Mr Jayant Khadilkar began working at an early age to help his father, who had business debts.

Jayant Khadilkar majored in organic chemistry. In 1978, he also completed a management course from Jamnalal Bajaj. Mr Jayant Khadilkar excelled in studies. He was intellectually inclined. He was a natural innovator.

Mr Jayant Khadilkar began his professional career with HOECHST PHARMACEUTICALS. He worked there for about 12 years. He received numerous honours for his outstanding work. His coworkers and friends always thought he was brilliant.

Mr Jayant Khadilkar used to observe one of the vendors who was in charge of coating corroded parts at work. This product triggered Mr Jayant Khadilkar's interest, and he believed it could be a feasible product to manufacture, leading to a sustainable business. Mr Jayant Khadilkar used to research these products in his spare time.

He quit his work and began testing the product after developing confidence. Mr Jayant Khadilkar spent nearly two years experimenting with various applications. During that time, he received complete support from his family.

At the age of 45, he decided to produce the items and established Jay Elastomers. They began producing rollers, which were widely used in the steel industry.

They later did a collaboration with Otaka, Japan, to create some ground-breaking products. Within a few years, they had established themselves as a prominent force in their field.

Mr Jayant Khadilkar was constantly innovating and developing ground-breaking innovations. Mr Jayant Khadilkar has attended and presented papers at numerous international and scientific events. Jay Elastomers has won nearly every major MSME award in India.

Intellectually gifted individuals do not achieve as much as they would desire. Mr Jayant Khadilkar was an outlier, and he created a thriving firm with his capabilities. His stage in life and age was never a deterrent  to kick start the journey of exploration and innovation through his own business venture.