Jan 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 3 mos · Gulbarga, Karnataka, India · Remote

• Probono Strategic, governance and ecosystem advisory role

Dec 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 4 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

• Probono Strategic, governance and ecosystem advisory role

May 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 11 mos · On-site

• Planned and executed from zero to one creation of ARTGARAGE- one of India’s largest prototyping, testing and manufacturing Infrastructure in Bangalore for Robotics and Autonomous Systems through investment of > Rs 15 Cr since May 2023.
• Spearheaded procurement of common equipment/ machines/ facilities worth > 3 Cr for testing, prototyping and manufacturing of Robotics & Autonomous Systems at ARTGARAGE @ ARTPARK, IISc.
• Advising ARTPARK Pre-ventures under Centre for Advanced Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CAMRAS) seed-funded by Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• Strategising new businesses for scaling up of the Pre-ventures in areas of UAV, AI enabled advanced Controllers, Autonomous UAV charging system, and Robotic Actuators.

Apr 2021 – Apr 2023 · 2 yrs · On-site

• One of early and CXO-level strategist for scaling ARTPARK to lead amongst 25 companies under NM-ICPS mission, Govt of India (GoI)
• Headed operations till Dec ’22 wherein optimised> Rs 40 Cr OPEX budget for deep impact in Robotics/Autonomous Systems domain
• Oversaw and established functions pertaining to Compliances, Legal, Finance, IPR, Accounts, Procurement, administration as ARTPARK grew form scratch to impact within 2 yrs, courtesy amazing 30+ employees, 30+ cosultants, eminent advisors, 50+ interns
• Led operation for scaling up of XraySetu for mobile-based automated X-ray diagnostic succour globally during COVID-19 second wave
• Coordinated project proposal worth >Rs 90 Cr while coordinating/ handholding Tech team heads. Project got approved by the Ministry of Heavy Industries(GoI) for Centre of Advanced Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CAMRAS) currently underway at ARTPARK under an Accelerator-CoE
• Policy/ execution enablement and coordination with Academia (IISc), top IITs/IIITs, and central govt ministries/departments (Science & Technology, Defence) and Govt of Karnataka for Policy level enablement and innovation
• Mentoring Start ups in the portfolio of ARTPARK’s Technology Business Incubator- marketing, customer, research support

Aug 2019 – Mar 2021 · 1 yr 7 mos

• Steered four major capability enhancement capital projects of Indian Navy totalling over Rs 1000 Cr
• At the Indian Navy’s Revenue Budget Centre for Op Logistics, managed/ allocated OPEX budget of about Rs 80 Cr annual revenue budget for maintenance excavations of harbours/ hiring of vessels/ pilotage of ships in India and overseas
• Monitored various Operational Logistics projects of Indian Navy- progressed cases, managed audits, advised on capability enhancement projects, etc.

Sep 2018 – Aug 2019 · 11 mos

• Researched in Indian Ocean Region maritime dynamics/geopolitics
• Cooperated for related researches at strategic level
• Managed and progressed multiple Public Works cases at Doctrines/Concepts Headquarters Complex

Aug 2017 – Sep 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

• Commanding Officer of Indian Navy’s latest indigenous weapon platform built at a cost of over 150 Mn USD. Managed and motivated a team of about 15 officers and 130+ men as Team Captain to excel in entire spectrum from operations, training, HR management, logistics management and maintenance
• Efficiently managed ship’s machinery, power generation, hull, weapons/sensors to excel in maritime operations despite limited inventory and external technical support
• Oversaw efficient utilisation of 1.4 lakh USD revenue budget for routine maintenance and training
• Ensured Logistics and material storage for prolonged operational deployments
• Planned maritime military campaigns in Andaman Seas in close coordination with Indian Army, Airforce and Coastguard
• Fostered Indian Navy’s Diplomatic role through Coordinated Patrol with Thai Navy, culminating at Phuket
• Organised and conducted International Maritime Seminar, coordinated VIP arrangements, Naval sea exercise during MILAN 2018 biennial maritime exercise attended by 16 nations of Indian Ocean Region
• Displayed exemplary leadership to motivate the team and excel in operational training in all disciplines of warfare and ship operation
• Oversaw liaison with external civil agencies- Port authorities, Police authorities, Ship Repair Yard, Logistics Depot, etc.
• Carried out periodic assessment/ performance forecasts against key performance metrics
• Implemented cross-training to optimise employment of manpower
• Took on additional administrative and operational tasks as Flotilla’s Senior Officer Afloat in order to support higher Formations- “Swachhta Hi Sewa” cleanship drive, coordination/ hosting of VIP visits, maintenance of Yard premises, etc
• Created content and coordinated Navy Week 2017 promotion through Newspaper,TV,Radio, Banners,Hoardings, etc
• Overall mentoring of young trainee officers towards attainment of requisite degree of professionalism competence

Apr 2015 – Aug 2017 · 2 yrs 4 mos

• Served as Planner of Air and Surface Warfare at Fleet Headquarters- an appointment for top professionals of respective specialisations
• Planned and oversaw execution of multiple successful gun and missile practice firings
• Ensured optimal team preparedness in air and surface warfare departments of Fleet ships through constant training, performance assessment of individuals and team as a whole
• Conduct of multinational maritime exercises with foreign Navies of Persian Gulf, West Asia, Mediterranean, North Africa and Europe while on Diplomatic sailing missions onboard Fleet ships
• Chief coordinator for Whaler Boat Rowing competition at Fleet level- one of largest scale sports event in Indian Navy
• Ensured high degree of proficiency in Logistical Replenishment drills at sea between Fleet ships through conduct of dry drills, inter-ship competitions
• Refinement of air/surface warfare procedures and Fleet tactics to optimise utilisation of newly inducted and most sophisticated/ technologically advanced ships of Indian Navy
• Undertook multiple innovations and initiatives in improving Fleet air/ surface operations
• Ensured refinement and adherence of SOPs and policies involving security management, threat mitigation and rules of engagement in a dynamic environment of low intensity operations

Jun 2013 – Jun 2014 · 1 yr

• Commanding Officer of Indian Navy’s frontline missile strike platforms entrusted to the Best amongst more than 50 peers. Managed and motivated a team of about 07 officers and 80+ men as Team Captain to excel in entire spectrum of tasks from operations, training, HR management, logistics management and maintenance.
• Efficiently managed ship’s machinery, power generation, hull, weapons and sensors to excel in maritime operations
• Ensured Logistics and material storage as required for prolonged operational deployments
• Planned maritime military campaigns on Western Seaboard
• Trained and motivated operation and maintenance team for successful practice firing of missile
• Presented paper at Annual Seminar of Maritime History Society on “Erstwhile USSR Counterpoise to US Navy during Cold War”
• Oversaw liaison with external civil agencies- Naval Dockyard, Weapon Maintenance Depot, etc
• Carried out periodic assessment/ forecasts of performance against key performance metrics
• Implemented use of cross-functional teams in all activities to optimise employment of manpower
• Implemented improvements at workplace for enhanced efficiency while keeping within promulgated guidelines.

Jun 2012 – Jun 2013 · 1 yr

• Second in Command (Chief Operating Officer) of a Guided Missile Corvette- a position entrusted to the Best amongst peers. Coordinated a team of about 15 officers and 140+ men to excel in entire spectrum of tasks from operations, training, HR management, logistics management and maintenance.
• Advised the Captain and oversaw all tasks on his behalf, especially all the administrative functionalities
• Directly managed over 100,000 USD allocated for ship’s maintenance, logistics supplements, training and maintenance of morale
• Ensured high maintenance and high operational availability of Deck machineries onboard
• Trained and motivated operation and maintenance team for successful practice firing of missile including responsibility of safety of operation
• Officer-in-Charge of Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence and Damage Control including Fire Fighting
• Discharged direct responsibility of effective training of all officers and men onboard in various disciplines of warfare and departmental functioning
• Oversaw healthy liaison with external civil agencies- higher formation Headquarters, Dockyard, Supply Depot, Victualling Yard, etc
• Marshalled requisite resources and maintained high morale and enthusiasm amongst ship’s crew to achieve high standards in audits/ inspections

Jul 2011 – Jun 2012 · 11 mos

• Nominated for Staff Course in Germany, bestowed to the Best in peer group, for Advanced German Course in Cologne followed by International Staff Course in Hamburg
• Basic German Course at School of Foreign Languages (SFL), New Delhi, Govt of India
• Attained Certificate of Proficiency in 1st Division in mere 04 months training at SFL
• Not deputed to Germany view austerity measures

Jun 2007 – Jun 2011 · 4 yrs

• While serving as Anti- Air and Surface Warfare Officer specialist onboard Indian Navy’s latest and “best” Frigate, led teams of upto 04 officers and 40+ men for excellence in ship’s weapon operation on and above water surface across seas
• Led teams for accomplishing multiple safe and successful including maiden missile firings- adjudged Best Department in Fleet
• Ensured best maintenance practices for optimum availability of all sophisticated and technologically advanced weapons and sensors onboard
• Prepared training curriculum and oversaw its execution for all officers and men of department for maintaining highest degree of readiness at all times
• Ensured adherence to laid down SOPs and policies involving security management, threat mitigation and rules of engagement in a dynamic environment of low intensity operations
• Awarded Commendation by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command (Navy's N-1) for professional competence
• Led department from front to an unprecedented high level of proficiency in sea training by setting personal example
• As Camp Commandant, planned and set up an efficiently organised Disaster Management Camp
• Coached and led ship’s team for safe and efficient conduct of Logistics Replenishment drills at sea and excelled in Fleet competitions
• Streamlined organisation and procedure for inhouse safety audits including record keeping
• Taut running of Discipline department which contributed towards ship’s efficient functioning

Jun 2005 – Jun 2006 · 1 yr

• Commanding Officer of an Ocean Going Tug of Indian Navy after mere 5 year of service- entrusted to the Best amongst 50+ peers. Being the only officer posted onboard, single handedly managed and motivated a team of about 40+ men as Team Captain to excel in entire spectrum of tasks from operations, training, HR management, logistics management and maintenance.
• Efficiently managed ship’s machinery, power generation and hull to excel in maritime operations
• Awarded On-the -Spot Commendation by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command (Navy's N-1) for outstanding performance during Presidential Fleet Review 2006
• Trained ship’s teams in undertaking safe and efficient towing operations at sea
• Earned “Maximum Days at Sea” award for the ship as a hallmark of operational excellence in very challenging sea conditions
• Overhauled Logistics and material storage onboard as necessitated for operational deployments
• Oversaw liaison with external civil agencies- Naval Dockyard, Material Depot, Weapon Maintenance Depot, etc
• Carried out periodic assessment/ forecasts of performance against key performance metrics
• Implemented use of cross-functional teams in all activities to optimise employment of very limited manpower available
• Implemented improvements at workplace for enhanced efficiency while keeping within promulgated guidelines

Apr 2004 – Jun 2005 · 1 yr 2 mos

• Aid-de-Camp to seniormost Armed Force officer of Goa Area- an appointment entrusted to the best amongst 50+ peers