Manoj Kothari — CEO
Manoj is an experienced Innovation & Futures Strategist with over two decade experience in visualising future and catalyzing disruptive innovation for global brands, organizations, and governments. As the Founder CEO and Chief Strategist at Turian Labs, an innovation and strategic foresight consulting firm, Manoj has been at the forefront of driving change by leveraging foresight and Design Thinking. Manoj is also a Member of the global APF (Association of Professional Futurists) and National Council for Design and Innovation, CII- India. A serial entrepreneur, Manoj also co-founded and led Onio Design, a design firm, and ITERNIA, a digital branding company, prior to Turian Labs. His passion lies in understanding the people and shaping future-forward roadmaps through his unique RenaissanceMind framework, which blends foresight and innovation to build resilient organizations. He is a recognized expert at facilitating CXO and senior leadership engagements, nurturing cultures of innovation, and guiding strategic initiatives using megatrends, deep listening, and design-led foresight. Manoj has worked closely with global giants like Google, Volkswagen, Samsung, Hyundai, Medtronic, and Aditya Birla Group, as well as modern startups like Swiggy and government entities such as Govt. of Finland and Govt. of Dubai. His extensive experience spans mentoring startups, advising entrepreneurs, and investing in emerging ventures. As a thought leader, Manoj frequently shares his insights on Design Thinking, Innovation, Megatrends, and Foresight at international forums. He is also a visiting faculty member at renowned institutions including the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad and the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. Manoj also serves as member of advisory committee - IDC Industrial Design Center at IIT Bombay. Beyond his professional pursuits, Manoj's interests span astronomy, philosophy, anthropology, poetry, linguistics, and spirituality. He has authored a non-fiction book, 'Skyway Interpreter,' and a Hindi poetry collection, 'Madhurimayan.' Manoj holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Bombay (1992 batch) and a Postgraduate degree in Industrial Design from NID Ahmedabad. Connect with him on Twitter at @lookinbard.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic foresight and innovation consultant with a focus on design-led transformation.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Experience: 30 yrs 10 mos
Skills
- Strategic Foresight
- Innovation
- Higher Education Teaching
Career Highlights
- Founder of Turian Labs, driving innovation strategies.
- Expert in facilitating senior leadership engagements.
- Thought leader in Design Thinking and Foresight.
Work Experience
Confederation of Indian Industry
Member - National Committee on Design & Innovation (9 mos)
IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay
Member of the Board of Advisors (9 mos)
Innishari
Abundance Ambassador (3 yrs 4 mos)
Turian Labs -Strategic Foresight & Innovation Consulting
CEO & Chief Strategist (11 yrs 1 mo)
Economic Challenger - Quarterly Journal
Assistant Editor (12 yrs 10 mos)
Various Organisations
Visiting Faculty (15 yrs 6 mos)
"ITERNIA"Branding and Communication Design
Co-founder & Design Director (7 yrs)
Onio Design Pvt. Ltd.
Co-founder & Director (17 yrs 8 mos)
Eicher Tractors
Asst. Manager Quality Assurance (2 yrs 1 mo)
Education
PG at National Institute of Design
B.Tech at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
