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
Former CEO, Chilika Development Authority (CDA)
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.

Dr. Taraprasad Das
Vice Chairman Emeritus,
L V Prasad Eye Institute
Dr. Taraprasad Das
Dr. 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.
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
Former Secretary
TDB, GoI
Sh. Harkesh Mittal
Sh. 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. Subrat Tripathy
President - Business Development
Adani Groups
Sh. Subrat Tripathy
Sh. Subrat Tripathy is currently leading the Business Development Vertical of Adani Group. Previously, he led APSEZ’s port operations, steering India’s largest private port network. During his tenure, he has championed ambitious expansion — including boosting cargo handling to 400 MTPA in FY24 and targeting 500 MTPA by 2025. A vocal advocate for infrastructure reform, Tripathy has urged extending PPP concession terms from the standard 30 years to 50–99 years to attract long-term investment and ensure smoother project financing.
He played a pivotal role in developing the Vizhinjam transshipment terminal, projecting it as India’s solution to global hubs like Colombo and Dubai. Under his stewardship, APSEZ is also participating in heritage-focused CSR projects, such as the restoration of Kolkata’s Kumartuli Ghat. With a strategic vision and operational expertise, Tripathy continues to expand maritime infrastructure while aligning port growth with community development.

Sh. Upendra Tripathy, Retd. IAS
Former Secretary
MNRE, GoI
Sh. Upendra Tripathy, Retd. IAS
Sh. Upendra Tripathy is a retired IAS officer (Karnataka cadre, 1980 batch). He served as Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) from April 1, 2014, to October 31, 2016, where he guided India’s renewable-energy sector—scaling up the national target from 100 GW to 175 GW—and oversaw landmark initiatives like solar parks, rooftop solar, hybrid wind schemes, offshore wind policy, and the Green Energy Corridor.
Following MNRE, Tripathy became the interim—and subsequently founding—Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), based in India, strengthening its global membership and institutional framework. His earlier roles included transforming Bangalore’s public transport as MD of BMTC, earning the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2009). Tripathy holds master’s degrees in Political Science (JNU) and Public Administration (Carleton University), and continues contributing to the green-energy ecosystem—most recently as Honorary Global Adviser to the India Hydrogen Alliance (April 2025)

Sh. Manish Kumar, Retd., IAS
Sr Consultant
The World Bank
Sh. Manish Kumar, Retd., IAS
As a Senior Consultant at The World Bank Group, he provides strategic and technical expertise on public-private partnerships (PPPs), skill development, and economic development initiatives globally. His academic background includes a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a PhD in Institutional and Regulatory Economics of PPPs from The George Washington University, and an Engineering degree from IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
Before rejoining the World Bank in 2022, he served as Managing Director & CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), leading large-scale skilling programs in India through collaboration with government, industry, and civil society. Previously, he spent over four years as a Senior Institutional Development Economist at the World Bank, designing and evaluating regulatory frameworks for PPPs in sectors like water, energy, transport, and urban development.
He is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, especially in developing economies, by leveraging cross-sectoral knowledge and stakeholder-driven solutions.

Dr. Santhosh Babu, IAS (VRS)
Principal Secretary, Government of Kerala
Dr. Santhosh Babu, IAS (VRS)
Dr. Santhosh Babu, IAS (VRS), a medical doctor turned civil servant from the 1995 Tamil Nadu cadre, took voluntary retirement in 2020 after a distinguished career and now serves as Principal Secretary in the Government of Kerala, holding key portfolios. A passionate advocate of technology-driven governance, he has led over 250 transformational initiatives, including ERP-enabled offices, web-based applications, India’s first Rural BPOs, Predictive Governance in Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s K-SMART reforms, and the Kerala Fiber Optic Network (KFON). Widely recognized for blending governance with technology, Dr. Babu continues to drive models of efficiency, inclusivity, and transparency that inspire administrators across India.

Capt. GS Rathee
Adviser to KHADC, Meghalaya & Spl. Representative TTAADC, Tripura
Capt. GS Rathee
A highly accomplished professional with over two decades of leadership experience spanning governance, public policy, corporate strategy, aviation, sustainable development, and international relations. Currently, he is serving two of the Major Sixth Schedule Constitutional Autonomous Councils in two states of Northeast India as Special Representative for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous Council, Tripura State, and Adviser for the Khasi Hills Autonomous Council, Meghalaya State, with an active involvement towards the empowerment of rural and tribal communities, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. In addition, he is also associated with several reputed organisations in India and abroad, contributing to strategy, policy, and institution-building at the highest levels.
He had served with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, as a professional aviator, had gained substantial flying experience, thus bringing deep technical proficiency to the field too. In governance, Capt. Rathee had held senior advisory positions, including with the Chief Minister’s Office, Government of NCT of Delhi, where he contributed exemplary to policy and administrative reforms. On the global platform, he had represented India in more than 30 countries, building strategic partnerships, facilitating high-level dialogues, and attracting significant foreign direct investments to priority sectors of the Indian economy.

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mallick
Former Executive Director
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, MoD, GoI
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mallick
An execution-focused HR professional with over 30 years of diverse business experience, recognized for senior-level consultative and influencing skills. Adept at engaging stakeholders across all levels to resolve complex people issues, drive high performance, and lead through organizational growth and transformation. Known for a balanced, strategic approach to HR, with strong capabilities in designing and implementing coherent HR strategies while improving internal processes in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
A self-starting, goal-oriented strategist, valued for perseverance, vision, and deep insight into human behavior and motivation. Skilled in quickly grasping new technologies, identifying market potential, and aligning solutions with business needs.
As an HR Product/Service Specialist, focuses on development, customization, and implementation of HR solutions. Experienced in vendor management, technology integration, and internal customer alignment. Specializes in consulting interventions to enhance team effectiveness, foster business partnerships, and align HR strategy and services with broader organizational goals to deliver impactful results.

Dr. Meenakshi Munshi
Former Adviser
DBT, GoI
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.

Dr. Manoranjan Hota
Former Adviser, MoEF and Climate Change, GoI
Dr. Manoranjan Hota
Dr. 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.