanghani founded a company centered on his belief that “digital transformation could be delivered at scale to modernize the federal government’s approach” to pressing challenges — from public health care to national security.
Thus, Octo was born. IBM acquired the Reston, Virginia-based operation for a reported $1.2 billion in December 2022, establishing what’s been called one of the largest digital transformation partners to the federal government.
Still led by Sanghani, its CEO, the company has some 1,500 employees, including about 273 in the Baltimore metro area. The company touts its teamwork, which enables its federal partner agencies to leapfrog the technology curve, through best practices embracing next-generation technology and innovation.
And in keeping with that innovative mindset, Octo’s professionals work from “a visionary, technologically advanced space that is aesthetically and culturally appealing,” Chief Technology Officer Sujey Edward said.
“It’s edgy, it’s sharp, and it’s not the run-of-the-mill lab or office. I would describe it as an aspirational stop for employees to grow, learn and test themselves. Not a demonstration environment, but a hands-on innovation space where our employees enjoy working with cutting-edge AI, VR, robotics, and incredibly high compute power,” he said.
Octo also boasts what’s known as oLabs, a research and development innovation hub and a collaborative prototyping and experimentation space. It enables the company to develop, improve and provide an array of services, from artificial intelligence to data management and analytics, as well as cybersecurity.
“It’s a place where we encourage our employees to prototype and experiment every day,” Edward said. “It’s where we say employees get to innovate in the gray, barreling through the usual constraints that hold progress back. It’s how employees rapidly and safely conceive, create and test prototypes that work for customers.”
That’s not all that makes Octo unique.
“Seva,” a term in the Sanskrit language that embodies the spirit of giving without expecting anything in return, serves as one of Octo’s core values. Because Seva means going above and beyond for the community, the company has developed programs that keep employees engaged and rewards them for a job well done.
Among them is the oLabs Hackathon, an annual event that encourages employees to solve business and customer problems by devising “hacks” that fit real-world cases. Winners are judged by a panel of experts, and teams can win cash and prizes — up to $10,000 for the top team.
Then there’s Octo’s internship program, designed to foster the next generation of thinkers and innovators, some of whom end up as company employees. This summer, the largest intern cohort in Octo’s history worked in oLabs to develop EchoNet, an AI solution that draws on an acoustic detection capability; algorithms process sound to trigger a robotic unit to take an appropriate and actionable response in a given situation. This type of technology can be used in myriad ways, from finding victims buried during earthquakes, locating underwater sub-implosion locations, and detecting and mitigating threats in combat situations.
That’s not all that makes Octo a standout. Vanessa Davis, Octo’s senior manager for employee engagement and corporate social responsibility, ticked off a variety of company initiatives.
“Employees have access to team-building resources, a plethora of interactive wellness activities, and engaging volunteer opportunities throughout the year,” she said. “From access to premium mental wellness tools, to financial wellness webinars, and charity walks, Octo ensures its employees remain both healthy and engaged.”
Davis is also “proud” that Octo seeks to recognize its employees, too.
To wit, there’s a “high-five” program for employees to appreciate their peers, and a kudos program for managers to acknowledge outstanding contributions.
“In essence, our unique workplace culture empowers employees,” she said.
Employees notice.
“Octo has been a great place to work because of the growth opportunities, the ability to be creative in the technology world and always finding ways to improve the culture of the company,” one said.
Another noted the many opportunities to grow and learn, noting the availability of classes in-house and the great tuition-reimbursement program.
“Opportunities are endless when it comes to Octo, and the managers are great in putting people where their skillset matches the position,” they said. “Octo is very flexible with the work/life balance and this was even before COVID-19. I have been here for almost seven years and have no plan on going anywhere but UP in Octo!”
