College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

Celebrating Rupesh Garg's Cowboy 100 award March 2025 

In March 2025, the tech and entrepreneurial world witnessed a momentous occasion as Rupesh Garg, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Frugal Testing, was honored with the prestigious Cowboy 100 Award. This recognition is a testament to his relentless dedication, innovative mindset and transformative contributions to the tech industry. As a leader, entrepreneur and pioneer, Rupesh has redefined the boundaries of quality assurance and testing, making it more accessible, efficient and impactful for businesses worldwide. 

 

The Cowboy 100 Award: a Symbol of excellence 

The Cowboy 100 award is a distinguished accolade that celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of innovation, resilience and leadership. It recognizes those who have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but have also inspired others to push the envelope of what’s possible. Rupesh’s inclusion in this elite group is a fitting acknowledgment of his journey and the indelible mark he has left on the tech industry. 

 

Rupesh Garg’s OSU Legacy: a Foundation for success 

Rupesh’s journey to becoming a tech industry leader was shaped by his formative years at Oklahoma State University, where he earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at OSU, Rupesh was an active and influential member of the university community, leaving a lasting impact through his academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. 

 

Academic excellence and research contributions 

• Rupesh distinguished himself as an outstanding student, earning the significant Student of the Year award in his second year.  

• His academic journey was deeply rooted in innovation and research, particularly through his groundbreaking thesis at the Agricultural Research Lab. 

• His work on ethanol-based vehicles aligned with the Indian government’s growing focus on sustainable energy solutions, making his research highly relevant to global environmental initiatives. 

• His contributions also secured him a place in the Research Club at OSU, an elite group where top scholars collaborated with faculty and industry leaders on cutting-edge projects, further solidifying his role as a forward-thinking innovator. 

Industry Connections and Scholarships 

• Rupesh’s engagement extended beyond campus through his collaboration with 3M Corporation, a Fortune 500 company known for its cutting-edge research and innovation. 

• His involvement with 3M provided him with firsthand industry experience, exposing him to real-world applications of research and technology. 

• His dedication to academic and extracurricular excellence also earned him an impressive merit-based scholarship, enabling him to pursue his passion for leadership and innovation without financial constraints. 

Leadership and community engagement 

• Rupesh’s leadership abilities were evident through his role as President of the Toastmasters Club, a globally recognized organization dedicated to enhancing public speaking and communication skills. This experience played a crucial role in shaping his ability to articulate ideas effectively, an essential skill in his entrepreneurial journey.  

• Additionally, as the leader of the International Student Organization, he fostered cultural exchange and built a strong support system for international students, strengthening OSU’s reputation as a welcoming and globally connected university. His commitment to integration extended to the OSU Integration Initiative, where he worked on initiatives to bridge cultural divides and create a more broad campus environment. 

Cultural and professional contributions 

Beyond academics, Rupesh was deeply involved in cultural and professional development initiatives at OSU.  

• As a key member of the International Association, he helped organize large-scale events that celebrated those from underrepresented cultures, creating spaces for students from different backgrounds to connect and collaborate. His leadership in the OSU Executive Body allowed him to contribute directly to student governance, ensuring that international and minority voices were heard in university decision-making.  
• He also founded the OSU Chapter of the Art of Living, bringing the internationally recognized organization’s focus on mindfulness, stress management and personal development to students and faculty—a legacy that continues to benefit the OSU community today. 

Personal reflections and industry recognition 

When asked about the significance of this achievement, Rupesh shared: 

 

"This award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of my entire team at Frugal Testing. We started with a vision to make software testing more efficient and accessible, and this recognition motivates us to push even further. Innovation is a continuous journey, and we are just getting started." 

 

His peers and industry leaders have also commended his contributions. One of his colleagues noted: 

 

"Rupesh's leadership has been nothing short of inspirational. His ability to combine technical expertise with business acumen has set new standards in the software testing industry. This award is well-deserved and a reflection of his unwavering commitment to excellence." 

 

Key achievements & milestones 

Under Rupesh’s leadership, Frugal Testing has achieved significant milestones, including: 

• Serving over 150 global clients across various industries. 

• Reducing software testing costs by up to 40% for enterprises through automation and AI-driven solutions. 

• Expanding operations across multiple countries, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in quality assurance. 

• Establishing partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to streamline their software development lifecycle. 

• Winning multiple industry awards, reinforcing its position as an innovative force in software testing. 

Community impact 

Beyond his professional achievements, Rupesh is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His initiatives include: 

• Mentorship programs for budding entrepreneurs and young tech professionals. 

• Tech education initiatives, providing workshops and training sessions to bridge the skills gap in software testing. 

• Supporting all in tech, advocating for opportunities and welcoming work environments for all. 

• Corporate social responsibility projects, ensuring Frugal Testing contributes to societal well-being through sustainability efforts and charitable initiatives. 

Looking ahead 

As Rupesh stood on the stage to accept the Cowboy 100 award in March 2025, it marked not just the culmination of years of hard work, but also the beginning of a new chapter. With his leadership, Frugal Testing is poised to reach even greater heights, driving innovation and excellence in the software testing industry. 

Rupesh has ambitious plans for the future, including: 

• Expanding into new markets, leveraging AI and machine learning for advanced testing solutions. 

• Investing in R&D, exploring the next frontier of software testing automation. 

• Launching new product lines, aimed at making quality assurance even more seamless for businesses.