Industry-Academia Conclave

Brief Biodata Of Speakers

Puneet R. Saharey

CTO @ Simpel Techlabs Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneet-r-saharey/

Brief Bio-Data

"As a seasoned CTO and founder with 14+ years in the tech industry, I help startups and SMEs build scalable, high-impact solutions—particularly in e-commerce and fintech. At Simpel Techlabs and its subsidiary, Inventics, I’ve led cross-functional teams, delivered enterprise-grade platforms, and helped businesses go from idea to market with speed and precision. Built & scaled B2B marketplaces, on-demand apps, logistics platforms, and fintech tools Specialized in turning complex business requirements into robust, scalable solutions Deep experience with team building, agile product development, and strategic planning I love bridging the gap between business goals and tech execution. If you're building a product and need a tech partner who gets both code and customers, let’s connect."

Brief Bio-Data

Ashish is a Co-founder and CTO of Eudia (AI and knowledge platform for Legal for large Enterprises), and an AI and tech leader with two decades of experience across Google, Amazon, Apple, IBM, and AI startups. At Amazon, he spearheaded the technical direction for Alexa's AI capabilities, including conversation, speech, and language understanding. He was instrumental in building highly secure local search functionality for Apple's suite of services, such as Maps, Siri, and Safari, catering to hundreds of millions of users. More recently at Cresta AI, Ashish led a team of applied scientists and engineers to build real-time agent assistance for chat and voice, which includes features such as conversational search, knowledge extraction, recommendation, suggested responses, and completions using the latest AI/ML technologies such as semantic matching, neural ranking, and LLMs. Ashish holds a MS in computer science (AI and computer vision)from the prestigious ETH Zurich (Recipient of Swiss Scholarship) and a BS with hons from IIIT, Allahabad, India. He holds several patents and research papers in AI and Search, and mentors several AI startups.

Ashish Agrawal

Co-founder & CTO - Eudia

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agrawalashishkumar/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Rochak Mittal

Partner director of product management @ Microsoft

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochak-mittal-278ba94

Brief Bio-Data

Rochak Mittal is an engineering and product management leader with a 17+ years of experience of building cloud scale services and products for enterprise. He is a B.Tech in IT from IIIT-A (2001 - 2005 batch) and has delivered business success in established products like Windows and Remote Desktop Services as well as in new initiatives like Azure Site Recovery. Currently Rochak works as Principal Group Program Manager at Microsoft in Azure Core and drives innovation and products in the domain of VMs, VMSS , Compute Capacity and Availability. Under his leadership, team has delivered many V1 releases to make Azure as the most trusted platform for the world.

Brief Bio-Data

Clyde DeSouza is a Spatial Entertainment Producer and Academia advisor, advocating for blending creativity with technology & storytelling which he believes is the foundation for advancing invention in industries from engineering to entertainment. He is the author of three books, including:
- "Think in 3D" (available on Amazon), a guide for directors and 3D filmmakers, peer-reviewed by top Hollywood 3D directors and the late 3D film historian, Ray Zone.
- "Storytelling in Mixed Reality": This book is part of the curriculum for Immersive Design courses at the University of Southern California (USC).
- "Maya" —A hard science"-fiction novel published by Penguin Random House.
Clyde's work is celebrated in academic circles and the entertainment industry.

Clyde DeSouza

Immersive Media Filmmaker & Academia advisor @ cly3d

Website:http://linkedin.com/in/clydedesouza

Mr. Sachin Jain

CEO | Requestly

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-jain-20b20731/

Brief Bio-Data

Co-founder & CEO | Requestly Sachin Jain is the Co-founder of Requestly, a leading developer tool trusted by 300,000+ developers worldwide. Requestly has been adopted by global enterprises, including Google, Workday, Autodesk, and Indeed, and has been backed by Y Combinator, with funding from Sequoia Capital and marquee angel investors. The idea for Requestly originated from Sachin’s own experience as a full-stack developer, where testing local changes in complex environments was challenging due to incomplete setups and time-consuming deployments on staging or production. To solve this, he built Requestly, a powerful tool that intercepts network traffic and provides granular control at the request level, enabling developers to modify API requests and streamline their debugging workflows effortlessly. Today, Requestly empowers developers across the globe to build, test, and deploy faster, reducing friction in the development cycle and making engineering teams more productive.

Brief Bio-Data

Rachit is a serial entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in the technology, consulting, and education sector. He is the co-founder of AdmitKard, a platform that simplifies the way students apply to universities for higher education across the world. He leads the product development, customer relationship management, and strategic partnerships of the company, which has helped thousands of students find their best-fit courses and institutions. Before launching AdmitKard in 2020, Rachit co-founded and sold LifePad, a managed marketplace for furnished home rentals, to Fella Homes in an all-cash deal. He also worked as a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group, where he advised clients from various industries on business strategy, operations, and market analysis. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he served as the president of the student council, and a B.Tech (Hons.) in Information Technology from the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad. He is passionate about creating an ecosystem that enables easy access to global education and career opportunities for everyone.

Rachit Agrawal

BTech IT (2005 - 2009) Co-Founder @ AdmitKard

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachitagrawal1/?originalSubdomain=in

Rohit Srivastava

CEO, Dparth Tech Advisory Pvt Ltd

Collaborator With IIITA

Website:http://dparthtechnologies.com/

Brief Bio-Data

Dparth is technology consulting working closely on government mission mode projects and digitization of rural india. We are Advisory and tech Auditors for various ministries such as the Department of Communications, Ministry of Road and Highway, Ministry of Electronic and IT and other state governments. We are consultants to grouplike Tata Projects, IBI consulting, Arcadis, CSC etc. We were finalists of National Startup Awards 2023, and have received a letter of appreciation from DPIIT on behalf of the

Brief Bio-Data

Madan Kumar Pernati’s journey from IIIT laid the foundation for a successful career in technology, starting with roles in three startups and advancing to Director and Head of Operations at a leading Australian-based AI company for 12 years. Currently, he works as an independent consultant, collaborating with startups and direct clients on innovative AI projects in computer vision and sensor AI for road safety, parking management, and other applications. Networking and leadership have been key throughout his career, enabling global collaboration and team leadership. He thanks IIIT and its faculty for fostering hands-on learning through mini projects each semester and allowing the freedom to explore major projects in top research labs and companies, which built confidence before entering the industry. Madan encourages current students to embrace continuous learning and build strong connections for a successful career.

Madan Kumar Pernati

Partner, RBE Labs Hyderabad, Telangana

Collaborator With IIITA

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/madanp/

Gagan Agrawal

Sales Leader IBM Career Education

Collaborator With IIITA

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agrawalgagan/?originalSubdomain=in

Brief Bio-Data

In my current role I am responsible for managing end to end Operations for education sector clients, with focus on execution of next generation global technical skills program in collaborations with Universities. In this role I am managing P&L worth USD 5M+ with a portfolio of 20+ clients in North, Central & East India. Previously I was a management consultant with over 11 years of experience with both domestic and international clients in areas of corporate & business strategy, process consulting & re-engineering, project and program management etc. I have worked in sectors like Education, Telecom, High-tech and retail. I have consulted for various organizations in the areas of business strategy, operations strategy, process consulting, growth strategy, market entry / positioning strategy, change management, CRM etc

Brief Bio-Data

Mr. Prajay Kamat is Founder and CTO in MergeXR Studios Limited In early 1998, I started my career as a self taught expert in Interactive media and entertainment. Later I continued my passion towards technology and pursued formal education resulting in a Masters qualification in research. Following graduation, my ambitions multiplied and led to the formation of AiSolve Ltd – an Interactive media and Research group. Over the years we acquired unique talents and formed a family of highly skilled individuals – because of which, we now offer what we offer! (Innovative solutions using emerging technologies).Specialties: Our in-house capabilities range from custom touch screen kiosk development, storefront marketing solutions using latest display technology, Interactive systems with video and 3D display capabilities, Game based advertisement solutions and other online/offline technology driven solutions.

Mr. Prajay Kamat

CTO and Co-Founder MergeXR Studios Limited

Website:https://www.mergexr.studio/

Ms. Devi Kolli

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer i3 Simulations

Collaborator With IIITA

Website:https://www.mergexr.studio/

Brief Bio-Data

Devi Kolli is the dynamic CEO and Co-founder of i3 Simulations, with over 17 years of experience in leading tech startups specializing in Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As a multi-award-winning British Indian entrepreneur, Devi has a diverse background across retail, entertainment, and education. She has successfully driven bootstrap tech startups to remarkable global growth and combined exits valued at over GBP 200 million. Under Devi's pioneering leadership, i3 Simulations has revolutionized healthcare education and research. The company leverages cutting-edge AI and XR technologies to transform conventional training methods, offering healthcare professionals immersive, interactive, and intuitive (i3) learning experiences. These innovative solutions have earned i3 Simulations global acclaim and recognition as an award-winning organization in the industry. Beyond her impactful role at i3 Simulations, Devi serves as the Chief Advisor to MergeXR Studios, further cementing her status as a transformative leader in immersive and creative technologies. An advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, she also contributes her expertise to various non-profit charitable institutes, shaping the future of education and social welfare. Her journey from humble beginnings to global success is a testament to her visionary leadership and unwavering determination, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Brief Bio-Data

An accomplished Cyber Security and Data Privacy leader with 18+ years of experience. Currently heading the Information Security Management and Data Protection functions of Samsung R&D Center for Visual Display and Digital Appliances-India. Active participant and speaker in various cyber security and data privacy conferences and forums – Govt. and Private. Winner of several Cyber Security awards of repute, notable among them being "Smart CISO" in 13th Annual InfoSec Maestros Awards 2024, "Most Resilient CISO“ in the 7th Annual Dynamic CISO Excellence Awards 2021, “Most Innovative CISO of the Year 2018” Award by CISO Leadership Forum, “NextCSO 2017” Award by CSO Forum of India. Nominated honorary member of Cyber Security Association of India set up on PPP model for securing national cyberspace in 2023. Accredited with International Professional Certifications including CISA, CISM, CLIP (PIMS & GDPR), DCPP, ISO 27001:2013 LA, CLIP: ISMS, ITIL 2011 Foundation. Also, certified as a Data Protection Professional in the Indian National Register of Data Protection Professionals. Strategist and continuous learner with a passion for innovation in Security and Privacy management to drive bottom-line business contributions, optimize technology investments, avoid losses from security incidents, improve customer retention, enhance business decision making and reduce corporate liability. Shivam is an experienced professional working on AI Applications including Knowledge Graph, Machine Learning, Gen AI, LLM's and Computer Vision. He has been awarded as one of the top 20 Computer Scientist in the age of 20s by IEEE Computer Society. He is also a notable speaker and has been invited to over 50 conferences and symposium for delivering Keynote with some of the recent one’s in France, Egypt and India. He has published over 10 Research papers in the field of Knowledge Graphs, LLMs, NLP and Computer Vision in Nature, Springer and IEEE. He has led a team of over 100 folks in IEEE and is currently leading a team of 45 people in ZS working on Production Ready AI Solutions. Experience: Shivam has around 6 years of experience working in the domain of Big Data Analytics and Enterprise AI Solutions. Shivam has worked with 10+ clients on Knowledge Graph, Gen AI, Search, Statistical Learning and Machine Learning over cloud. He has also been involved in over 30+ projects both internally and with clients. As the Engineering Lead at ZS Associates, Shivam drives transformative projects centered around Gen AI,

Shivam

Engineering Lead, ZS Associates,

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivam-abhilash/

Anjani Kumar Gupta
Risk Officer, Tech Mahindra

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjani-k-gupta-83246415/

Brief Bio-Data

Anjani Kumar Gupta is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Business Risk Leader with over 17 years of experience in driving compliance, governance, and security operations across Tech Mahindra’s Global Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) vertical. In his role as Risk Officer, he leads the development and implementation of robust cybersecurity strategies and governance frameworks, ensuring regulatory alignment and operational excellence across client accounts, including Tech Mahindra’s US-based subsidiary, HCI Group. He holds a Master’s in Cyber Law and Information Security (IIIT-A) and an LL.B, complemented by multiple globally recognized certifications in security, privacy, and governance. His expertise spans AI Governance, ISMS, Data Privacy, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001-LA, and ISO 27701 PIMS. Anjani is an active member and speaker at ISC² & ISACA Hyderabad Chapter, contributing to knowledge-sharing and thought leadership in cybersecurity. His professional journey reflects a commitment to business resilience, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance, empowering enterprises to operate securely and sustainably. Core Competencies are Cybersecurity Strategy, Risk Management, AI Governance, Data Privacy, Compliance & Regulatory Frameworks, ISO Standards, ISMS

Brief Bio-Data

Nagendra Sharma is a seasoned legal professional with over 13 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, specializing in Vendor Risk Management, IT Governance, and Regulatory Compliance. Currently serving as Chief Manager (Law) at Union Bank of India, he leads critical functions including vendor lifecycle management, IT risk impact assessments, and legal compliance for banking technology services. In his leadership role, Nagendra ensures alignment with RBI regulations, DPDP Act 2023, and outsourcing compliance frameworks while mitigating third-party risks and strengthening enterprise governance. His expertise extends to contract management, recovery strategies, cyber law, and high-stakes litigation, including handling RTI matters, SARFAESI actions, and CBI cases. Academic Credentials MBA – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur MS (Cyber Laws & Information Security) – IIIT Allahabad LL.B (Honours) – University of Lucknow Core Specializations Regulatory Compliance & Risk Governance Vendor Risk & Third-Party Management IT Risk Impact Assessments & Cyber Law Recovery Management & Litigation Strategy Nagendra also holds IRDAI certifications and has diverse experience across the Telecom and ISP sectors. He is deeply committed to driving legal innovation and governance excellence, ensuring robust compliance frameworks and risk management strategies that safeguard the bank’s strategic objectives and customer trust.

Mr. Om Nagendra Sharma

Chief Manager Risk Management @ Union Bank of India

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nagendra-sharma-55b5a410/

Dr. Ramesh Ragala, Ph.D

Scientist in India Meteorological Department

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ramesh-ragala-ph-d-b59607a9/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Brief Bio-Data

I am currently working as a Scientist-E at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) Cell of the Numerical Weather Prediction Division, headquartered in New Delhi. In this role, I am actively involved in the development of advanced, data-driven weather forecasting models that integrate AI and machine learning techniques with traditional meteorological approaches. These models are designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of forecasts across multiple time scales, including nowcasting for immediate weather conditions, short-range forecasts for the coming days, medium-range predictions for the upcoming weeks, and extended-range outlooks that span even longer periods. The work contributes to strengthening India’s weather prediction capabilities, supporting disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and various socio-economic sectors that are directly influenced by climate and weather.

Brief Bio-Data

Richa is a seasoned Data Privacy professional with nearly 18 years of specialized experience in Data Privacy and Information Security. She has established herself as a strategic leader, driving in-house governance of Data Privacy and AI Privacy compliance while keeping pace with rapidly evolving technological, legal, and regulatory landscapes. With a graduate degree in Law and a postgraduate qualification in Cyber Law and Information Security, she brings a unique techno-legal perspective to her work, enabling her to address privacy challenges with both legal acumen and technical insight. In her current role as Global Data Privacy Officer at Mphasis Limited, Richa oversees the end-to-end governance of the organization’s Data Privacy Program across its global operations and subsidiaries. She is responsible for designing, managing, and executing the company’s privacy strategy, ensuring compliance with international standards while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and responsible data handling across the enterprise.

Richa Johri Gupta

Data Privacy Officer

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richaiiita/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Apoorva Kumar

CEO & Co-Founder inspeqAi

Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoorva-kumar-b2b08431/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Brief Bio-Data

Apoorva is Founder CEO of Inspeq AI - an AI safety startup headquartered in Ireland. Previously he worked at Microsoft, Amazon, SAP and Informatica in Sr Management positions in Europe, India and US. Apoorva is passionate about AI and launched the first Co-pilot for One drive and SharePoint at Microsoft. As Product Manager of AWS Lambda, he gave load testing sign off to NITI Aayog for the launch of Aarogya Setu. At Inspeq, Apoorva runs and international team who have built a world class enterprise grade platform to operationalise Responsible AI for Agents and language models. Apoorva was winner of Startup World Cup (one of the biggest pitching competition in the world organised by Pegasus Ventures of SilcionValley) and was featured in Forbes as an expert voice in Ethical and Trustworthy AI. He has co-authored 5 US patents in AI/ML/IoT technologies and also holds a Master's in Product and Technology Management from Technological University Dublin. He is also member of Executive Council of IIIT Europe / UK chapter and was President of Dramatics Club during his IIIT days.

Industry-Academia Conclave

September 28th, 2025

Non-Alumni Speakers During Conclave

Alumni Speakers During Conclave

Non - Alumni Speakers During Conclave

About The Industry Academia Conclave 2025

Alumni Guest Of Honor

Brief Biodata Of Speakers

Puneet R. Saharey

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Ashish Agrawal

Rochak Mittal

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Clyde DeSouza

Mr. Sachin Jain

Brief Bio-Data

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Rachit Agrawal

Rohit Srivastava

Brief Bio-Data

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Madan Kumar Pernati

Gagan Agrawal

Brief Bio-Data

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Mr. Prajay Kamat

Ms. Devi Kolli

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Shivam

Brief Bio-Data

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Mr. Om Nagendra Sharma

Dr. Ramesh Ragala, Ph.D

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Richa Johri Gupta

Apoorva Kumar

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