AI Innovation Summit 2025 (AIS2025)

Ms. Pragya Misra

Pragya Misra is a purpose-driven leader at the forefront of public policy, strategic partnerships, and ethical technology. Currently serving as the Head of Public Policy & Partnerships, India at OpenAI, she is spearheading efforts to align AI innovation with India’s national priorities. Her work focuses on building collaborative frameworks that ensure AI is safe, inclusive, and impactful—particularly in areas like education, agriculture, and public service delivery. Through partnerships with nonprofits and government bodies, she is advancing OpenAI’s mission to empower humanity through responsible AI deployment.

Before joining OpenAI, Pragya held key leadership positions at globally influential platforms. She was the Director of Public Affairs at Truecaller, where she established the company’s public policy function from the ground up. As the first hire for WhatsApp in India, she played a pivotal role in shaping its communications strategy during a transformative period for the platform. Her diverse experience also spans diplomacy and business development during her tenure at the Royal Danish Embassy and EY, reflecting her strength in navigating complex ecosystems with cultural fluency and policy insight.

Beyond her professional journey, Pragya is the host of The Pragyaan Podcast, where she explores topics at the intersection of identity, impact, and innovation. Her approach to leadership is grounded in curiosity, clarity, and a systems-thinking mindset—believing that asking the right questions is often more powerful than having all the answers. Recognized for her work across sectors, she continues to champion the use of technology as a force for inclusive and sustainable progress.

Mr. Sandip Shah

Sandip Shah is a dynamic and result-oriented finance leader with over two decades of diverse experience across global organizations in the IT, telecom, and oil & gas sectors. Currently serving as Finance Director for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) at Microsoft in Bengaluru, he plays a pivotal role in driving strategic financial initiatives, investment agility, and sustainable growth.

Sandip is widely recognized for his ability to balance strategic business partnership with governance excellence. As a core member of the leadership team, he leads multi-year investment planning, performance management, and profitability optimization across complex and matrixed environments. His focus on digital transformation, business insights, and operational excellence has earned him the reputation of a dependable execution champion.

He has successfully led and contributed to large-scale projects including finance outsourcing, cost optimization, Nokia integration, and internal reorganizations, while consistently upholding strong compliance standards, including SOX governance. His impactful leadership is underscored by numerous awards and recognitions from peers and senior management.

A Chartered Accountant from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Sandip is also a seasoned thought leader, having delivered 100+ external presentations on modern finance and digital transformation to industry peers, partners, and clients.

Sandip's key competencies span financial strategy, P&L ownership, stakeholder engagement, business process reengineering, and team mentoring. He thrives in high-growth, fast-paced, cross-functional settings and is known for his collaborative leadership, analytical acumen, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Mr. Varinder Saini

Varinder Saini is a seasoned product leader with over two decades of experience in shaping and delivering successful digital product strategies. Currently serving as Principal Product Manager at Adobe, Varinder has been instrumental in modernizing Adobe Acrobat, launching new revenue channels, and building industry-leading solutions that serve millions globally.

With a strong foundation in computer science engineering, Varinder has built a career centered on innovation, customer empathy, and technology storytelling. His track record includes leading the redesign of core document platforms, managing large-scale rollouts, and building V1 products that significantly improved customer satisfaction and reduced deployment complexity.

His earlier professional journey includes impactful roles at Seasia Consulting and Dell, where he developed and implemented high-value solutions in client-facing and technical capacities. Known for his collaborative leadership and global mindset, Varinder brings deep cross-functional expertise, agile product development experience, and a passion for team growth.

Varinder holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Beyond his professional achievements, Varinder is passionate about personal development. He is a certified yoga instructor, an enthusiast of Indian classical music, and has explored theatre arts. His commitment to continuous learning and cultural curiosity is reflected in his multidisciplinary approach to both work and life.

Mr. Sachin Punyani

Sachin Punyani is an accomplished business development and technical sales leader, currently driving the growth of Deep Tech Services at AWS India. With a career built at the intersection of advanced technology and strategic business execution, Sachin plays a pivotal role in helping organizations across sectors unlock the full potential of cloud and deep tech solutions.

His mission is to transform startups, scale-ups, and large enterprises into tech-powered growth engines by delivering innovative, scalable, and industry-specific solutions. With a forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the evolving technology landscape, Sachin has successfully enabled numerous organizations to accelerate digital transformation, optimize operational efficiency, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

Sachin’s work spans multiple key verticals, including Government (public sector), Enterprises, Education, and Healthcare—where technology adoption is not just a trend but a necessity for meaningful progress. By deeply engaging with stakeholders, understanding nuanced challenges, and aligning technical capabilities with strategic business outcomes, he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and solution partner.

Over the years, Sachin has collaborated with hundreds of organizations, helping them navigate complex digital journeys with confidence. His strengths lie in strategic thinking, ecosystem building, and stakeholder alignment, enabling him to lead cross-functional initiatives that deliver measurable business value.

In addition to his customer-facing leadership, Sachin is also known for his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, cultivate innovation-driven cultures, and foster collaboration across functions. He thrives in dynamic environments where technology, business, and human insight intersect, constantly pushing boundaries to create long-term impact.

With a strong commitment to enabling innovation and growth at scale, Sachin continues to be a key driver of AWS India’s mission to democratize deep tech and empower organizations to thrive in the digital age.

Mr. Ankush Sabharwal

Founder & CEO – CoRover.ai & BharatGPT.ai

Ankush Sabharwal is a nationally recognized tech entrepreneur and visionary innovator, best known as the Founder and CEO of CoRover.ai and BharatGPT.ai—the world’s first human-centric conversational AI platform powered by Generative AI. Under his leadership, CoRover has served over 1 billion users across 15000+ enterprises and 20+ channels in 100+ languages, redefining conversational experiences through AI Assistants, VoiceBots, VideoBots, and LLM-based solutions.

With a mission to humanize technology, Ankush has been honored as the Innovator of the Year (2024) and counted among the Top 10 AI Influencers globally. His work has earned accolades from world leaders including the Prime Minister of India, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and Google’s Sundar Pichai. At CoRover, he spearheads strategy, product innovation, GTM, R&D, customer success, and operations to drive scalable and responsible AI adoption.

Ankush brings over two decades of leadership across global SaaS enterprises and startups spanning India, North America, and Europe. He has successfully managed global teams of over 1200 professionals and driven multimillion-dollar product innovations. His academic credentials include an MS in Software Engineering from BITS Pilani, an MBA from ICFAI, and executive education from MIT Sloan and IIM Calcutta. He has also completed the Machine Learning Specialization from Stanford University.

As a respected thought leader, Ankush frequently speaks at international conferences and has contributed to top media and academic forums, including Forbes, Economic Times, and TED Talks. He is also a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Evolution of AI (CoRE-AI), advocating for ethical AI development.

Holding certifications in Agile, PMP, Six Sigma, Scrum, and ITIL, Ankush is deeply committed to responsible innovation, mentorship, and the scalable impact of AI technologies across industries and geographies.

Dr. Preet Deep Singh

Mr. Tejas Goenka

Tejas Goenka is a dynamic business leader, product innovator, and purpose-driven entrepreneur, best known for his leadership at Tally Solutions, where he is driving the mission to empower business owners across India and beyond. With a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of technology and education, Tejas is passionate about building solutions that help businesses not only run efficiently but grow sustainably.

At Tally, Tejas leads the creation of intuitive, scalable, and high-impact software products that simplify the financial and operational challenges faced by millions of small and medium enterprises. His vision extends beyond product development—he is committed to ensuring that people have the skills, training, and support necessary to thrive in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Through Tally Education, he champions initiatives that bridge the skills gap and promote employability, particularly among youth and first-time job seekers.

His passion for social responsibility is equally strong. Under the TallyTogether initiative, Tejas is actively involved in giving back to society—whether by contributing to education, supporting local communities, or improving the welfare of animals. His approach reflects a broader philosophy: that successful businesses must be active contributors to the social fabric.

Beyond his role at Tally, Tejas is also a founding force behind Transition Ventures, an investment platform focused on backing startups and entrepreneurs innovating in the clean energy space. With the belief that sustainable technology is the future, he supports companies working on transformative solutions to combat climate change and create a better, greener world.

Further extending his commitment to individual empowerment, Tejas co-founded Tijori, a platform aimed at helping individuals and families make smarter financial decisions. Recognizing the lack of accessible, practical tools for personal finance management, Tijori provides simple, yet powerful solutions to help people take control of their financial lives.

Tejas’s work spans technology, education, sustainability, and personal finance, unified by a central theme: building ecosystems that enable people—whether business owners, individuals, or innovators—to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Dr. Bhooshan Kelkar

Bhooshan Kelkar is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and academic-industry collaboration. He is currently the Director of Neuflex Talent Solutions Pvt Ltd, where he focuses on strategy and business development. Prior to this, he served in various key roles at IBM India, including as Country Manager for University Relations, and contributed significantly to talent development and innovation enablement.

At IBM, Bhooshan also worked as a Patent Engineer and Software Architect, where he was actively involved in research and development projects. He contributed to over 30 patents, with a strong focus on AI, machine learning, and data science applications in life sciences and informatics. His career began at GE Praxis in California as a Control Engineer, where he developed algorithms and control systems for utility companies.

Academically, Bhooshan holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, UK, specializing in AI and process control, and a B.Tech. from IIT Bombay. He has further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Bioinformatics, Intellectual Property Rights, and MBTI personality assessment. His multidisciplinary background reflects a unique blend of deep technical knowledge and strategic leadership in emerging technologies.

Mr. Sammir Inamdar

Sammir Inamdar is a dynamic technology leader with over two decades of experience in designing, developing, and scaling AI-powered learning platforms across global markets. His work has directly impacted millions of learners in over 65 countries and empowered hundreds of enterprises through advanced digital learning ecosystems. With a sharp focus on performance measurement, user engagement, and instructional efficiency, he continues to shape the future of learning through innovation and strategic vision.

His professional journey includes leadership roles across top-tier e-learning and technology organizations, where he was instrumental in launching and managing enterprise SaaS solutions, learning management systems, and blended learning strategies. Sammir's strengths lie in instructional design, needs analysis, and driving operational excellence. His collaborative leadership style and depth of experience have earned him wide recognition in the fields of digital learning and enterprise training.

Academically, Sammir holds a degree in Computer Science from St. Xavier’s College, backed by a strong foundation from institutions like R.D. National College and Asia English School, Ahmedabad. Endorsed for key skills such as e-learning, learning management, instructional design, and content tools like Captivate, he is regarded as a forward-thinking professional with a proven track record in the learning and development industry.

CA. Srinath Ganesan

Finance and Governance Expert | Audit, Assurance & IT Implementation Specialist

A dynamic and accomplished Finance Expert with a proven track record in the domains of Accounting, Audit, and Assurance, coupled with deep involvement in IT implementation and transformation projects. With years of multidisciplinary experience, this professional brings a unique blend of financial acumen and technological insight to drive excellence in governance, compliance, and enterprise-level service delivery.

Demonstrating strong capabilities in Governance and Control, particularly within the realms of Audit and Assurance, they have successfully overseen critical financial operations while ensuring regulatory adherence and risk mitigation. Their leadership extends to P&L ownership, enabling strategic business decisions that balance financial prudence with sustainable growth.

In the realm of pre-sales and solution architecture, they have consistently delivered high-value engagements, taking ownership of solution design and aligning offerings with client-specific needs. Their ability to translate financial requirements into technical solutions makes them a trusted partner across cross-functional teams.

As a business management leader, they have demonstrated ownership over both people and processes—ensuring optimized workflows, empowered teams, and measurable outcomes. Their service delivery excellence is highlighted by successful project executions across diverse financial and enterprise landscapes.

Additionally, their expertise extends into forensic accounting and fraud examination, adding another layer of strategic depth in investigative auditing and ethical financial practices.

With a commitment to driving impact through insight, structure, and innovation, this professional is well-positioned to support organizations in navigating the complex intersections of finance, technology, and governance.

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan

CA. Saurabh Goenka

Saurabh is a trailblazer in finance transformation and digital innovation, with over a decade of expertise in reengineering business processes, crafting digital strategies, and executing enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. A dynamic leader recognized for his influence in automation and AI, Saurabh is a distinguished member of the Forbes Business Council and was honored as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Innovators by Analytics Insight magazine. His visionary leadership in artificial intelligence and robotic process automation (RPA) also earned him the Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 award by the Indian Achievers Forum, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the digital domain.

Throughout his career, Saurabh has spearheaded transformative projects for Fortune 500 and large-scale enterprises, leveraging AI, machine learning, and RPA to unlock scalable business value. His proprietary ROQS Framework-a structured methodology for successful digital transformation - has been widely adopted, underpinned by over 20,000 man-hours of consulting experience. As a highly sought-after speaker and strategist, he frequently delivers keynotes at prominent industry conferences, where he offers deep insights into next-generation technology adoption and organizational readiness for change. His strategic vision and execution acumen continue to influence global conversations on intelligent automation.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Saurabh is the Co-founder of MindMap Digital - ranked among Indias Top 10 RPA solution providers-bridging the gap between bold ideas and practical digital solutions. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond business as he actively mentors and invests in AI and ML startups, fostering innovation ecosystems in emerging technology sectors. In recognition of his forward-thinking impact, he was recently awarded the Economic Times Achievers Award as the Most Promising Technology Startup Leader, highlighting his dedication to nurturing digital-first enterprises and empowering the future of tech-driven business.

Dr. Maya Sherman

Maya Sherman is an accomplished Science and Technology Diplomat, recognized globally for her expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) policy, digital innovation, and intercultural governance. With over 11 years of experience advising across continents, she has worked with a wide array of stakeholders—including multinational corporations, government agencies, embassies, NGOs, think tanks, and multilateral bodies—to guide their AI transformation strategies. Her career spans Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, where she has delivered high-impact insights at the intersection of emerging technologies and public policy, with a focus on ethical adaptation, cross-cultural inclusion, and long-term societal benefit.

Maya currently holds two influential positions: Innovation Attaché at a foreign diplomatic mission in India, and Co-lead of the AI Literacy Project at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a multilateral initiative in collaboration with the OECD. In these roles, she actively shapes global discourse on responsible AI governance, digital diplomacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple international awards for research excellence and impact in digital transformation, and her work has been featured in prestigious academic platforms including Routledge, SUNY Press, Frontiers, and Oxford University Press.

An alumna of the Oxford Internet Institute, Maya holds a Master of Science in Social Science of the Internet, where her research focused on intercultural digital ethics and the governance of AI during crises. She brings a humanistic and socially responsive lens to AI policy, advocating for ethical AI deployment across sectors. Maya is a passionate advocate for AI ethics, climate tech, digital diplomacy, and the commercialization of socially beneficial technologies. Whether in global policy circles or academic arenas, she continues to be a dynamic voice championing responsible innovation and global collaboration in the era of AI.

CA. Prabin Dokania

Prabin is an award-winning CFO and a distinguished leader in the finance domain, renowned for his rare blend of consulting and corporate experience. Armed with India’s most prestigious finance qualifications — Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost Accountant (ICWA), Company Secretary (CS), and DISA — he brings strategic depth and operational excellence to every role. Prabin actively contributes to the evolution of financial policy and best practices through his involvement with esteemed bodies such as the CII National CFO Committee and ICAI Indirect Tax Committee. A regular speaker and thought leader on topics like the future of finance, digital economy, strategy, and innovation, he has been a pivotal contributor to national-level finance forums and public policy platforms.

With over 22 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, Big 4 consulting firms, and startups, Prabin has held transformational leadership roles focused on enterprise value creation, regulatory stewardship, and entrepreneurial execution. His cross-functional expertise spans the entire spectrum of business operations — from business setup and turnaround strategies to fundraising, taxation, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management. His career highlights include leading large-scale digital finance transformations, orchestrating capital structuring strategies, and fostering a high-performance culture in multi-industry environments including Information Technology, Energy & Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Services.

he is widely respected for his ability to drive financial excellence and operational agility in complex, matrixed organizations. His core strengths lie in setting up governance structures, embedding robust control frameworks, and enabling business scalability while optimizing costs and risks. Known for his hands-on leadership style and collaborative ethos, he inspires high-performing teams and fosters innovation through strategic foresight. With exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills, practical decision-making ability, and a transformative mindset, Prabin continues to lead impactful change — making him a trusted advisor and visionary CFO ready to shape the next frontier of finance.

Mr. Anand Trivedi

With over 14 years of experience in technology and 8 years specializing in artificial intelligence, I have been a driving force in building scalable AI solutions and transforming enterprise operations. My journey spans end-to-end AI innovation—from architecting models to leading high-impact teams—delivering AI systems that elevate automation, enhance decision-making, and streamline efficiency across industries. I’ve built and scaled AI platforms that are core to digital transformation efforts, with a strong focus on practical, real-world impact.

My core expertise lies in developing and deploying advanced AI frameworks centered around Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), and AI-driven automation. I've designed and implemented enterprise-grade document AI solutions, including intelligent invoice processing, contract clause extraction, and AI-powered risk assessment. Notably, I led the development of a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline that enhanced contract analysis accuracy and scalability, and built key-value extraction engines that significantly reduced manual efforts in financial workflows. My tech stack includes PyTorch, TensorFlow, AWS SageMaker, Ray, MLFlow, Flask, and Django, with proven proficiency in model fine-tuning, quantization, and production-scale AI deployment.

Beyond technical delivery, I’m an active thought leader and advocate for responsible AI innovation. In 2024, I was recognized among the 40 Under 40 AI Engineers and featured as a Top 10 AI Speaker at AIM Bangalore. My upcoming book, “PyTorch for Engineers and Startups” (BPB Publications, 2025), reflects my mission to demystify AI for builders and entrepreneurs. I frequently share insights via LinkedIn and Medium, writing on topics such as LLM deployment, AI infrastructure, and enterprise automation strategies. As a regular speaker at major AI forums in India, I continue to collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of applied AI.

Mr. Jigar Halani

With nearly two decades of experience in High Performance Computing (HPC), Grid Computing, Big Data, and most recently AI and the Metaverse, I bring deep technical expertise and leadership in architecting and deploying cutting-edge computational solutions. My journey spans designing and implementing high-performance clusters, virtualization frameworks (VMware, KVM), and advanced parallel storage systems like Lustre, Gluster, IBRIX, Panasas, and GPFS. I have successfully delivered some of India's largest Big Data and analytics projects—including transformational initiatives in telecom, finance, and government sectors—contributing to critical digital infrastructure at scale.

Over the last 6+ years, I have focused extensively on Machine Learning and Deep Learning solutions, especially within the NVIDIA ecosystem. My role encompasses the complete solution lifecycle—from capturing customer requirements and executing proof-of-concepts to benchmarking, deployment, and post-sales support. I have led large-scale technical teams and managed end-to-end solutioning across GPU-based ML/DL clusters, GP-GPU platforms, and Big Data architectures. Recognized for excellence in technical management, I was honored with the “Best Technical Manager” award by Mr. Azim Premji, and currently lead one of India's top HPC/ProViz/AI solution architecture teams at NVIDIA.

My strengths lie in conceptual thinking, rapid technology adoption, and collaborative leadership. Whether working independently or within cross-functional teams, I’m known for bringing structure, precision, and innovation to complex solution environments. My specialties include designing end-to-end solutions in HPC, GP-GPU computing, parallel file systems, job scheduling frameworks, Big Data sizing, and large-scale AI/ML infrastructure planning. I continue to push the envelope in building next-gen platforms that accelerate performance, scalability, and AI-driven insights for enterprise and public sector clients alike.

Mr. Anirudh Srivastava

With over 28 years of global experience, I am a seasoned IT leader with a proven track record across premier organizations such as Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, Dell, Visa, American Express, and the World Bank. My career spans diverse geographies including the US, EMEA, and APAC, where I’ve led high-impact initiatives in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and IT strategy. I bring a unique blend of leadership in IT pre-sales, consulting, software development, and business development—delivering technology-driven outcomes that align with both corporate and government priorities.

Currently, I specialize in steering large-scale government digital transformation programs leveraging Cloud Computing, Generative AI, and AI/ML technologies. My expertise lies in building end-to-end digital solutions and products that enable process re-engineering, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. From crafting digital blueprints to executing strategic pursuits, I have consistently helped organizations maximize revenue, improve market share, and achieve digital maturity through innovation-led frameworks and cutting-edge technologies.

A dynamic and people-first leader, I thrive in matrixed, multicultural, and hybrid working models, inspiring high-performing teams while navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems. I am adept at managing CXO-level engagements, government relationships, media interactions, and industry analyst connections. My passion lies in mentoring future leaders, forging strategic alliances, and delivering sustainable digital change that benefits both enterprises and public sector ecosystems.

Dr. Saurabh Maheshwari

Dr. Saurabh Maheshwari is a seasoned EdTech strategist and business leader with over 17 years of impactful experience spanning formal education, skills-based learning, and educational technology. As the Chief Business Officer at SKLZ TECT LLP, he has played a critical role in driving innovation across K-12 and higher education institutions through strategic outreach, B2B partnerships, and franchise development. His career is defined by a passion for system-building, learning transformation, and capacity development, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven educational reform.

A TEDx speaker and published author, Dr. Maheshwari brings deep cross-functional expertise in brand strategy, admissions, curriculum innovation, and institutional growth. He has collaborated with reputed organizations like the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Imarticus Learning, and 21K School, where he contributes as a freelance advisor and curriculum consultant. His work is informed by his academic background from IIT Delhi and IMT Ghaziabad, and strengthened by his real-world insights into education scalability, system audits, and technology implementation.

Beyond his core roles, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a mentor to startups and young professionals, often guiding them on entrepreneurship, digital education models, and career strategy. His leadership style reflects a unique blend of data-driven execution, student-centric innovation, and future-forward thinking—making him a trusted voice in India’s evolving education landscape.

CA. Sri Vaddadi

Ms. Himanshi Lohchab

Himanshi Lohchab is an accomplished journalist currently working as a Senior Correspondent at The Economic Times (ET), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. With over five years of diverse experience in journalism and policy analysis, she specializes in covering the dynamic landscape of telecom, technology, and digital transformation. Her core beats include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) models, compute infrastructure, cloud platforms, data centres, and cybersecurity, along with in-depth reporting on crypto, e-gaming, CPaaS, satcom, and the broader regulatory developments shaping India’s digital economy. At ET, she has become a key contributor to the national discourse around tech policies and innovation ecosystems, often breaking stories that influence both industry and government agendas.

Before rejoining The Economic Times in September 2023, Himanshi served as a Policy & Regulatory Analyst at Tanla Platforms Limited, a prominent cloud communications company, where she gained valuable exposure to government regulations, compliance frameworks, and the nuances of India's evolving telecom ecosystem. Her role at Tanla (from July 2021 to September 2023) allowed her to engage with policymakers, legal frameworks, and technical implementations of regulatory mandates. Prior to that, she was a Correspondent at ET’s Delhi bureau between 2019 and 2021, where she initially carved her niche in technology and telecom coverage. Her dual experience in newsroom journalism and corporate policy adds depth and analytical rigor to her current reporting.

Himanshi’s academic credentials include a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, completed in 2019, and a bachelor’s degree from Hindu College, University of Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions. Her educational grounding and professional trajectory reflect her commitment to excellence in journalism with a strong foundation in research, public communication, and sector-specific knowledge. Himanshi continues to be a sought-after voice in media circles, known for her clarity, analytical depth, and balanced storytelling on some of the most pressing technological issues of our time.

CA. Narasimhan Elangovan

Narasimhan Elangovan is a futurist and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professional, currently serving as a Partner also, Chartered Accountants in Bengaluru, India. With over a decade of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise in IT Audit, SOC 2, data privacy, and cybersecurity. He is widely recognized as a keynote speaker and international voice on critical domains such as IS assurance, data analytics, forensic audit, and emerging technologies. His advisory capabilities are further bolstered by his role as a Blockchain Functional Consultant.

Professionally, Narasimhan holds multiple roles that reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge and best practices in the digital risk and assurance landscape. He has been a Senior Advisor at Crowe India since 2019 and currently serves as Program Director for the ISACA Bangalore Chapter. His professional journey includes a foundational stint at Wipro Technologies in finance controllership. Over the years, he has demonstrated strong thought leadership through insightful LinkedIn articles on cyber resilience and data privacy, frequently engaging with his network of over 12,000 followers.

Academically, he is a Chartered Accountant from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and holds certifications including CISA and CDPSE from ISACA, along with credentials in cloud security and data analytics from leading global bodies. His volunteer work as a board member at Caps Foundation and program leadership at ISACA underline his dedication to education and community engagement. Narasimhan is a respected name in the field of digital assurance and is known for simplifying complex technological trends into actionable insights.

CA. Anand Prakash Jangid

Anand Prakash Jangid is a visionary professional in the field of risk analytics and digital transformation, with over 15 years of experience in developing and implementing advanced AI-driven solutions. As the Chief Change Agent at AJALABS.AI, he is at the forefront of revolutionizing the financial sector through automation and digital twins in finance and audit. His work focuses on integrating technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to enhance risk management, compliance, and audit functions across industries in India and North America.

His professional journey spans reputable organizations such as Infosys, where he served as ERMS Head for India Geo, Goldman Sachs as a leader in management control in Tokyo, and Aditya Birla Group as the head of internal audit. Since 2016, Anand has also contributed to academia as a Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, sharing his deep understanding of IT risks and control systems. His expertise is further supported by global certifications including CISA and Chartered Accountancy credentials from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Anand is recognized not just for his leadership and technical acumen, but also for his mentorship and thought leadership within the professional community. His endorsements from industry peers and testimonials reflect his ability to simplify complex technological concepts for practical application. Fluent in multiple Indian languages and actively contributing through writing, teaching, and speaking, Anand continues to shape the future of finance and audit automation with clarity, passion, and innovation

CA. Dr. Durgesh Pandey

Dr. Durgesh Pandey is a distinguished Chartered Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner (USA), and Ph.D. holder in Forensic Accounting and Financial Crime Investigation from the National Forensic Sciences University, India. With deep specialization in forensic investigations, he is widely recognized as a professor, speaker, trainer, and researcher. His professional identity is shaped by a focus on unraveling financial complexities, particularly through forensic precision in fraud detection and financial crime examinations.

Currently serving as an Honorary Professor at the University of Portsmouth and Managing Partner at DKMS & Associates, Dr. Pandey has contributed significantly to the academic and professional fields alike. His experience also includes serving as a Board Member at Silver Oak University, where he helps shape research and academic strategies in forensic finance. As an advisor to India’s top regulatory and enforcement bodies such as the EOW, ED, SFIO, and Anti-Corruption Bureau, his insights into fraud investigation and regulatory compliance are highly sought after.

Dr. Pandey’s scholarly work includes publications on blockchain transparency and cross-border fraud, and he has been a keynote speaker at international conferences, including the University of Portsmouth’s 13th Annual Counter Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference. His educational achievements also include a Diploma in Information System Audit from ICAI and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Gujarat University. Known for his clarity of thought and commitment to financial integrity, he continues to educate, influence, and lead in the realm of forensic finance.

CA. Vittal Raj

Vittal Raj R is a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience, specializing in Business Information and Technology Risk Assurance. With strong roots in internal audit, cybersecurity, IT governance, and enterprise risk management, he has built a distinguished career as a trusted advisor in the areas of IS audits, privacy compliance, and risk-based systems controls. Vittal is known for his deep understanding of financial systems and his dedication to advancing IT assurance frameworks.

He is the Founding Partner of Kumar & Raj, where he leads consulting in internal audit and information systems security. He also serves as Director at Pristine Consulting Private Limited, providing expert advisory in business start-ups, company incorporation, and taxation. His long-standing association with ISACA Chennai Chapter includes roles as Past President, Director, and International Vice President on the ISACA global board, underscoring his international recognition and contribution to the profession.

Vittal Raj holds a range of professional certifications, including CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CISSP, CIA, and CFE, highlighting his multidisciplinary expertise. He has also served on the IT Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Colleagues and mentees regard him as an insightful trainer and mentor, appreciated for his clarity, depth of knowledge, and humility. With his consistent involvement in thought leadership and capacity-building across the governance, risk, and compliance space, Vittal continues to influence and uplift the information assurance community in India and globally.

CA. Amish Thakkar

Amish Thakkar is a Chartered Accountant based in Mumbai with a professional career rooted in auditing and risk advisory services. With a core focus on internal audits and system audits, his expertise extends into key areas such as compliance, risk management, process re-engineering, and professional training. His strategic and methodical approach has made him a trusted expert in ensuring organizational governance and regulatory compliance.

A graduate of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (1997–2000) and a commerce alumnus of the University of Mumbai, Amish blends academic strength with practical insight into corporate finance, taxation, auditing, and law. His education has been the foundation of a career defined by technical precision and process improvement initiatives.

Though not highly active on public platforms, his professional focus and commitment are evident in the areas he specializes in. With over two decades of involvement in audit and advisory work, Amish continues to contribute behind the scenes through process-driven audit solutions and governance practices for business environments that require diligence, integrity, and continual enhancement.

Mr. Anil Paranjape

Anil Paranjape is a cross-disciplinary leader with over three decades of experience spanning semiconductors, cleantech, venture capital, and global operations. He currently serves as General Manager – India Operations at Avalara, where he drives strategic partnerships, operational scaling, and innovation in regulatory compliance technologies. An engineer by training and entrepreneur at heart, Anil is deeply committed to building purpose-led, technology-driven businesses that deliver both economic and environmental value.

Throughout his career, Anil has held key leadership roles across continents—shaping early-stage ventures, mentoring clean technology startups, and serving as a board-level advisor. He has played an instrumental role as an Investment Committee Member at Bharat Innovation Fund and as a Venture Partner at Infuse Ventures, where he evaluates and supports high-impact businesses across sectors. His involvement in multiple startups, including as a founding advisor to Aagami Lighting Technologies, reflects his long-standing passion for sustainability and innovation.

Anil holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is also a former recipient of the prestigious Intel Achievement Award for his contributions to microprocessor design and engineering. A respected educator and systems thinker, Anil has taught venture capital and private equity courses and continues to serve as a mentor to entrepreneurs navigating India’s evolving technology landscape.