Speakers
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat is a distinguished Indian scientist and a Member of NITI Aayog. He has played a pivotal role in India's defence research, serving as the Director General of DRDO and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Indian Minister of Defence. His contributions include the development of missiles like Prithvi, Dhanush, Prahaar, and Agni-5, as well as India's Ballistic Missile Defence system. Dr. Saraswat has been honoured with Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Bhushan (2013) for his contributions to science and technology. He has also served as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and continues to lead initiatives in alternative energy, cybersecurity, and microprocessor development. His work has significantly shaped India's technological advancements.
Dr. B. V. R. Mohan Reddy is an Indian entrepreneur and the Founder Chairman of Cyient (formerly Infotech Enterprises). He established Cyient in 1991, pioneering India's engineering and R&D services on the global stage. Under his leadership, Cyient has contributed over $5 billion in exports and created employment for thousands of engineers worldwide. Dr. Reddy has received honorary doctorates from multiple universities. He has served as Chairman of NASSCOM (2015-16) and CII Southern Region (2008-09), actively shaping India's technology and education sectors. He is also the Founding Director of T-Hub, India's largest startup incubator. In 2017, he was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to trade and industry. His leadership continues to drive innovation and corporate excellence in India.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar is an esteemed Indian educator, engineer, and administrator, currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. He was the Director of IIT Kanpur during 2018 to 2023. He made significant contributions to telecommunication policy and standards in India. He was a founding member and former Chairman of the Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI), shaping India's telecom standards. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, he has contributed to 5G and 6G spectrum policy, rural broadband initiatives, and global telecom standardization. His leadership continues to drive India's technological advancements in science and communication.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak is a distinguished agricultural scientist and the Director General of ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). Before joining ICRISAT, he served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), one of the world's largest agricultural research organizations. Dr. Pathak has been contributing significantly to global food security and sustainable farming. His leadership continues to drive agricultural innovation worldwide.
Prof. T. G. Sitharam is an accomplished civil engineer, educator, and administrator, currently serving as the Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) since December 2022. Before this, he was the Director of IIT Guwahati from July 2019 to December 2022. Prof. Sitharam holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and has been a Senior Professor at IISc Bangalore for nearly 30 years. His expertise spans geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, and infrastructure development. Recognized globally, he has served as a visiting professor in Japan, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar is the Mg. Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), an initiative under the Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. He holds a PhD in Biotech from the Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, and post-doc from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also holds an MBA from the Fisher College of Business, USA. He served as Vice President of Life Science Incubator at IKP Knowledge Park, Hyderabad, where he mentored startups and facilitated biotech commercialization. He was the Mg. Director of Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), fostering innovation in agriculture, biofuels, and healthcare. Dr. Kumar is actively involved in policy-making, startup incubation, and biotech entrepreneurship, contributing to India's biotech innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Sanghamitra Pati is a distinguished physician, public health researcher, and administrator, currently serving as the Additional Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) since December 2024. She has over 25 years of experience in healthcare research and policy-making. Dr. Pati holds an MBBS and MD, and earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Ph.D. from the University of Maastricht, Netherlands. She has previously worked on COVID-19 serosurveillance studies and co-developing India’s first Make-in-Odisha rapid antigen kit. She has received multiple national awards, and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), India, and the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH), UK. Her leadership continues to shape India’s public health research and policy landscape.
Prof. DVLN Somayajulu is an accomplished academic and administrator, currently serving as the Director of NIT Manipur since June 2024. Before this role, he held several key positions at NIT Warangal. He has extensive experience in computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence, contributing to research, policy-making, and academic leadership. He previously served as the Director of IIITDM Kancheepuram and played a crucial role in expanding academic programs and research initiatives. With a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, he has guided numerous Ph.D. scholars, published extensively.
Prof. Arun K. Tangirala is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently serving as the Dean of Competency Development & Outreach (CDO) at IIT Tirupati. He specializes in Process Systems Engineering, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Tangirala earned his Ph.D. in Process Control & Monitoring from the University of Alberta, Canada. He has held visiting professorships at leading global institutions, including University of Delaware, Technical University of Munich, and Tsinghua University. His research focuses on Process Control, System Identification, Fault Detection, and Applied Machine Learning. He has authored numerous publications and a comprehensive textbook on System Identification.
Prof. Virendra K. Vijay is a renowned expert in biogas technology, rural development, and sustainable energy, currently serving as a Professor at the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi. He is the National Coordinator of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at fostering rural development through academic collaboration. Prof. Vijay has pioneered biogas purification and bottling technology, which has been widely adopted across India. His research has led to patents in biogas upgradation, influencing India’s bio-CNG standards. He has also been recognized with prestigious awards, including the India Green Energy Award. His contributions continue to shape India's renewable energy and rural development landscape.
Dr. Ashok Mondal is an accomplished designer and educator, currently serving as the Director of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. An alumnus of Visva-Bharati and NID Ahmedabad, he has contributed extensively to Lifestyle Accessory Design, Universal Design, and Sustainable Design. He has also worked at the State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (SIDAC), Odisha, leading initiatives in product development, curriculum design, and artisan training. Dr. Mondal has played a key role in mentoring NID Andhra Pradesh, and currently leads the Indian Footwear and Leather Industry Development Project under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. His research focuses on traditional arts and crafts, aiming to elevate indigenous design to global platforms.
Prof. Ganti S. Murthy is the National Coordinator of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He is dedicated to integrating IKS into modern education, fostering research, and developing a robust curriculum for IKS across academic institutions. Prof. Murthy has outlined a 30-year vision for IKS, emphasizing its role in shaping India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. His leadership focuses on policy-making, interdisciplinary research, and global outreach, ensuring that traditional Indian wisdom is preserved and adapted for contemporary applications.
Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician, researcher, and educator, currently serving as the Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Government of India. She holds an MD and PhD in Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravyaguna Vidnyan) and has played a pivotal role in Ayurvedic research, policy-making, and integrative healthcare. She has served as CEO of the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, and has been actively involved in curriculum development, clinical research, and medicinal plant studies. Her leadership has strengthened Ayurveda’s role in modern healthcare, and she continues to drive innovative research and education in traditional medicine.
Vaidya Jayant Deopujari is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), an organization responsible for regulating and advancing traditional Indian medical systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa. He has played a crucial role in policy-making, curriculum development, and standardization of Indian medicine education. His leadership focuses on integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare, ensuring that Indian medical systems gain global recognition. He has also been actively involved in entrepreneurship development, recently awarding certificates to professors for their contributions to training programs in entrepreneurship.
Prof. G. D. Yadav is a distinguished chemical engineer, researcher, and educator, recognized for his contributions to green chemistry, catalysis, and nanotechnology. He served as the Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai from 2009 to 2019, where he is now an Emeritus Professor of Eminence. Prof. Yadav has published over 570 peer-reviewed papers, holds 136 patents, and has an h-index of 71, reflecting his impact on sustainable technologies, biomass valorization, and green hydrogen production. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2016 for his contributions to science and technology.
Dr. Ramanuj Narayan is a distinguished scientist and administrator, currently serving as the Director of CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar since May 1, 2023. Before this role, he was the Chief Scientist & Chair of the Department of Polymers & Functional Materials at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad. His research focuses on coatings, hyperbranched polymers, polyurethane, nanomaterials, and third-generation solar cells. He has received prestigious awards, including the Berger Elite Researcher Award (2019), Newton Prize (2017), and IPA Award (2015). His leadership continues to drive innovation in materials science and sustainable technologies.
Shri Sant Ranjan is an accomplished innovation and research leader, currently serving as Assistant Vice President, R&D (Innovation) at Godrej Appliances. With extensive experience in product development, refrigeration technology, and sustainable solutions, he has contributed significantly to advancing appliance innovation. He held leadership roles at Rivulis, Whirlpool, Subros, and Infres Methodex, specializing in renewable energy, advanced refrigeration, and engineering solutions. His expertise spans engineering design, product innovation, and technology development, making him a key figure in India’s R&D landscape. His leadership continues to drive cutting-edge advancements in home appliances and sustainable technologies.
Dr. Mohan Raghavan is an Associate Professor at IIT Hyderabad, specializing in Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Computational Neuroscience. He holds a Ph.D. from IISc Bangalore and has extensive research experience in motor systems, spinal cord bionics, assistive devices, and rehabilitation technologies. Dr. Raghavan has contributed significantly to neuroscience, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and virtual reality applications. His work integrates biomedical devices with computational modelling, aiming to advance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. His research continues to shape innovations in neurophysiology, AI-driven diagnostics, and rehabilitation technologies.
Dr. Balakrishnan Nair T. M. is the Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. He is one of the founding members of INCOIS. Dr. Nair has for nearly two decades pioneered real-time ocean observation networks, multi-parameter ocean forecasting, and early warning systems for India and Indian Ocean Rim countries. He has played a key role in developing ocean data products for blue-economy stakeholders, including shipping, offshore energy, and coastal tourism. He is a steering committee member of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), Vice Chair of WMO’s Expert Team on Marine Services, and has received multiple national and international awards, including the National Geosciences Award (2014).
Dr. Y. Sreenivas Rao is a distinguished scientist and former Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO. He previously served as Director of Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, where he led the development of underwater weapons, platforms, and associated systems. Dr. Rao holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and began his career at BHEL Hyderabad, specializing in steam turbines, compressors, and gas turbines. He later joined DRDO Hyderabad in 2000, contributing to missile defense programs, communication systems, and warhead technologies. As Project Director for Exo Interceptor Missile Systems, he played a key role in Mission Shakti, India's anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile program, and led the Contingent Command for A-SAT at the Republic Day Parade in 2020. He has received multiple DRDO awards, the Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya Award, and the SAE India Roll of Honor.
Dr. Sutapa Bandyopadhyay Neogi is a distinguished public health specialist and currently serves as the Director of the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Delhi. She holds an MBBS from NRS Medical College, Kolkata, an MD in Community Medicine from PGIMER, Chandigarh, and a DNB in Maternal and Child Health. Dr. Neogi is deeply involved in research, teaching, and mentoring future healthcare leaders. She has authored the book Gender Before Birth in India: Role of Indigenous and Traditional Medicines, published by Springer. Her contributions to maternal and child health, interdisciplinary research, and healthcare policy have earned her multiple accolades, including the Best Women Researcher in Public Health Award and the Healthy India Health Ambassador Award.
Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki is a renowned solar energy expert, educator, and innovator, often referred to as the "Solar Man of India" or "Solar Gandhi". He is a Professor at IIT Bombay in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. Prof. Solanki holds a Ph.D. from Katholieke University, Leuven, Belgium, and has pioneered research in solar photovoltaics, thin-film silicon solar cells, and carbon nanotubes. He is the Founder of the Energy Swaraj Foundation, advocating for 100% solar adoption through his Energy Swaraj Yatra, a 11-year journey in a solar-powered bus. His contributions include solar curriculum development for CBSE and AICTE, leadership in major solar projects, and over 100 research publications. He has received multiple awards, including the IEEE Global Grand Prize, Prime Minister’s Innovation Award, and three Guinness World Records.
Dr. Usha Natesan is the Director of the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chennai. She is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in ocean engineering, coastal engineering, remote sensing, and technical education. Dr. Natesan holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from IIT Madras and has extensive experience in environmental engineering and water resources management. She has contributed significantly to coastal vulnerability assessments, microplastic pollution studies, and geospatial techniques for environmental monitoring. She has authored numerous research papers, books, and patents, and has been actively involved in faculty certification programs, mentoring initiatives, and innovative research in technical education.
Dr. G. M. Gupta is the Founder and Managing Director of Global Engineers Limited, a leading engineering firm specializing in high-technology solutions and industrial innovation. A mechanical engineering graduate, Dr. Gupta began his career with Swatantra Bharat Mills, where he quickly rose through the ranks. After a transformative stint in the United States with Pittsburgh Steel and Mfg Co. Inc., he established Global Engineers Limited in India, which achieved an annual turnover of over INR 1 billion. Dr. Gupta’s contributions have earned multiple national and state awards, including the IEI Industry Excellence Award (2015) for quality, productivity, and entrepreneurship in the engineering sector.
Dr. Ramesh Srikonda is the Director of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada. He specializes in Architecture, Town and Country Planning, and Ecology and Environment. He earned Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, specializing in Energy Conservation in Buildings. Dr. Srikonda has extensive experience in urban planning, architecture, and sustainable development. He served in various capacities, including Chief Architect and Director of Planning. At SPA Vijayawada, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Dean of Studies and Head of the Dept. of Architecture and Planning. His contributions include developing the M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture) program and leading research and consultancy projects for the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.
Prof. Rajesh Kumar is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dean of Student Affairs at IIT (BHU), Varanasi. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Delhi. His core areas of expertise include engine tribology, surface characterisation, surface contact temperature, wear modelling, vibrations, optimization, design of experiments (DoE), and MEMS reliability. Prof. Rajesh Kumar continues to contribute to national and international research communities through collaborative projects and scholarly engagements, embodying a career dedicated to innovation, education, and engineering advancement.
Shri Hiranmay Mahanta is the CEO of Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub Gujarat), a government initiative fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across 104 universities in Gujarat. He plays a vital role in strategic planning, startup incubation, and industry partnerships, positioning Gujarat as a key player in India's startup ecosystem. He has been instrumental in developing sectoral and regional innovation ecosystems, contributing to national startup policies through AICTE and the Ministry of Education. He is also a founding director of GTU Innovation Council and a member of the Global Shapers Community (World Economic Forum). His leadership continues to scale up India's startup and innovation landscape.
Dr. Sameer Sharma, IAS is a scholar-administrator from the 1985 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), with over 37 years of experience in public governance, urban planning, and corporate affairs. He served as the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh and later as the Chief Executive to the Chief Minister (CE2CM), overseeing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state. Dr. Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Spatial Economics, Public Health, and Urban Planning from the United States and has authored books like Smart Cities Unbundled and A Textbook on Urban Planning and Geography. He has worked as Municipal Commissioner of Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Hyderabad, leading financial turnarounds in urban governance. He has also served as Finance Secretary, Private Secretary to the Commerce Minister, and Chairman of ITDC, contributing to trade liberalization, corporate governance, and urban policy frameworks
Dr. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay is the Chairman & CEO of IKP Knowledge Park, India's premier science and technology research park. She pioneered the development of India’s first Life Science Research Park in Hyderabad and established IKP EDEN, a hardware product incubator and makerspace in Bangalore. Dr. Chattopadhyay has nurtured and funded over 700 innovation projects and startups, collaborating with Indian and global partners. She authored the India Chapter for the Global Innovation Index Report (GII2020) and has been recognized as one of Asia’s Top Women Achievers. She serves on multiple advisory boards, including CSIR-CCMB, AGNIi, and the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). Her leadership continues to shape India’s innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Anil Gupta is the Executive Vice Chair of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Ahmedabad, and one of India's foremost champions of grassroots innovation. Renowned for founding the Honey Bee Network, he has dedicated his life to uncovering and promoting the creativity of local communities and informal sector innovators across India. Prof. Gupta’s pioneering work bridges formal science with indigenous knowledge systems, earning him international acclaim. He has mentored thousands of innovators and students through his famous Shodh Yatra, a unique innovation walks into rural India. A Padma Shri awardee, he has served on several national and international advisory councils, influencing innovation policy and inclusive development strategies. His relentless pursuit of ethical and sustainable innovation continues to inspire a generation of changemakers.
Dr. Rajendra Shende is the Founder Director of Green TERRE Foundation and a former Director at UNEP. He played a key role in implementing the Montreal Protocol across 146+ countries. An expert in climate policy, he advocates for sustainability, circular economy, and clean energy. Through Green TERRE, he drives grassroots climate action and youth engagement. Dr. Shende has received global recognition for his environmental leadership. He serves on multiple international advisory boards focused on sustainable development.
Prof. Koppella Narayana Prudhvi Raju is a distinguished geographer and retired professor from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). With expertise in geomorphology, remote sensing, and environmental geography, he has made significant academic contributions. He has authored numerous research papers and guided several doctoral scholars across interdisciplinary domains. Prof. Raju’s work has influenced environmental planning, land use studies, and sustainable development policies. He has actively contributed to national and international scientific forums and committees. A respected academician, he continues to engage in research, mentoring, and scholarly discussions. His legacy reflects a lifetime dedicated to advancing geoscience education and practice in India.
Shri Rajeev Warrier is the Executive Vice President at the Wadhwani Foundation, a global nonprofit driving economic acceleration. With decades of leadership experience in corporate and development sectors, he brings strategic vision to entrepreneurship and skilling initiatives. At Wadhwani Foundation, he leads large-scale programs aimed at job creation, startup growth, and innovation. He has played a pivotal role in scaling impact-driven partnerships across India and emerging economies. Shri Warrier is known for integrating technology and policy to drive inclusive growth. He is a sought-after speaker and advisor on entrepreneurship ecosystems and workforce development. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable economic transformation globally.
Shri Murali Bukkapatnam is the Chairman of TiE Global, a premier global network supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. He is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder with a strong track record in scaling startups. As the Founder of Volsky Technologies, he has led ventures across IT, healthcare, and digital solutions. At TiE, he champions initiatives that mentor entrepreneurs and catalyze startup ecosystems worldwide. Shri Bukkapatnam actively engages with policymakers to promote innovation-led economic growth. He is known for his visionary leadership and commitment to empowering first-generation entrepreneurs. His contributions continue to inspire and accelerate entrepreneurship across emerging markets.
Shri Yogesh D. Brahmankar serves as the Innovation Director at AICTE, spearheading national efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship. He plays a key role in implementing AICTE’s Innovation Cell initiatives, fostering creativity among students and faculty. With deep expertise in academic innovation, incubation, and policy execution, he bridges education with enterprise. He has mentored numerous startups and facilitated innovation ecosystems across institutions in India. Shri Brahmankar is instrumental in driving programmes like Smart India Hackathon and IIC. He advocates for a culture of problem-solving and product development in higher education. His leadership is shaping India’s next generation of innovators and change-makers.