Board of Directors
Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar
Chairman,
BCKIC Foundation
Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar
Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar is an entrepreneurial professor with a strong background in marine biotechnology and molecular microbiology. He holds a Masters in Marine Biotechnology from Goa University, a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Delhi (2003), and has completed a Postdoc at ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Dr. Suar currently serves as the Chairman of the BCKIC Foundation, where he leads initiatives to promote technology for all, with a focus on public health innovation and technology deployment.As the CEO of KIIT-TBI, Dr. Suar has nurtured more than 430 start-up companies, creating nearly 6000 jobs. He has also established a Centre of Excellence, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Dr. Ajit Pattnaik
Vice President, Wetlands International South Asia
Dr. Ajit Pattnaik
Dr. Ajit Pattnaik is a highly esteemed professional with over 35 years of diverse experience in the Indian Forest Service, specializing in wetland, lake basin, and coastal zone management.In his current role, as the Vice President of Wetlands International South Asia, Dr. Pattnaik contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands across South Asia.
As a Former Chief Executive of Chilika Development Authority, he led the acclaimed ecological restoration of Chilika Lagoon, earning international recognition for this significant environmental achievement. Dr. Pattnaik continues to advise government bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector on natural resource management. His deep commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development is evident through his ongoing efforts to promote and implement effective conservation strategies.
Prof. Taraprasad Das
Vice Chairman Emeritus,
L V Prasad Eye Institute
Prof. Taraprasad Das
Prof. Taraprasad Das holds the esteemed position of Vice Chairman Emeritus at the L V Prasad Eye Institute. He is a renowned expert in the field of ophthalmology with an impressive academic and professional background.
As a Professor of Ophthalmology at Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, he imparts his extensive knowledge and expertise to students and colleagues in China, contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic education and research. In the role of Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY, USA, he collaborates with international peers and engages in cutting-edge research and teaching in the United States. Prof. Das is also a distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences in India, recognizing his significant contributions to the medical field.
Dr. Shesheer Kumar
Director, HUWEL Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. and SirfBio Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Shesheer Kumar
Dr. Shesheer Kumar is a renowned leader in the field of life sciences, serving as the Director of both HUWEL Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. and SirfBio Pvt. Ltd. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in advancing scientific research and development in these organizations.
Dr. Kumar’s extensive experience and expertise in the life sciences sector make him a pivotal figure in driving innovation and growth within the industry. His contributions to the field have significantly impacted the progress of life sciences and biotechnology, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Advisory Board
Sh. Harkesh Mittal
Chairman, Startup India Seed Fund Committee
Shri Harkesh Mittal
Harkesh Mittal is a prominent figure in the field of technology entrepreneurship and innovation in India. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Startup India Seed Fund Committee, where he plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of startups across the country.
In his role as an Adviser at the Ministry of Science & Technology, Harkesh Mittal was instrumental in promoting technology-driven initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation. As a former Adviser at the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), he conceptualized and implemented numerous programs aimed at nurturing technology entrepreneurship. Harkesh Mittal is widely recognized for his efforts in promoting technology entrepreneurship and innovation in India, significantly contributing to the development of new programs and initiatives in the science and technology sector
Sh. J A Chowdary
Former Special Chief Secretary & IT Advisor to CM of AP
Shri J A Chowdary
Dr. J A Chowdary is a Founder of India Startup Foundation and Former Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. He brings extensive expertise in fostering innovation and technology advancement. With a distinguished career, he served as the Founding Director of Software Technologies Parks of India (STPI) in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, pivotal in accelerating the growth of the IT industry. Dr. Chowdary’s commitment to nurturing startups in emerging technologies is underscored by his mentorship of numerous companies. He currently chairs the India Blockchain Technology Standards Committee, driving initiatives at the intersection of technology, governance, and innovation.
Mr. Shishir Sahoo
Adviser - Stakeholder Engagement
Mr. Shishir Sahoo
Shishir Sahoo is a seasoned development professional with over 36 years of rich experience in various fields, including visioning, institution building, capacity enhancement of human resources, team development, sustainability planning, and conflict management. He is also skilled in development communications, mainstreaming gender equity, rural development, good governance, volunteerism, and human rights advocacy. Shishir founded YES We Can, a consulting institution that empowers and engages with educational institutions, civil society, corporate, and government entities to drive positive change. He is known for his strong presence in advocacy campaigns and movements in Odisha, leading to important policy changes in education, youth, handicrafts, handloom, media, and civil society sectors.
Currently, he serves as the Adviser for Stakeholder Engagement at BCKIC (Bhubaneswar City Knowledge and Innovation Cluster), an initiative of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. In this role, he engages with stakeholders from government, corporate, and civil society to drive collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Manoranjan Hota
Former Adviser, MoEF and Climate Change, Govt of India
Dr. Manoranjan Hota
Manoranjan Hota, M.Phil; Ph.D., worked in Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has 39 years of professional experience in the field of Environmental Management which include Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainability & Climate action, Pollution Control, Chemicals & Waste management, Environmental Audit, ESG, Environmental Governance, monitoring and compliance. Environmental Health, Policy planning, Research, Life Cycle Assessment, Biosafety, Environmental law enforcement.
Dr. Meenakshi Munshi
Director, SGT University, Bhubaneswar
Dr. Meenakshi Munshi
Dr. Meenakshi Munshi is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in education, research, and development. She currently serves as the Director of SGT University in Bhubaneswar, overseeing academic and research initiatives.
As the Director of Research Development, Dr. Munshi spearheaded numerous research projects, fostering innovation and advancing scientific knowledge. During her tenure with the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, as an Advisor and Head of Human Resource Development, she played a pivotal role in shaping human resource development policies and initiatives, significantly impacting the biotechnology field in India. As a Consultant at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, she guides academic and research endeavours.
Mr. Sanjay Sarkar
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Indo Asia Copper Ltd
Mr. Sanjay Sarkar
Sanjay Sarkar is a distinguished executive based in Surat, Gujarat, India, with a robust background in the industry. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Indo Asia Copper Limited, a public limited company, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. In his current role, Sanjay Sarkar leads the company with a strategic vision, leveraging his extensive experience and leadership skills. He has held significant positions at Aditya Birla Group and Essar Steel, where he played key roles in driving growth and innovation.