From challenges to cloud innovations: Nutanix engineer Hardik Ruparel’s journey of resilience and technological excellence

Hardik Ruparel, a California-based cloud software engineer at Nutanix and expert in cloud computing, is currently shaping innovations in distributed systems and cloud storage.

His expertise in private cloud storage solutions, large-scale data replication, and AI-driven cloud technologies has established him as a driving force and a recognized thought leader in the field.

Beyond his professional expertise, Ruparel is deeply committed to giving back to the community.

He devotes his weekends to mentoring aspiring cloud engineers and students for free in cloud computing, resume building, and interview preparation for cloud and software engineering roles. To date, he has mentored over 180 students across the US and India.

His contributions to technology and mentorship have earned him multiple international recognitions, including invitations for guest lectures at leading US universities and a feature in New York’s Times Square, highlighting his influence in the tech community.

However, his path to success was not straightforward. “The road was filled with rejections and challenges, but I never saw them as failures—only lessons,” he told EPN.

Despite having an excellent academic background, Ruparel faced a series of rejections early in his career. While these setbacks were difficult at first, he chose not to view them as failures. Instead, he used them as motivation to continue refining his skills in pursuit of his goal.

"What kept me going was my resilience and the desire to innovate. Every challenge was an opportunity to reflect and improve," Ruparel shared with EPN.

His journey through the maze of challenges was driven by this mindset, which became a deeply ingrained and valuable principle for him.

Furthermore, his relentless pursuit of excellence led him to establish a strong network in distributed systems and cloud computing before even entering the industry.

As he progressed, he became an invaluable asset, combining technical depth with a problem-solving mindset that set him apart in the cloud domain.

As a mentor, Ruparel identified a common gap among aspiring engineers: an overemphasis on certifications and platform-specific skills (AWS, Azure) while overlooking fundamental concepts.

"Many focus too much on certifications but neglect essential skills like networking, distributed systems, databases, concurrency, and operating systems," he explained.

He emphasizes that these core areas form the foundation for solving complex problems, making them crucial for any student aiming to succeed in cloud computing.

"Strong fundamentals are key when preparing for cloud engineering roles. Interviewers want to see critical thinking and problem-solving skills, not just tool expertise," Ruparel told EPN.

Passionate about advancing cloud technology, Ruparel actively publishes research papers and also reviews papers submitted by peers for various international conferences and journals.

His recent research explores the intersection of Generative AI and cloud security, addressing emerging vulnerabilities introduced by AI-driven threats.

"With large AI models becoming integral to cloud operations, they also introduce new security risks," he explained. "Imagine AI-generated ransomware or novel malware codes created dynamically—how do we defend against that?"

His work plays a crucial role in the evolving landscape of cloud security, helping organizations anticipate and mitigate AI-driven threats before they escalate.

Ruparel’s commitment to leveraging technology for impact extends beyond corporate innovation.

He developed a cloud-based financial literacy app to educate underprivileged youth in rural India, China, and Singapore, helping over 180,000 youths gain essential financial skills.

This initiative earned recognition at the “Shorty Impact Awards,” reinforcing his belief that technology, when used responsibly, can drive global change.

"Tech is a powerful tool—not just for business growth, but for creating meaningful social impact," he shared.

Ruparel’s mentorship goes beyond technical skills; his mentoring method cultivates the mindset necessary to overcome obstacles and succeed in the ever-evolving IT industry.

"Mentorship isn’t just about teaching—it’s about empowering. It’s about giving people the confidence to believe in their potential and helping them overcome their fears," he emphasized.

His journey highlights that success is rooted in resilience, continuous learning, and using one’s skills for social good. His passion inspires students globally, teaching them that challenges are opportunities for growth and eventual success.

He said, "Every rejection was a chance to reflect and improve. Through his research, mentorship, and social impact initiatives, Ruparel is shaping the future of cloud engineering—one breakthrough at a time.