Apr 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 2 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

• The Innovation Master
• www.theinnovationmaster.com

May 2022 – Oct 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

• Ownership for leading several high stakes Airfields infrastructure projects in the South India with a team of 5000+ professionals in close co-ordination with the Army, Airforce and civilian stakeholders. Scope: runways and ancillary infrastructure works like aircraft hangers/shelters, runway resurfacing etc. Introduced multiple latest technology in the Defence construction sector like use of AI in remote monitoring, Additive manufacturing, 3D monolithic construction etc.

Jul 2017 – Dec 2021 · 4 yrs 5 mos · On-site

• Led the electrical and electronics engineering department with ownership of student and faculty performance, faculty development, course curriculum, and teaching methods. Building a strong esprit-de-corps in a diverse team of UGC professors, DRDO scientists, Army Officers, Soldiers, and administrative staff and improving partnerships with industry, military, and academia partners.
• Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development: Administered a department that delivered UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs, ensuring the integration of the latest AI, ML, and data science advancements into the curriculum and preparing the next generation of technologists and innovators.
• Partnerships & Industry Engagement: Established strategic partnerships with leading research institutions and industry bodies, enhancing the department's research capabilities and contributing to developing cutting-edge AI technologies.
• Formulated SOPs, approach papers, and research studies on the conduct of application-oriented training. Generated course curriculum to improve the operational and training capability of the organization and augmented the training infrastructure.
• Responsible for procuring and managing property and equipment worth INR 200+ Cr. Oversaw the vendor management process and vendor documentation & negotiated contractual agreements to meet budgetary requirements & constraints.
• Set up the state-of-the-art Micro Grid lab, the Centre of Excellence for Solar Energy projects. Helmed the Project Management Group of 7 MW solar energy projects to make the garrison self-sufficient in its power requirements.

Apr 2015 – Jun 2017 · 2 yrs 2 mos · On-site

• Ownership for leading several high-stakes military infrastructure projects in the airfields of Bengal and the North Eastern States of India with a team of 5000+ professionals in close coordination with the Army, Airforce, and civilian stakeholders. Scope: runways and ancillary infrastructure works like aircraft hangers/shelters, runway resurfacing, etc.
• Executed projects worth INR 600 Cr in a record time frame, thereby facilitating the induction of strategic projects for the country.
• Planned, executed, and commissioned innovative GIS-based infrastructure management.
• Automated the infrastructure reports of the airbases to facilitate strategic analysis.
• Designed and developed smart military cantonment projects.

May 2011 – Apr 2015 · 3 yrs 11 mos · On-site

• GIS Systems Leadership: Led development and deployment of GIS systems across seven operational information systems, ensuring seamless integration with AI and data analytics tools to enhance operational capabilities.
• AI & Data Integration: Led efforts to incorporate AI-driven data analysis into GIS systems, enabling advanced spatial data modeling and real-time decision support for military operations.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with DRDO, BEL, and other vendors to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, AI-enhanced GIS solutions, driving operational excellence and innovation.
• I started my Ph.D. research on satellite image classification using bio-inspired algorithms to demarcate land cover/land use classes. Findings were later incorporated in an Indian Army project on Change Detection and Object Identification in Satellite Imagery and UAV/Drone datasets.

Jan 2007 – May 2009 · 2 yrs 4 mos · On-site

• Was project manager and executing engineer involved in all activities of construction of a major residential school in a very challenging and inhospitable terrain in India. The project included right from the conception, initiation of the plan, detailed planning, tender process, contract, execution, supervision, successful handing over and maintenance. a highly appreciated project inaugurated by the Chief Minister of state. I was also responsible for the maintenance and execution of many other prestigious projects in that area. Active participation in the infrastructure development of that area.
• Executed Greenfield infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and a boarding school with large teams.

Dec 1996 – May 2011 · 14 yrs 5 mos · On-site

• Led highly trained and motivated teams in constructing vital operational infrastructure such as combat bridges, field defenses, and operational tracks in high-altitude, inhospitable terrains like Siachen Glacier and other remote areas.
• Managed high-risk operations, including the safe handling of explosives and minefield clearance, ensuring the safety and success of missions in highly volatile conditions.
• Managed high-risk operations including the safe handling of explosives and minefield clearance, ensuring the safety and success of missions in extremely volatile conditions.
• Specialized in engineering leadership and project management, guiding teams through extreme climates, high-pressure situations, and complex terrain to deliver crucial military infrastructure.
• Leveraged innovative solutions and the latest construction technologies to meet evolving mission demands while enhancing operational efficiency.

Dec 2017 – May 2022 · 4 yrs 5 mos · Pune, Maharashtra, India · On-site

• Conceptualized and led the prestigious Sarvatra Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI) with the charter for incubating cutting-edge projects that solve several Field Army problem statements.
• AI/ML Leadership & Strategy: Spearheaded AI/ML strategy and execution across multiple projects focused on solving real-world military problems, including satellite image interpretation, Face Recognition, smart bots swarm, Health Monitoring, Vehicle Diagnostics, UAV/drone video analysis, and AI-driven smart bot development.
• Innovation Management: Founded the Sarvatra Makers Lab, a state-of-the-art R&D lab focusing on AI, Robotics, and IoT sensor projects, which delivered several AI-powered solutions that have been adopted across various defense applications.
• Program Management & Execution: Managed the complete AI project lifecycle from ideation to deployment.
• Collaboration & Ecosystem Building: Led the creation of the MILBOTICS competition, fostering a triple helix collaboration model between the military, academia, and industry, resulting in a pipeline of innovative AI solutions.