Keynote Speakers
Day 1 – November 5, 2026
9:00 – 10:00, November 5 (Thursday) – Conference Inaugural and Welcome Addresses
Dr. Rupa Vasudevan
Chancellor
Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU)
Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. Rupa Vasudevan is an Educationist, Sociopreneur, Founder and Co-Chairperson of BEST Group (Gatti Valley Educational Institutions). She is the Chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU), a State Private University established in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
Co-Founder and Director of Evergreen Naturals – EN, a company that focuses on cheaper availability of high-quality agricultural inputs to small and marginal farmers, monitoring growth and farming practices and helping in establishing forward and backward linkages in supply chain management. She is Appointed as one of the ten academicians in the General and Executive Council of Karnataka State Higher Education Council- KSHEC, apex body on education in the State. Regional Co-Chair for ASSOCHAM – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State. Founder and Global President of World Forum for Education, an independent non-profit organization working globally to advance sustainable development, humanitarian response and facilitating public good through Knowledge sharing and Education. Trustee of Apna Desh Foundation, a Foundation that spearheads initiatives, finding meaningful ways to make a difference to our farmers while documenting best traditional practices from rural areas of the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Honorary Trustee of Disha Bharat, a non-profit social organisation that works in the field of value education. Member, Governing Council of Indic Academy (INDICA) – a non-traditional University for traditional knowledge systems. And Member, Governing Council of India Foundation, New Delhi.
Dr. Ekta Kapoor
Head, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (GOI)
Ahad Ali, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing
Director of Industrial Engineering Program
A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan, USA
Chief Executive Officer of IEOM Society International
Dr. Ahad Ali is an associate professor, director of doctor of engineering in advanced manufacturing and director of industrial engineering programs (BSIE & MSIE) at A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Industrial Engineering of the Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Southfield, Michigan, USA. He established the Siemens Electro-Matic Industrial Engineering Lab at LTU. Dr. Ali was the primary author of the ABET self-study report of the BSIE Program at LTU in 2022. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, a Master’s in Systems and Engineering Management from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. Dr. Ali was an Assistant Professor in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, a Visiting Assistant Professor in Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo, and a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Bangladesh Institute of Technology, Khulna. He received an Outstanding Professor Award from the Industrial Engineering Department, University of Puerto Rico -Mayaguez. Dr. Ali has been recognized with a Fulbright Award. He has published 75 journal papers and 150 conference papers. Dr Ali conducted research projects with Chrysler, Ford, DTE Energy, New Center Stamping, Whelan Co., Delphi Automotive System, GE Medical Systems, International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), and Rockwell Automation. His research interests include manufacturing systems, quality, lean, six-sigma, simulation, artificial intelligence, supply chain, and optimization. He supervised 11 doctoral students in Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems (DEMS). He is a founder executive director of IEOM Society International. Dr. Ali is a Co-Chair of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Dr. Ali organized IEOM conferences around the globe on six continents including Ankara, Augsburg, Bali, Bangkok, Bogota, Bristol, Cape Town, Costa Rica, Delhi, Detroit, Dhaka, Dubai, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Lima, Manila, Melbourne, Milwaukee, Monterrey, Muscat, Orlando, Panama, Paris, Pilsen, Rabat, Riyadh, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vellore, Washington, DC and Windsor. He is an associate editor of the IJIEOM, Q1-Scopus indexed. Dr. Ali is a member of IEOM, INFORMS, SME, and IEEE.
Dr. Kamel Ghazouani
Professor of Economics
Institut des Hautes Études Commerciales de Carthage (IHEC)
University of Carthage
Tunis, Tunesia
Dr. Kamel Ghazouani is a Tunisian economist and Professor of Economics at the Institut des Hautes Études Commerciales de Carthage (IHEC), University of Carthage. He has been associated with IHEC since 2012, where he teaches macroeconomic policy and public policy evaluation and previously served as Director of the Department of Economics from 2014 to 2020.
He holds a PhD in Economic Sciences from the University of Tunis El Manar, earned in 2002. Before entering academia, he worked in Tunisia’s public administration, including as Secretary General of the Carthage District from 1993 to 1997.
His academic and research interests include macroeconomics, economic policy, foreign investment, international economic integration, entrepreneurship, and public policy. He has contributed to several books and research publications and has participated in international academic and policy forums.
10:00 – 10:30, November 5 (Thursday) – Keynote
Saishyam Narayanan
CEO
IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF)
Saishyam Narayanan is a multi-disciplinary Science & Technology professional with over 15 years of experience across premier R&D institutions, government, and non-government organizations. His expertise spans Biotechnology, MedTech, Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Cyber-Physical Systems, Entrepreneurship, R&D, and Science & Innovation Management.
Over the past nine years, he has made significant contributions to strengthening India’s Biotech, MedTech, and Deep-Tech innovation ecosystem. His areas of expertise include Healthcare, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Energy, Safety, Automotive, and Sustainability, along with technology program design, business operations, program management, grant management, and organizational strategy.
Currently, as the CEO of IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), he leads initiatives focused on technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development, particularly in Intelligent Collaborative Systems (ICS). His work focuses on developing indigenous technology and hardware products, supporting faculty-led innovations, entrepreneurs, and startups, while also addressing industry skill gaps through upskilling and expert collaborations.
He also leads efforts to establish facilities for prototyping, testing, skilling, and certification, with the objective of strengthening the technology ecosystem and enabling the development of high-quality technologies and startups in India.
10:30 – 11:00, November 5 (Thursday) – Keynote
Dr. BVK Sastry
Founder Chancellor
Yoga-Samskrutham University, USA
Dr. BVK Sastry is the Founder Chancellor of Yoga-Samskrutham University, USA, with a professional focus on yoga, wellness, education, and Indian cultural traditions.
He is associated with promoting the integration of yoga, traditional knowledge, holistic wellness, and modern education. Through Yoga-Samskrutham University, his work contributes to creating awareness and providing educational opportunities related to yoga, health, spirituality, and Indian knowledge systems.
His leadership reflects a commitment to wellness education, preservation of cultural knowledge, and the global promotion of yoga and holistic living.
11:00 – 11:30, November 5 (Thursday)
Dr. Arindam Das
Director – Srishti, Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
11:30 – 12:00, November 5 (Thursday) – Keynote
Sudhakar Rao
Director- Branding
ICFAI Group
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Sudhakar Rao has been serving as the Director of Branding at the ICFAI Group for over 14 years, where he leads strategic branding and marketing initiatives across 11 universities, 9 business schools, and several other educational institutions.
His work focuses on brand positioning, marketing strategy, corporate relations, and strengthening market visibility across sectors including education, clothing, and food. He is passionate about innovation, design thinking, and brand development, working closely with teams to build and establish brands with strong market potential.
As the official spokesperson for the ICFAI Group, he represents the organization at various national and international platforms, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity.
12:00 – 12:30, November 5 (Thursday) – Keynote
Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni
Former General Officer Commanding In Chief, Indian Army
Present President, Information Security Council Of India
Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni is a decorated, scholar – soldier, with 40 years of commissioned service in the Indian Army. In his last assignment, tenanting the second highest rank of the army, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of one of the six operational commands of the army. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of one of the six operational commands of the army.
His experience encompasses command and staff assignments,in India’s most inhospitable and conflict affected areas to battle external and internal security challenges. During his four decades of service, he has assumed many roles and duties. In addition to his Command assignments of leading military formations, his important staff appointments include ‘Chief Operations Officer’ of an Infantry Brigade in Sri Lanka as part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), Colonel General Staff responsible for operations of a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir, ‘Principal Staff officer’ at Army Headquarters, Delhi, and ‘Director General Information Technology’. He has been an Instructor at various Military Institutions within the country to impart basic & specialized training, not only to own officers, but also those from friendly foreign countries.
He has a record of being a high achiever throughout his career, starting with the ‘Sword of Honour’ and President’s Gold medal on commissioning to the Army, in 1976. Among several awards for his exceptional leadership skills and courage, he has been decorated with the second highest medal for peace time gallantry Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, by the President of India. On Republic Day in 2016, he was conferred the coveted Param Vishist Seva Medal, by the President of India, for sustained meritorious service.
Lt. Gen. Sahni has represented India as a military delegate, at UN Headquarters at Geneva for the international conference debating banning of land mines. He has trained with the British Army for a year and represented the country as a military diplomat for three years at Embassy of India, Moscow, Russia. Presently, he is mentoring start-ups/ new initiatives that are in the domain of Information Security and HR Management. An active speaker at seminars and various think tanks within the country, with specific reference to National Security Issues – External and Internal, International and Regional dynamics impacting India, Issues related to Cyber, Force Multipliers and surveillance, Nuances of Counter Terrorist Operations in the North East and J&K, Dynamics of Integration of North Eastern States, Strategic and Visionary Leadership skills/ nuances and Impact of Tactical Nuclear Weapons on South Asian Deterrence Dynamics.
12:30 – 13:00, November 5 (Thursday) – Keynote
Dr. A. B. Patil
President, Institution of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Bengaluru
Dr. A. B. Patil is a distinguished agricultural professional and academician with extensive experience in agricultural education, research, university administration, extension services, and agricultural policy. He currently serves as the President of the Institution of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Bengaluru, for the 2025–2029 term.
Throughout his career, Dr. Patil has held several key administrative and academic positions. He served as Professor of Agricultural Microbiology from 2004 to 2008, Registrar of the University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot, from 2008 to 2013, Director of Extension at UHS Bagalkot from 2013 to 2015, and Registrar of UHS Bagalkot from 2015 to 2017. Subsequently, he served as Registrar of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, from 2017 to 2018. From 2018 to 2026, he served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, contributing his experience to agricultural administration and policy-related activities.
Dr. Patil has made contributions to agricultural research, education, and technology dissemination. He served as Principal Investigator of a biofertilizer project and as Course Coordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. His professional interests include agricultural microbiology, biofertilizer technology, horticultural development, agricultural extension, agribusiness, value addition, and sustainable farming practices.
In recognition of his professional contributions, Dr. Patil is a Fellow of the Environmental Research Academy (FEnRA), the National Academy of Biological Sciences (FNABS), and the Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India (FCHAI).
As President of IAT, Bengaluru, Dr. Patil is committed to strengthening professional collaboration, promoting agricultural innovation, encouraging technology transfer, and supporting sustainable agricultural development. His experience across academia, university administration, extension services, and government provides a valuable perspective on addressing emerging challenges in the agricultural sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Day 2 – November 6, 2026
9:30 – 10:00, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Dr. Narendranath Dutta
CEO, I Hub, IIT Guwahati
Guwahati, Assam, India
10:00 – 10:30, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Dr. Sharon Ravitz-Wyngaard
Academic Director
Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT)
Israel
Dr. Sharon Ravitz-Wyngaard is an agriculture, sustainability, and food-security professional associated with the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), Israel, where she has worked since 2006 and currently serves as Academic Director.
She holds a BA in Behavioural Science, an MA in Administration and Public Policy, and a PhD in Sustainability and Food Security from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Her doctoral research focused on ecology and food security.
Her expertise focuses on sustainable agriculture, food security, desert agriculture, and environmental sustainability. She has also conducted research on the environmental impacts of producing tomatoes, bell peppers, and dates in Israel’s arid Arava region, examining areas such as water, land, materials, energy, waste, and carbon emissions.
At AICAT, she is also involved in teaching and training international students in agricultural and food-security practices, contributing to the centre’s mission of sharing Israel’s agricultural knowledge and technologies with participants from around the world.
10:30 – 11:00, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Dr. Gopal Lal
Joint Director of ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad
Dr. Gopal Lal is a distinguished horticultural scientist and agricultural research administrator with extensive experience in horticultural research, crop improvement, technology development, and institutional leadership. He currently serves as Joint Director of ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, having previously held several senior positions within ICAR, including Director of ICAR–National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan.
His areas of expertise include horticulture, seed spice improvement, protected cultivation, organic farming, post-harvest technology, value addition, value chain management, and natural resource management. His notable contributions include developing 13 seed spice varieties, 60 agricultural technologies, and 35 value-added products. He has published extensively, guided postgraduate and doctoral students, and led numerous research projects.
Dr. Lal has received several national-level fellowships and awards in recognition of his contributions to horticultural research and agricultural development. His work focuses on advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening research institutions, and promoting sustainable and economically viable farming systems.
11:00 – 11:30, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Suresh Done
Chief AI Officer
AI Authority
Michigan, USA
Suresh Done is an Executive Global Information Technology Leader with over 20 years of experience in enterprise-wide digital transformation, AI strategy, technology architecture, cybersecurity, and IT financial management. He has worked with leading global organizations including General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Dow Chemicals, Merck, ERCOT, HP, Shell India, and the General Civil Aviation Authority.
One of his key achievements was developing and implementing the Proactive Infrastructure (PAI) model at DaimlerChrysler, which helped standardize infrastructure across organizations, reduce operational costs by 30–50%, and eliminate redundancies.
His expertise also includes organizational change management, enterprise architecture, AI enablement, systems integration, talent development, and operational efficiency. He has led technology projects using J2EE and web-based platforms and conducted research on AI-driven structural optimization using Genetic Algorithms at the Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC).
He has also been recognized by CIOReview as “Company of the Month” for his contributions to enterprise architecture, AI, and strategic IT leadership.
11:30 – 12:00, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta
Former Secretary, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) DST
12:00 – 12:30, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Dr. T. Sasilatha
Principal-General Programs
Amet University Chennai
Dr. T. Sasilatha is a highly experienced individual in the field of teaching, research, and administration with a remarkable career spanning 30 years. CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership from the UK is a testament to her exceptional leadership qualities. Dr. T. Sasilatha has authored over 200 articles in refereed international journals and conferences and has been the Principal Investigator for several research projects worth around 350 Lakhs sponsored by esteemed Govt organisations such as the MOES, DST, AICTE and TNSCST. Her contributions to research have resulted in the publication of ten patents, three of which have been awarded.
12:30 – 13:00, November 6 (Friday) – Keynote
Prof. Tanweer Alam
Additional Director and Regional Head
Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP)
Delhi, India
Dr. Tanweer Alam is working as Joint Director and Regional Head, Indian Institute of Packaging, Delhi. Earlier he was R&D Head at Head Quarter Mumbai. Before Joining IIP, he was Assistant Professor in Banaras Hindu University. He was also associated with AAI- Deemed University, Allahabad. He was also Visiting Faculty, University of Allahabad & Jiwaji University, Gwalior and Anna University, Chennai. He has been working for last one decade in different Academic Institutions and involved in teaching of Graduate, Post graduate and Ph. D students. His Ph. D research work was on Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) of food products from National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. He visited University of Copenhagen, Denmark under faculty exchange programme funded by EU under East West Food Project. He organized several conferences/workshops of national/international stature in different capacities. His area of research is on novel food packaging technology. He has also been associated in establishing Food Packaging Laboratory at NDRI, Karnal and Center of foods Science & Technology in BHU. Dr. Alam has published more than 100 research and technical papers in high impact referred journals, apart from delivering several invited lectures both in India and abroad. He has also contributed more than 15 book chapters. He is also life member of different Scientific and Academic Journals. He has also edited dozens of Proceedings and Technical souvenir. He has also received young scientist award from SHAUT-India. He is also Associate Editor of Asian J of Dairy Science and Journal of Packaging Technology and Research. He is also Editorial board of Processed Food Industry. Dr Alam is also member of different Committee’s of BIS. He is also Assistant Editor of Journal of Packaging Technology and Research. He is National fellow of Academy of Dairy Science.
Day 3 – November 7, 2026
11:00 am – 12:30 m, November 7, 2026 – Keynotes
Online Keynote
7:30-8:00 am, Friday, November 6, 2026
Anand Handa
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
C3iHub, IIT Kanpur
Anand Handa is a cybersecurity professional and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, with expertise in cyber threat intelligence, malware analysis, memory forensics, and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at C3i, where his work focused on advanced cybersecurity research and the development of security analysis pipelines and DevSecOps-related solutions. He is a Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst and CompTIA Security+ certified professional.
He holds a Ph.D. from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, where his research focused on developing multimodal recognition models using biometric features. At C3iHub, he has led multiple cybersecurity projects in collaboration with public and private sector organizations.
In addition to his research and strategic responsibilities, he serves as a cybersecurity instructor through programs conducted by C3i IIT Kanpur in collaboration with organizations including NSE TalentSprint, Simplilearn, and IIT Guwahati–Jaro Education. He has published over 25 research papers, edited two books, and co-authored five book chapters in cybersecurity.