Kartik Varma, PhD

Economist | Engineer | Tech & entrepreneurship enthusiast. Like solving problems at the intersection of fields.

Sweden

About

As the founder of Autonomics, a consulting firm specialized in strategy for new vehicle technologies, I apply my multidisciplinary background and expertise to help clients navigate the opportunities and challenges of this emerging sector. I have led the business analysis for the 26 mil € EU AWARD autonomous logistics project, working on ports, airports and hub-to-hub autonomous solutions. I have a PhD in Business Economics from IFSTTAR, where I collaborated with Groupe Renault and other stakeholders to develop a methodology that informed C-level management's decision to invest 6 million USD in R&D of autonomous vehicles for last mile deliveries. My passion for economics, business, data and entrepreneurship stems from my diverse and rich experiences as an engineer, psychologist and economist. I have worked on projects ranging from magnetic attitude control on satellites, renewable energy, and DIY solar plants, to behavioural interventions, life satisfaction analysis, and field research in social science. I have also set up a lean start-up in cosmetics, where I designed and engineered production lines, set up supply chains, and optimized time-to-market. I enjoy introducing innovations and technology to different sectors and communities, and I have headed 'Cité Innovation', a student initiative funded by Cité Universitaire Internationale de Paris, to establish a 'Fab-Lab' and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Experience

  • Digital Transformation Leader at Volvo Trucks
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Founder at Autonomics Consulting
    Apr 2023 - Sep 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Autonomics is a consulting firm specialised in the strategic analysis of new vehicle technologies - electric, autonomous, connected, shared vehicles. • Program management: Won bid for and conducted final economic analysis for the 26 mil€ EU AWARD Logistics Project. Determined optimal vehicle choice for fleet by analysing and modelling operations at 4 logistics projects sites in parallel. • Stakeholder management: Collaborated with and managed 8 active stakeholders across 5 countries. presented reports to technical and non-technical audiences over 16 times in 5 countries. Met all targets, ensured client satisfaction. • Data Driven Business Strategy: Designed and implemented an academic standard tailored-for-program research method- ology. Collected data, conducted 20+ interviews to create 50+ KPI models of first and middle mile logistics operations. • Process Improvement: Identified 2 key variables responsible for operational costs across logistics sites, converting findings to actionable roadmaps using autonomous technologies to reduce costs by up to 37%.

  • Engineer/Economist - Research and Innovation Department at Groupe Renault
    Nov 2018 - Jul 2022 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Responsible for defining approach and executing strategic analysis for autonomous, electric, connected and shared vehicles and their use in urban logistics, and the impact of Renault's LCV sale. - Managed end-to-end project design and implementation. - Established and managed industry and academic collaborations across Europe and India. - Work used to save 6mil € in R&D budget.

  • Founder, CEO at The Beard House
    Sep 2015 - Jul 2016 · 11 mos

    • Set up supply chains, designed and engineered minimalist, lean, production lines, for time-to-market from scratch to under 3 months on a shoestring budget. • Conceived a product line, packaging and marketing materials including websites and photos. Collaborated with all involved parties in capacity of CEO