Abhishek Malhotra is a Senior Advocate with a 25-year standing as an arguing counsel. He has appeared before the Supreme Court, the High Courts of Judicature at Delhi (where he practices regularly), Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab & Haryana, Allahabad, Calcutta, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Bombay, Odisha, Kerala, Madras and Karnataka. Abhishek is an alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and also holds an LL.M. from the U.S.A. He is qualified to practice in India, and California, U.S.A. Over the last 25 years of practice, Mr. Malhotra has been engaged in matters relating to Commercial Disputes, Arbitrations, Infrastructure Development and Land Acquisition related mandates, Intellectual Property, and Regulatory Disputes. Mr. Malhotra has also represented the Competition Commission of India as a panel counsel and has been invited as an expert on various issues by Government departments such as the Ministry of HRD, Ministry of MIB, Department of Telecommunication, Department of Space, etc. He also regularly speaks at institutions such as the National Judicial Academy, National Law School, US-India Business Council, FICCI and CII.

Abhivardhan is a distinguished technology law specialist and AI governance consultant, recognised for his contributions to global policy forums such as G20 Brazil’s Startup20 2024 and collaborations with institutions like the South Asian University and the Commonwealth Legal Education Association. He serves as the chairperson and managing trustee of the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law and leads as managing partner at Indic Pacific Legal Research, where he focuses on interdisciplinary legal research in technology and geopolitics. His expertise spans artificial intelligence governance, international space law, digital competition law and Indo-Pacific studies, with a career dedicated to shaping ethical frameworks for emerging technologies. Abhivardhan authored Artificial Intelligence Ethics and International Law: An Introduction, exploring the intersection of AI ethics and global legal systems, and drafted AIACT.IN, India’s first privately proposed AI regulation, now in its fourth iteration. Beyond his institutional roles, Abhivardhan actively engages in thought leadership through publications and international dialogues, striving to advance equitable and inclusive frameworks for technological progress.

Aditya Virwani is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Embassy Group and a board member of Embassy Office Parks REIT. As one of the heirs to the Embassy Group, he plays a key role in decision-making across the company's various entities. Aditya was mentored by Group Chairman Jitu Virwani for two years before taking on his current role. With a bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco and a bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, Aditya brings a unique perspective to his work. He is focused on growing the Embassy Group's core strengths while exploring new asset classes in real estate. Aditya is also committed to giving back to his community, with a long-term goal of supporting education for underprivileged communities in India through the Embassy Group's CSR initiatives.

Aigana Gali is a renowned fashion and design expert, celebrated for her Art Couture and innovative approach to merging art and fashion. She is the founder of Manifestations Art Couture, a pioneering brand with a portfolio encompassing art, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Born in Kazakhstan, Gali draws inspiration from her heritage and the Eurasian Steppe. Her work blends historical and mythical themes with modern design, reflecting cultural richness and natural cycles. Gali holds academic credentials from the Kazakh Leading Academy of Art and Architecture, the Institute of Literature and Art, and Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. Her works have been exhibited internationally, and she has collaborated with world-renowned architects. Gali continues to expand her creative legacy, bridging art, fashion, and design to create transformative experiences.

Akis Evangelidis is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the technology industry. As a Co-Founder and Head of Marketing at Nothing, he is spearheading a transformative journey to redefine technology and making it fun again. Under his leadership, Nothing has achieved remarkable milestones, selling over 7 million products and generating more than $1B in cumulative revenue. Akis’s blend of strategic insight and creative flair continues to push the boundaries of what technology can be, making it accessible, engaging, and truly enjoyable for users around the globe.

Born in Rome on July 1, 1979, he graduated in international law in 2004 from L.U.I.S.S. Guido Carli University. He began his career as a journalist, working for the Italian news agency AdnKronos in Rome and later for ANSA and various Chilean and Italian magazines in Santiago, Chile. In 2007, he returned to Italy to pursue a master’s in international relations at the S.I.O.I. (Italian Society for International Organization) in Rome. In 2009, he entered the Italian diplomatic service through a public exam and completed training at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He then served in the Directorate General for the Americas and the Directorate General for Legal Affairs, Diplomatic Disputes, and International Agreements. In 2011, he was assigned to the Embassy of Italy in Manila, Philippines, as Deputy Head of Mission for four years. In 2015, he was appointed Consul of Italy in Cape Town, South Africa.

Anand G. Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, oversees its expansion across the automobile, IT, and aerospace sectors. Under his leadership, the Group acquired companies such as Swaraj Tractors and Reva Electric Car Company. He serves on several global advisory boards and was awarded India’s Padma Bhushan in 2020. Mahindra founded initiatives like Nanhi Kali for girls' education and Pro Kabaddi League. A Harvard graduate, he is known for his impact on business, social causes, and the arts, with ventures like Mahindra Blues and the Global Chess League

Anavila Misra is a pioneering fashion designer who has reinvented the traditional sari into a symbol of contemporary elegance and sustainable luxury. Her eponymous brand, Anavila, is celebrated for its innovative craftsmanship and commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability. Anavila's career began with a groundbreaking project for the Ministry of Rural Development in 2004. She introduced the linen sari, collaborating with handloom weavers in West Bengal, and has worked with artisans to preserve traditional crafts. A distinguished alumna of NIFT Delhi, Anavila has received numerous awards, including the Vogue Sari Design Award and the Femina Women Jury Award for Arts and Design. Her designs have been showcased internationally, including at the Design Museum in London and the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan.

Ann Dunkin is currently the Chief Information Officer of the US Department of Energy. Before joining DOE she was Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for State and Local Government at Dell. Prior to joining Dell, Ms. Dunkin was the CIO for the County of Santa Clara. Ms. Dunkin also served in the Obama Administration as the Chief Information Officer of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and as Chief Technology Officer for the Palo Alto Unified School District. She also held a variety of leadership at Hewlett Packard. Ms. Dunkin is a published author, most recently of the book Industrial Digital Transformation, and sought-after speaker on the topics of technology modernization, digital services and organizational transformation. Ms. Dunkin holds an M.S. and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a licensed professional engineer in California and Washington.

Anshul is a Partner with BCG (Boston Consulting Group). He has strong experience in Public Infrastructure space across Cities, Highways, Roads and Metro Rail. He is also an expert on FDIs covering investment attraction and investment facilitation in India. He is a Gold Medalist from IIM Calcutta and alumnus of IIT Delhi.

Aravind Mani is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of River. He is an accomplished automotive business strategist with over 13 years of experience. He co-founded River in 2021, showcasing his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship in the automotive industry. His passion for creating valuable mobility solutions through electric vehicles led him to tap into the unexplored segment of the EV industry. With River, Aravind aims to provide customers with a powered multi-utility lifestyle two-wheeler that meets their diverse needs and makes them look stylish. Aravind’s strength lies in managing cost and profitability in large manufacturing organizations. He has built and run businesses across India, the UK, and Singapore, delivering bottom-line results for a large downstream petrochemical business. Aravind is well-versed in evaluating trends in e-mobility, deriving actionable insights, enabling strategy development, and driving critical decisions. Aravind holds a Masters degree in Finance and Strategy Management from the Asian Institute of Management. At River, he is spearheading strategy planning, operational management, identifying and executing business goals.

Aravind Melligeri, Founder, chairman, and CEO of Aequs, is a visionary in modern manufacturing who emphasizes innovation and collaboration. Under his leadership, Aequs has established India's first Precision Engineering SEZ and a vertically integrated aerospace ecosystem, earning the prestigious “Global Airbus Innovation Award” in 2016. With operations spanning India, North America, and Europe, Aequs has become a trusted partner for global OEMs. Aravind’s commitment to creating economic engines led to Aequs’ diversification into consumer manufacturing, including a 400-acre plastics ecosystem in Koppal and India’s first Consumer Goods and Electronics Cluster in Hubballi. His efforts aim to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. An alumnus of NIT Karnataka and Pennsylvania State University, Aravind has received numerous accolades, including the News18 Business Leaders and Excellence Award 2022 for his contributions to aerospace manufacturing.

Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, a healthcare leader with over 35 years of experience, is the Managing Director & CEO of Fortis Healthcare since 2019. He has been instrumental in guiding Fortis towards becoming a world-class healthcare provider, overseeing its 28 healthcare facilities and 417 diagnostic centers.A renowned cardiac surgeon and former CEO of Narayana Health, he played a pivotal role in its growth and public listing. He has received several awards, including FICCI’s “Healthcare Personality of the Year” 2022 and Forbes' Conscious Capitalist Award 2018.

Avinash Avula is the Country President and Managing Director of Applied Materials India, leading strategic initiatives for the Semiconductor Products Group (SPG) in Asia. He oversees Applied's business operations in India, spanning five sites, and is responsible for R&D, product development, IT, and operations. With nearly three decades of experience in business, technology development, and operational leadership, Avula has worked in the semiconductor and electronics industries in the US and Asia. Before joining Applied Materials, Avula held various leadership roles, including Vice President and General Manager at DuPont, where he led specialty materials businesses serving the semiconductor and display industries. He also worked as an operations consultant supporting major semiconductor companies in the US. Avula holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, an MS in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Osmania University, India. He is also a co-inventor on two Applied Materials patents.

Avinash Joshi is chief executive of the India business of NTT DATA, a USD 30 billion global technology services provider. He is responsible for growing NTT DATA’s business in India, its P&L management, end-to-end go-to-market, sales, delivery, operations, and client experience. A seasoned leader, Mr Joshi has over 34 years of extensive experience working in the IT and telecom industry in client-facing roles and P&L management. He joined NTT DATA after being with IBM for more than 18 years, where his core expertise was in P&L management, strategic business development, key account management, sales, and delivery. In his last role, he was the senior partner and vice-president of 5G – APAC at IBM Services. He holds a Bachelor's in Electronics and a PG diploma in marketing management. He has also completed a certified course in Design Thinking from Stanford University. Avinash is an avid traveller, keen on skills transformation. He is also interested in learning and appreciating multiple languages and cultures.

Bertie Müller is PGT programme director for computer science in the Computational Foundry at Swansea University. He is also chairman of the Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour. He holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Hamburg, Germany. Before moving to Wales, he worked in the computer science department at Durham University. Throughout his academic career he has collaborated with industrial partners. His main research interests are in resource and location modelling, multi-agent programming and intelligent systems. He regularly presents at international conferences and has publications in highly acclaimed international journals and conference proceedings. Emphasis in his current work is on ethical design of technology and on making AI work for humanity, as well as the role of AI in cyber-security.

As the chief executive of Mahindra’s AI division, Bhuwan Lodha oversees all AI and data science initiatives across Mahindra Group companies, collaborating with sector leaders to drive business success in the AI era and generate value for the group through AI. Previously, as senior vice-president and head of the auto digital centre, he was responsible for all digital and technology initiatives within Mahindra and Mahindra’s automotive sector. Before joining Mahindra Group in 2018, Mr Lodha served as an associate partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led major digital transformation programmes for global conglomerates. Earlier in his career, he also held various product management and technology roles at Nokia and SAP Labs. Mr Lodha holds an MTech from the Indian Institute of Information Technology and a BTech from Rajiv Gandhi Technical University. He has over 19 years of experience in technology leadership, consulting and digital business development.

Bob Thaker is a Bahraini entrepreneur and part-time professor in marketing and management at the British University of Bahrain. As CEO of his family business, he provides strategic leadership and manages international supplier relationships. Alongside his business role, Mr. Thaker shares his expertise with students at BIBF and mentors emerging entrepreneurs through his involvement with Tamkeen, a program supporting local startups. Committed to community development, Mr. Thaker is actively engaged in various NGOs and social organizations in Bahrain. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Commercial Markets Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Bahrain chapter. His past leadership roles include President of the Thattai Hindu Merchants Community and the Rotary Club of Manama, reflecting his dedication to fostering business growth and a strong community in Bahrain.

Burjis Godrej is the Executive Director of Godrej Agrovet, where he oversees various aspects of the business, including product evaluation, synergy identification, technology assessment, and capex planning. He also manages relationships with customers, suppliers, and consultants, playing a crucial role in driving the company's growth and strategy. Burjis holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he completed in 2021. He initially joined Godrej Agrovet in 2017, working on new product development in the strategy division. In this role, he was responsible for monitoring R&D activities, improving product quality, conducting new product trials, and forging innovation partnerships with external organisations. Before that, he worked at Conservis Corporation, a farm software provider, where he handled software implementation, customer success, water quality monitoring, and sales development.

Dr. Caleb Munigety leads enterprise AI automation at Bosch India, specialising in machine learning, data-driven systems, and digital transformation strategies at an organisational scale. A technologist, researcher, and innovation thought- leader, he holds a doctoral degree from IIT Bombay and has expertise in AI automation, mobility solutions, and large-scale simulation models. His research has led to multiple scholarly publications in reputed journals, some of which have been referenced in NASA’s Astrophysics data system and the U.S. government’s Science.gov database. He has contributed to projects with significant funding and, along with his team, has developed AI-driven solutions such as Math Gen-AI, OptiGen-AI, Dialectic-AI, and real-time data-driven mobility simulation models, shaping both industry and research advancements. He actively contributes to technology and mobility initiatives as a panel member for organisations like the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster, formed under the office of the principal scientific adviser to the government of India, and other strategic forums. A passionate educator, he has designed and taught deep-tech and leadership courses, including & Decoding the DNA of Large Language Models, and frequently speaks at global industry conferences and academic institutions. Through his work, he continues to bridge research, industry, and policy, driving advancements in AI, mobility, and digital ecosystems.

Chaitanya Sarawate is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate and healthcare strategy, consulting, marketing, and product management. As Managing Director of Wipro GE Healthcare and President & CEO of GE Healthcare South Asia, Chaitanya drives business growth, technology strategy, and local manufacturing across India and South Asia. Most recently, Chaitanya was Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer for AKA (ASEAN, Korea, Australia & New Zealand), where he spearheaded organizational transformation that drove enhanced visibility, increased empowerment, and gains through segment specialisation. Prior to his current role, Chaitanya held leadership positions at GE Healthcare, including Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer for AKA, where he led organizational transformation and growth initiatives. He holds degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, and an MBA from NYU Leonard Stern School of Business

Chanakya Hridaya is one of the Co-founders and Chief Operating Officer of BlackBuck, India's largest digital platform for truck operators. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Before founding BlackBuck, he was part of the supply chain division at ITC Limited. He has been featured in the 'Forbes India 30 under 30’ list and 'ET 40 under 40' list.

Charles Ross is principal of policy and insights in Asia-Pacific and leads the region’s technology and society practice. Before this role, he was editorial director for The Economist Intelligence Unit, overseeing all thought leadership research in Asia. Mr Ross combines a deep understanding of how trends are reshaping business and society with excellent research and editorial skills to create impactful and award-winning research programmes for clients. He is currently based in Australia and has led many projects with Western multinationals from the Fortune 500 but increasingly with Asian multinationals, governments, and small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on organisational change. He is a contributing industry expert to the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment and a frequent speaker at finance and technology events across the region. He holds a master of business administration, focusing on strategy and organisational change, from the University of Oxford and a certificate in public policy analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Chintan Shah leads Strategic Business Development & Policy Affairs as Group President and Global Head at ReNew. With 28+ years of experience in renewable energy, he has driven manufacturing, project management, and policy formulation. Currently, Chintan serves as Honorary Principal Advisor to the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI). His previous roles include Whole-Time Director at IREDA and President at Suzlon Group. He began his career as a Research Associate at TERI in 1996. A renowned expert in the renewable energy sector, Chintan has played a key role in shaping India's sustainable energy landscape.

As president of Cisco's India and SAARC theatre, Daisy Chittilapilly is responsible for strategy and sales, operations, and investments to drive long-term growth in the region. With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, including 20 years of leadership experience at Cisco, Ms Chittilapilly has a proven track record of transforming operations and cultures to drive growth at scale. Before her current role, she was managing director of Cisco's digital transformation office, where she worked with customers to capitalise on opportunities emerging in the digital world. In addition, as the leader of software and services sales, she worked with partners to accelerate Cisco's transition towards software and subscription-based offerings. Previously, she held leadership positions within Cisco's enterprise and commercial businesses, strategy and operations, and partner organisations. Before joining Cisco, Ms Chittilapilly worked with Wipro across multiple sales management roles. She serves on the executive council for NASSCOM and as co-chair of the FICCI National Committee for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. She has a BTech from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, and holds a post-graduate certificate in general management from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

Day Veerlapati, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus and NRI, founded S2Tech in April 1997. Headquartered in Chesterfield, US, with a local center in Hyderabad, the company specializes in delivering IT and business services to government and private sector clients across 38 states in the US. With over 25 years of expertise, S2Tech has built a strong reputation for improving health outcomes while reducing costs. Beyond its business endeavors, S2Tech is committed to corporate social responsibility through its non-profit arm, the Fortune Fund. Established in 2001, the Fortune Fund supports economically disadvantaged students in India and the US. Notably, S2Tech contributed ₹46.23 lakh to Sri Saraswathi Shishu Mandir in Bhadrachalam, enhancing education and student welfare. Through its business and philanthropic efforts, S2Tech continues to make a lasting impact in technology, education, and community development.

Deepak Ravindran is the Co-Founder and CEO of KiranaPro, revolutionizing India’s quick commerce with innovative kirana shopping and fast delivery. A pioneer in mobile messaging and commerce, he co-founded Innoz, the world’s largest offline search engine, and Lookup, one of India’s first conversational commerce apps, which gained over 1 million users before being acquired by NowFloats. Deepak’s work has earned him recognition on MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 list and Asia Society’s 21 Emerging Leaders Under 40. Known for his expertise in technology, consumer-friendly products, and brand building, Deepak continues to inspire innovation at scale.

Denise is the Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia, leading the Resources and Energy teams across the rapidly growing region. She also manages five Austrade offices in South Asia, including in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Colombo (Sri Lanka). Appointed to India in 2022, Denise has held various roles within Austrade, both in Australia and internationally, including assignments in Taiwan and India. Prior to her current position, she led Austrade's Health Team in Australia for 15 years. With 35 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Denise has a deep understanding of global trade and investment. She has provided valuable advice, commercial opportunities, and market insights, and has worked across the US, UK, Germany, and France in various private sector roles.

Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty is a renowned cardiac surgeon and entrepreneur who has revolutionized the healthcare sector with his innovative ideas. As the Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health Group of Hospitals, he has made quality healthcare affordable for all, earning global recognition. His hospital chain has grown to 40 healthcare facilities with close to 6,000 beds. Dr. Shetty's pioneering work includes the launch of Yeshaswini, a low-cost micro health insurance scheme that benefits over 3.4 million rural poor in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and Chairman of the Healthcare Sector Skill Council. His advocacy for technology in healthcare has led to the development of software products and applications, earning him a US Patent. His work has been recognized by Harvard Business School and The Wall Street Journal, solidifying his position as a leader in the healthcare sector. With his continued efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable, Dr. Shetty remains a highly respected figure in the industry.

Dharmi Magdani has led the India operations of the Bahrain Economic Development Board since 2010, advising large and SME Indian companies on successfully expanding into Bahrain and accessing the GCC market. Notable clients include TCS, Tech Mahindra, Taj Group of Hotels, Equinox, JBF, Chemco Group, Karvy Fintech, Electrosteel, Parle Agro, ICICI Bank, and RMSI, among others. With over 25 years of experience, Dharmi has extensive expertise in inward investment promotion from India to the UK and the Middle East. Her areas of focus include business partner search, market intelligence, policy analysis, international trade, and investment development, along with understanding business drivers and crafting market entry strategies. Her career in Trade & FDI has taken her across India, the UK, Bahrain, Singapore, and Malaysia, building deep knowledge of various markets and industries. She has specialized experience in ICT, pharmaceuticals, automotive, food, packaging, FMCG, and the downstream oil & gas sectors, particularly in helping businesses enter the UK, India, and Bahrain.

With over two decades of pioneering experience, Dominik (Dom) Heinrich is a curious innovator, patented (AI) inventor and global leader of design deeply embedded in AI. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between creativity and technology, having worked with the top Fortune 100 companies to accelerate their growth and design impactful solutions. He is known for his appearance in the Wired documentary Being Human in an AI World and as a global thought leader and speaker in the AI space. Currently, Mr Heinrich leads AI design globally at the Coca-Cola Company, where he drives the integration of artificial intelligence into design to foster groundbreaking products and experiences across the brand portfolio. He also serves as the co-founder of Creative AI Academy and as an adjunct professor for infinite (AI) design at Pratt Institute. He is deeply committed to educating the next wave of designers and innovators and strongly believes in a harmonious human-machine relationship. His career is marked by significant achievements, including leading organisational change at MRM McCann, recognised several times by Fast Company as the best workplace for innovators. Mr Heinrich has been honoured with numerous international awards for creativity, design and innovation, notably Cannes Lions in Innovation, Best World Changing Idea and D&AD Impact Pencil.

Fabio Fedel is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in enhancing organizational performance and enterprise value. As Managing Director of Silmax Group, an Italian multinational and key division of the PFERD Group, he oversees the company’s role as a leading manufacturer of precision tools, including high-performance drills and end mills for metalworking. Under his leadership, Silmax is expanding globally, positioning itself as a key player in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Fabio specializes in driving value creation through frameworks like Economic Value Added (EVA) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), aligning strategy with performance for sustainable growth. His work in integrating Silmax into the PFERD Group has optimized operations, pricing strategies, and incentive programs. Before joining Silmax, Fabio held executive roles in various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, financial services, and private equity, leading successful transformation initiatives. He is also the creator of PatPat360, a leading OKR tool globally. Fabio holds a Business Administration degree and a Master’s in Fiscal Law from Università Bocconi. He is a Chartered Accountant and Auditor, fluent in Italian and English.

Mrs. Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar is Chairperson and MD of Kirloskar Systems, instrumental in establishing the Sakra World Hospital and Toyota Tsusho Insurance Brokerage. A former CEO in marketing, she is also active in promoting India-Japan trade through roles on government and advisory boards. She holds key roles across boards, including Kirloskar Proprietary Limited, the Rhode Island School of Design (USA), and various government platforms on India-Japan business and trade relations. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland by the Finnish government.

George A Papandreou is the former Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011) and a Member of Parliament with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement/Movement of Change. As an MP, he represents the Hellenic Parliament in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and has led over the years the work of several Committees in producing recommendations for the deepening of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across its 47 member-states. He currently serves as the Council’s General Rapporteur on Democracy. Throughout his political career, he has actively sought to maximize citizen participation in governance through information technologies. During his premiership, he applied a series of structural reforms in his attempt to modernize his country whilst avoiding bankruptcy during Greece’s 2010 debt crisis. For his achievements related to government transparency, he received the Quadriga Award in the category “Power of Veracity”. In 2010, he was named one of the Foreign Policy magazine’s TOP 100 Global Thinkers. In 2017, he was honoured with the International Leadership Association (ILA) Distinguished Leadership Award.

Gillian Lester is the Alphonse Fletcher Professor of Law at Columbia Law School in New York. From 2015 to 2024, she served as Columbia Law School’s 15th dean as well as Lucy G Moses Professor of Law, leading the faculty in recruiting more than two dozen full-time professors to strengthen the law school’s intellectual and scholarly depth, creating a new executive LLM degree programme in global business law, establishing six new and innovative law clinics and launching a 50,000-sq-ft renovation of the law school’s library—all aided by a successful five-year fundraising campaign that exceeded its goal by raising more than $325m. Before joining Columbia Law School as dean, Ms Lester served on the faculty of the University of California, first at UCLA and later at Berkeley Law School, where she was interim dean from 2012 to 2014. Her scholarship focuses on workplace law, welfare state design, public finance policy and distributive justice and has been published in domestic and international venues. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Law Institute. She served on the executive committee of the Association of American Law Schools from 2017 to 2020 and was a founding board member of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Ms Lester was recognised in 2022 with Columbia’s Nicholas Murray Butler Gold Medal for distinguished contributions in academic administration.

Guruprasad Mudlapur is the President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director of Bosch Limited, effective July 1, 2023. He also serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Bosch Limited, a role he assumed in 2022. Before joining Bosch, Guruprasad worked at NXP Semiconductors in Singapore and The Netherlands for nearly 15 years, developing semiconductors for mobile, personal communication, and digital televisions. Guruprasad has held various leadership positions within the Bosch Group, including General Manager of HW & Semiconductor Engineering, Vice President of Electronics Control Unit design and development, Regional President and Managing Director of Bosch Automotive Electronics India, and Head of Project House Electrifications. He holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from Bangalore University and completed the Executive General Management Program (EGMP) at IIM-B in 2011.

Nik Gugger is a Swiss politician committed to social justice, sustainability, and social cohesion. A strong advocate for educational justice and equal opportunities, he promotes social integration, poverty reduction, and diversity, particularly for those with an international background. He is dedicated to ecological sustainability, supporting climate-friendly innovations and renewable energy solutions while emphasizing responsible consumption and resource protection. Nik is also passionate about entrepreneurship with a social focus, having founded companies that address societal challenges, and he supports sustainable economic policies that blend ecology with economics. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss National Council, he leads the Swiss-Indian parliamentary group and advocates for development cooperation and fair trade relations. Representing value-based politics, Nik combines ethical principles with pragmatic solutions, focusing on humanity, responsibility, and fairness. His unique blend of economic, social, and environmental commitment sets him apart in the Swiss political landscape.

Hitesh Garg is the Vice President & India Managing Director for NXP Semiconductors and is leading the India Business Operations for all 4 sites – Noida, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune. He also serves as the R&D Leader for the AMS Competence Centre in NXP. In his technical role, he is responsible for building world-class Analog/RF IPs and Sub-systems for NXP Products. His teams in the Netherlands and India are busy designing differentiating IPs/Sub-systems/Products in areas of Security and Connectivity, ADAS, In-Vehicle Networking and Smart Car Access. Hitesh has more than 25 years of experience in Analog Mixed Signal product development. Before NXP, Hitesh worked in Conexant Systems, Microchip and state-owned Semiconductor Complex Limited in various technical and lead roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication and a Post Graduate Degree in Management from IIM Bangalore.

Husain Suterwala is a senior space policy advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), leading the Department of Defense's efforts to enhance collaboration and cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Before this role, he served as Country Director for Central Asia Policy from 2020-2023 and Deputy Director for Force Protection and Emerging Threats. Husain provides policy recommendations to the DoD's senior leadership and ensures security assistance programs align with national-level strategic guidance. Before joining OSD, Husain worked as a Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Cyber Intelligence Unit at the New York City Police Department and as a social media analyst for USSOCOM. He has also participated in various fellowship programs, including the Johns Hopkins Summer Seminar and the Madison Policy Forum. Husain holds degrees in Islamic Law, International Relations, and Arabic, and has extensive foreign travel experience and proficiency in several foreign languages critical to national security.

Huw Morgan is a seasoned procurement and supply chain leader with extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defence industries. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President of Aerospace Procurement at Rolls-Royce, where he is responsible for overseeing global procurement strategies, supplier relationships, and operational efficiencies within the aerospace division. His leadership plays a critical role in ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of Rolls-Royce’s supply chain. Before his current role, Huw served as Vice President of Procurement Defence at Rolls-Royce. In this capacity, he led procurement initiatives within the Defence sector, focusing on strategic sourcing, risk management, and supply chain optimisation to support military and government customers. With a proven track record in procurement transformation, supplier engagement, and operational excellence, Huw Morgan continues to drive innovation and efficiency in Rolls-Royce’s global supply network.

Dr. Indu Bhushan is a Senior Associate at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and a Senior Advisor, Asia Pacific, with BCG. He was the founding CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA), spearheading flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), providing health assurance to over 500 million Indians, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission from 2018 to 2021. An ex-IAS officer (1983 batch, Rajasthan cadre), Dr. Bhushan holds a PhD in Health Economics and a Master of Health Sciences from Johns Hopkins University. He completed his B.Tech and Post Graduate Diploma at IIT-BHU and IIT Delhi, respectively, and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Dr. Bhushan’s career reflects his commitment to health systems reform, policy implementation, and innovation in healthcare, making him a prominent figure in global and Indian public health leadership.

With over 25 years of experience in Digital Tech and Innovative Business Solutions, Irfan Malik is a thought leader in fostering global innovation, particularly between Australia and India. Based in Sydney, Australia, they have held leadership roles in financial services and manufacturing and have supported over 80 startups globally, with investments in ventures across India and Australia. As Co-Founder and Director of inQ Innovation Global, Irfan Malik partners with global accelerators and incubators to drive international collaboration and market access. They have expertise in financial services, healthcare, hospitality, AgriTech, clean energy, and digital media. Irfan Malik is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served in various leadership roles in organizations focused on innovation and community development. Passionate about mentoring and community building, Irfan Malik is actively involved with the Indian community in Australia, working on programs to support professional development and youth talent, including the Aspire India Scholarship. He has been recognized for promoting India-Australia collaboration and innovation and was nominated for the India Australia Business & Community Awards in 2018.

Irina Ghose is the Managing Director of Microsoft India, driving innovation and digital transformation for customers across industry verticals, with a focus on artificial intelligence. A Microsoft veteran of over 20 years, she has held various leadership roles in Strategy and Sales, including Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft India, where she oversaw end-to-end operations and go-to-market strategies. Irina is an Electrical Engineer from IIT BHU and an MBA from XLRI. She is a recipient of the "Inspirational Women's Award and Distinguished Alumnus Award" from IIT BHU & XLRI. A strong advocate for Women in Business and Technology, she is the founder of 'MyLittleBit', a philanthropic foundation supporting education and job opportunities for underprivileged girls. She is also engaged with 'Microsoft for Startups' and serves as a Trustee of SonderConnect, a foundation for women entrepreneurs.

Jay Gullish is a seasoned expert with 25 years of experience in digital development across government, industry, and civil society, spanning telecom, IT, Satcom, and cyber sectors. Known for his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities, he currently serves as Senior Director at the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), leading the Digital Economy Committee and the Privacy Working Group. Previously, as a digital policy officer at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, Gullish focused on cyber policy, telecommunications, and digital inclusion, aligning U.S. cyber policy with India. He also led the U.S.-India ICT Working Group and U.S.-India Cyber Consultations. With over five years of experience in India’s outsourcing industry, he has also worked in Southern Africa, Israel, and Vietnam. Born in New York and raised in California, Gullish is passionate about wildlife, the outdoors, and promoting STEM education. He is married to a U.S. diplomat and has two children.

James Ong has more than 38 years of experience as an entrepreneur, tech executive, venture builder, author and professor. He founded Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), a think-tank advocating for sustainable AI for humanity, and is co-author of AI for Humanity: Building a Sustainable AI for the Future, published by Wiley. He also founded the AI for Humanity Forum in Singapore in 2024 and actively advocates for the AI for Humanity movement globally. James Ong is an adjunct professor at Singapore University of Technology and Design and AI Mega Centre, a member of the Strategic Resource Allocation Committee at the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore, and head of AI, chair of the AI subcommittee and professional council member at the Global Fintech Institute. He is also chief executive of Origami Frontiers, a venture building firm, venture partner at Delight Capital and partner at Hashtaqs. He received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, specialising in AI for governance and business process automation.

Jean-Noel Mahieu started his career as a Mechanical Engineer at Safran Aircraft Engines in the early 2000s to develop the 3D-woven composite technology for fan blade applications. He developed the manufacturing process and produced the first LEAP demonstration fan blades while working for Safran at Albany Engineered Composites in New Hampshire, USA. He took the lead of the Fans & Low-Pressure compressors design office in 2010 and led the certification of the LEAP fan module design. In 2015, he was promoted to General Manager of the Modules Design Office within Safran Aircraft Engines, gathering Compressors, Combustion chambers, Turbines, test machines, instrumentation, and in-service support of the fleet. In this position, he was also responsible for the ramp-up of the LEAP Engines (powering the Airbus A320 NEO, the Boeing 737 Max and the Comac C919) and M88 engine. He then took the lead in 2019 at the Industrial Center of Excellence for Fans and Composite parts, in charge of the production of composite parts as well as the forged blades and metallic leading edges, contributing to a successful ramp-up in deliveries. Since 2023, Jean-Noel Mahieu has been heading the Operations and Supply Chain procurement and industrial teams for Safran Electronics & Defense, to support the ramp-up of all the product lines for Avionics and the Defense business. He is now focused on India as a future sourcing hub for Safran Electronics and Defence and hence in Bangalore right now.

Jitendra Chaddah (JC) serves as the Managing Director and India Country Head for GlobalFoundries, leading the company's strategic growth in India. As VP of Global Fab Engineering Services (GFES), he oversees hubs in India and Malaysia, driving operational excellence and standardisation. Under his leadership, GF India has evolved into a critical hub with capabilities in engineering, R&D, customer enablement, and more. JC brings over two decades of executive experience across multiple geographies, including the US, India, Mexico, and Canada. Previously, he worked at Intel, driving growth in R&D organizations and holding leadership roles in IT, marketing, and supply chain management. JC is also a founding member of India's first fabless startup initiative, SFAL, and a past chairman of IESA (India Electronics and Semiconductor Association).

Joan Concannon is the Director of External Relations at the University of York, a position she has held since October 2009. She oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including reputation management, student recruitment, philanthropy, alumni relations, communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, and income generation. In her role, Joan works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and President, as well as senior academic leadership, to drive economic growth, inward investment, and job creation. She collaborates with regional governmental bodies and industrial partners to identify opportunities for growth and development. Additionally, she is the co-founding Director of the York Festival of Ideas, one of the UK's largest free festivals, and a founding Director of Make it York. She is also a member of the Royal Institute of Philosophy and serves on the Royal Academy of Engineering's External Affairs Committee.

Joerg Hildebrandt leads the global Public Sector practice at Boston Consulting Group. He advises senior leaders and board members of government entities on strategic transformations to deliver future success. His mission is to unlock the full potential of large corporations and public sector institutions. Joerg has particular expertise in large-scale transformations, strategy, climate and environment, operating models, digitization, marketing, organizational design, governance, and change management. In addition to his commitment to his BCG clients, Joerg has supported non-profit organizations and NGOs in their strategy development and execution. Joerg regularly shapes new thought leadership to share insights. One of his recent publications stems from his work with the World Economic Forum on Green Public Procurement.

Sri K.P. Rudrappaiah is a distinguished leader in the renewable energy sector with a proven track record of driving significant advancements in Karnataka's energy landscape. Since he was appointed Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) in 2021, he has overseen the installation of 2000 MW of renewable energy capacity, attracting an investment of INR 10,000 Crore. His strategic vision and leadership have positioned Karnataka as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.

K Ullas Kamath is the founder of UK&Co, a management consulting collective that creates value for select family businesses. A Chartered Accountant with a Global Master's in Management from the London School of Economics, he has completed Advanced Management Programs at Wharton and Harvard Business Schools. With a wealth of experience, including his tenure as Joint Managing Director at Jyothy Labs Ltd, he has received several awards, such as the All India CA Business Achiever Award and the CNBC Awaaz Best CEO Award. Currently, he serves on the boards of multiple companies and is a member of the Strategic Investment Committee of Invest Karnataka Forum. He has also established the K. Ullas Kamath Center for Family Managed Business at NITTE University. Through his work, Mr. Kamath aims to drive growth and success for family-managed businesses, leveraging his expertise and experience to make a lasting impact on the industry.

Karan Adani is the Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ), driving its transformation into one of the world's largest port operators. Under his leadership, APSEZ has expanded from a single port operation to one of the largest global players with a presence across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Africa. Focused on customer-centricity, technology, and sustainability, Karan Adani spearheads APSEZ's growth as an integrated transport utility enterprise, setting new benchmarks in logistics and infrastructure.

Karthik Ganesan is a seasoned researcher specialising in energy and environmental issues, with a focus on India's electricity system. Over the last decade, he has been instrumental in conceptualising and building several research verticals at CEEW and brings an edge to the organisation’s quantitative policy analysis work. As Director, of Strategic Partnerships, he now dons the hat of internal adviser across research teams and creates institutional platforms and partnerships that strengthen CEEW's foundation for world-class research and enhance its impact. Karthik holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and an M.Tech in Infrastructure Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He’s an avid birder and scrabbler and can spend hours talking about the benefits of composting.

Ono Keiichi is Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India and the Kingdom of Bhutan. He has had a distinguished career in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and G7/G20 Sherpa for the Prime Minister. In this role, he contributed to the outcomes of several high-profile summits, including the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023 and the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023. Keiichi has held various other positions, including Assistant Minister/Director-General for Economic Affairs Bureau and Ambassador for Global Issues, where he focused on SDGs, global health, and climate change. He has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Jakarta and Director of the Northeast Asia Division.

Kingshuk Banerjee currently heads the Research and Development Centre of Hitachi India. With over 30 years of work experience, Kingshuk is a specialist in the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence systems. Before his current role, he was a Partner in IBM Services, where he led the delivery of Cognitive-Business-Decision-Support (CBDS) services worldwide. A computer science graduate by training, he earned his Doctorate in Engineering Management from George Washington University, USA. Kingshuk is certified by Cornell and Harvard University in Executive Leadership and Change Management.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a pioneering biotech entrepreneur, founder of Biocon, a healthcare visionary, recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honours, and a passionate philanthropist. She has been conferred with the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year™ 2020 Award, which is a testimony to her entrepreneurial journey of over four decades. She has many other international accolades to her credit including the Order of Australia, Australia’s Highest Civilian Honour in 2020, the highest French distinction - Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2016 and Othmer Gold Award 2014. She serves on the board of the Court of Regents, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK, Pure-Tech Health, USA, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, USA, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, USA, and Narayana Health, and Trent Limited, India, apart from holding key positions in various industries, educational, government and professional bodies globally.

Kiran Rao is a Mumbai-based film director, producer, and writer. She began her career working on acclaimed films like LAGAAN and MONSOON WEDDING. As a director, her notable works include DHOBI GHAT (MUMBAI DIARIES) and LAAPATAA LADIES, which premiered at Toronto and other international film festivals. As a producer, Kiran has backed critically acclaimed films like DANGAL, PEEPLI LIVE, and SECRET SUPERSTAR. In 2016, she co-founded Paani Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on drought prevention, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra.

Lakshmi Pratury is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, public speaker, master interviewer, and writer. As the founder and CEO of INKtalks, launched in 2010, she has created a transformative platform that curates stories and brings together global thought leaders and innovators. A sought-after speaker, Lakshmi addresses leadership topics, future technologies, women in the workplace, and the power of storytelling in business. She also writes for leading publications and serves on the boards of several startups, guiding teams on scaling globally and building communities. With over two decades of experience in the U.S., Lakshmi has held key roles at Intel, shaping its end-user marketing and business development. She has worked in venture capital with Global Catalyst Partners and led impactful projects for the American India Foundation. Lakshmi co-hosted TED’s first conference in India in 2009 and brought Singularity University’s summit to India in 2015. Through INK and IGF (INK Global Foundation), she continues to amplify India’s narrative globally and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation. Her journey from a mathematics gold medalist to a business and theater graduate reflects her passion for change and storytelling.

Leanne Chukoskie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Science in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and the Games Program in the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University. Her research uses sensor-based tools to investigate cognitive and physical indicators of well-being across the lifespan. She has created a suite of gaze-driven video games for intervention and assessment has been funded by NIH to improve aspects of attention in autistic adolescents and older adults at risk for cognitive decline. Her research on motor contributions to learning and developing a supportive workforce training program for autistic young adults has been funded by NSF.

Leo Mirani is Asia editor at The Economist. He has held several jobs at the newspaper, including South-East Asia correspondent, roving Britain correspondent and news editor. Before joining The Economist, he covered technology for Quartz in London.

Leorith is a Trade Officer with the Italian Trade Commission, overseeing the southern region of India from the Bangalore office, focusing on bilateral trade and investor relations. She is a seasoned business consultant with over 19 years of experience in strategic consulting, business growth, and market expansion. With a deep understanding of digital transformation and industry shifts, she has successfully advised medium-sized businesses and global captives on go-to-market strategies, risk management, and international collaborations. Her expertise spans client relationship management, leadership, and business analysis, making her a trusted advisor for organizations looking to scale and innovate. Throughout her career, Leorith has played a pivotal role in business expansion, including spearheading market entry strategies for global companies in India and developing strategic partnerships. Her experience extends across marketing, operations, and digital transformation roles at organisations like Ogilvy & Mather, Barclays Bank, and iProperty Group. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Leorith continues to drive value creation through innovative business solutions and transformation strategies.

Lingraju Sawkar is President of Kyndryl in India. Previously, he led IBM's managed infrastructure services business in India/South Asia as General Manager of Global Technology Services. A technology leader with over 25 years of experience, Lingraju has held senior leadership positions across products, services, and markets in India, APAC, and globally. He has driven growth, built competencies, and developed new business opportunities with large enterprises and small/medium segment customers. Lingraju holds degrees from NIT Karnataka and SP Jain Institute of Management & Research. Based in Bengaluru, he is an avid marathon runner with interests in culture and humanities.

Madan is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who has co-founded and founded several organizations. He co-founded MeritTrac, India's first and largest skills assessment company, which was later acquired by Manipal Education. He also founded 1Bridge, a rural supply chain and logistics firm that serves over 20,000 villages. Madan is also deeply involved in non-profit work. He is the Founder and Managing Trustee of Head Held High Foundation, which transforms rural youth into confident entrepreneurs. Additionally, he is the Co-founder of the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), which aims to ignite a mass entrepreneurship movement. Madan serves on the Global Board of Trustees of TiE and is the Hon. President of TiE Bangalore.

Mahesh Babu is the chief executive at Switch Mobility. With over 25 years of experience in the mobility industry, Mr Babu is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the electric vehicle (EV) sector. He has played a pivotal role in establishing Switch Mobility in India and launching groundbreaking EVs such as the Switch EiV 22, India’s first electric double decker. Mr Babu began his professional journey with Ashok Leyland as an engineer trainee. He is a pioneer in electric mobility solutions and has served as the managing director and chief executive for Mahindra Electric Mobility. He has also led various EV consortiums of the Indian government, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He has been recognised as one of the LinkedIn Power Profiles for his influence in the industry and has received prestigious awards such as India’s Greatest CEO for 2017–18 from AsiaOne magazine and Ambassador of Green Planet at the G20 Impact Assessment Summit in 2023. His academic background includes a Fulbright Scholarship and leadership training from esteemed institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and IMD Switzerland.

Malini Dutt has nearly two decades of experience in international business, with a significant focus on the India-Australia corridor. She is currently focused on developing new trade and investment opportunities for NSW through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation & Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), signed in December 2022, and the upcoming Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (AI-CECA). She has represented the Australian Federal Government in India in roles with the Australian Consulate General and Austrade. She was also the first female international representative of the Belgian Port of Antwerp, one of the world’s leading seaports. She holds an MBA in Marketing and a Master’s in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.

Mana Ono is a Senior Director at JETRO Bengaluru with over 8 years of experience in JETRO. She supports the international business expansions of Japanese companies by analysing, advising, and structuring their business models. She has been assisting with the expansion of Japanese corporations and SMEs in India, particularly in Karnataka and Telangana, for the past two years ever since her posting in Bengaluru. She consults Japanese companies, primarily in the manufacturing sector, and provides market insights and potential engagement strategies to strengthen business activities in India, which includes business establishment in India, increased trade between Japan and India, technology transfer, research and development activities with Indians and academia, etc. Additionally, she is in charge of informing Japanese businesses about local industry trends and prospects as well as the achievements of Japanese businesses doing business in India by writing reports.

Manish Bhasin is the Vice President, Head of India Product Innovation and R&D Center. He is an accomplished technology professional with 24 years of insightful experience across Automotive IoT, Voice and Vision AI, Digital Healthcare, Home IoT and Telecommunication domains. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders and has played a variety of roles in business management, product management, pre-sales, program management, solutions architecture, and product development. He has a track record of conceptualizing, developing and launching multiple technology products with high velocity and tangible business outcomes.

As a senior director at Google DeepMind, Manish Gupta leads teams conducting AI research across India and the Asia-Pacific region. Previously, he led VideoKen, a video technology startup, and the research centres for Xerox and IBM in India. As a senior manager at the IBM TJ Watson Research Centre in New York, Mr Gupta led the team developing system software for the Blue Gene/L supercomputer. IBM was awarded a National Medal of Technology and Innovation for Blue Gene by the then US President Barack Obama in 2009. Mr Gupta holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He has co-authored about 75 papers, with more than 8,000 citations in Google Scholar, and has been granted 19 US patents. While at IBM, he received two Outstanding Technical Achievement Awards, an Outstanding Innovation Award and the Lou Gerstner Team Award for Client Excellence. He is a fellow of ACM and the Indian National Academy of Engineering, and a recipient of a Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Delhi.

Martin Lundstedt is the President of AB Volvo, CEO of Volvo Group, driving growth and success since 2015. Prior to joining Volvo, he held various leadership roles at Scania, including President and CEO from 2012 to 2015. Lundstedt is a respected industry leader, recognized for his commitment to sustainable transport and awarded numerous accolades, including the Pontus Schultz prize and the Legion of Honor. He chairs the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA).

Matthew Stephenson is Head of Investment and Services at the World Economic Forum. Previously, he worked at the IFC, where he led the workstream on outward FDI. He has also worked at the OECD on Africa and on investment and was a diplomat for the United States on economic cooperation. He is a member of the T20 that advises the G20, co-chair of the Investment Facilitation Commentary Group that advises the WTO, and part of APEC’s Investment Expert Group. He has a PhD from the Geneva Graduate Institute, a Masters from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelors from the University of Oxford.

Michel Narchi is the Vice President, Head of International Operations at Airbus. Michel is instrumental in strengthening the company’s global impact, increasing business opportunities by establishing effective countries' strategies and navigating complex challenges and geopolitical risks. His actions are key to the company's global expansion that significantly contributes to its overall growth. Previously, Michel held an executive role in Contracts & Commercial and Project Management at Airbus and other international companies in various locations and technological domains.

Michelle Hennessy is the editor of The Economist’s Graphic Detail section, which visualises the world’s most significant stories through charts and maps. She joined The Economist in 2021 as a news desk editor, where she helped manage the newspaper’s homepage, app, and Espresso daily news briefing. Previously, Michelle was a correspondent with Reuters in Hong Kong, reporting from the front lines of the 2019 protests and covering the outbreak of COVID-19. She also served as an on-screen presenter for a daily news bulletin and hosted a weekly talk show on current affairs. Before that, she was a producer at the BBC during the 2016 US presidential campaign and Brexit. Michelle grew up between Paris and Alicante and has since worked in London, Hong Kong, and New York. She has covered the World Economic Forum in Davos and studied in Birmingham and New Delhi for an MA in Political Science.

Mohit Kochar is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at KPIT Technologies, where he leads global marketing and communications. With over 23 years of experience in the automotive, engineering, and IT industries, he has held key roles in strategy, product development, and corporate affairs at companies like Bosch, Wipro, and TCS. Mohit holds an engineering degree and an MBA, and is passionate about leveraging technology for cleaner, smarter, and safer transportation.

Montek Singh Ahluwalia is an Indian economist and civil servant, known for his pivotal role in India's economic reforms. He served as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, holding Cabinet Minister rank.He has held key positions such as Commerce Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Special Secretary to the Prime Minister. Mr. Ahluwalia has been a member of the Economic Advisory Council and contributed to public service and economic policy for decades. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Mrinaleni Kumar has headed the Foreign Direct Investments desk at the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) office in Mumbai since June 2022, facilitating outbound investments from India to Italy. Her role at ITA involves engaging with potential Indian investors to help them expand or establish their presence in Italy, as well as supporting them throughout the entire investment life cycle. Passionate about fostering bilateral ties between Italy and India, she is also actively involved in initiatives that bridge the gap in the innovation and startup ecosystems of both countries. She holds a Master's degree in International Business from the prestigious SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy.

Mythily has 30+ years of experience, including 20 years at Wipro, where she rose to Senior Vice President and led Six Sigma initiatives, improving business efficiency. She expanded Wipro BPO’s back-office business and generated $300M in revenue. Mythily co-founded NextWealth, a social enterprise that creates IT jobs in small towns, impacting over 40,000 families. She is an independent director at Karnataka Bank, IIM Udaipur, and WEP Digital, and she serves on the steering committee of IIMPACT, an NGO supporting underprivileged girls' education.

N Venu is the Managing Director and CEO of Hitachi Energy India and Head of Region—South Asia. Since 2019, he has led Hitachi Energy India, overseeing its listing on Indian stock exchanges, driving nation-building projects like the Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC link, and supporting Indian Railways’ net-zero journey. With a strong focus on ESG, Venu has initiated smart mobility projects and social programs in afforestation, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in engineering. As Regional Head for South Asia, he leads 9,500+ professionals to advance power grid infrastructure and smart city technologies. Venu chairs Hitachi Energy Technology Services Pvt Ltd and oversees operations in Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. A recognized voice in energy forums like the G20 Summit and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, he has received accolades, including the 2024 CEO of the Year award from The Machinist. Venu holds an Electrical Engineering degree from NIT Warangal and advanced certifications from IIM Ahmedabad, ISB Hyderabad, and IMD Switzerland. He also chairs the Karnataka chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Nikhil Kamath co-founded Zerodha, True Beacon, and Gruhas, which are renowned for reshaping India’s financial and investment sectors. In launching such groundbreaking projects, he introduced a disruptive discount brokerage model that democratized stock trading for millions of retail investors. Honoured with numerous accolades, including a spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Kamath is also a committed philanthropist, joining The Giving Pledge in 2023. His journey from a call centre employee to one of India’s youngest billionaires exemplifies innovation, resilience, and a relentless drive to redefine industries.

Nipun Sahni is a seasoned industry leader with over 25 years of experience in telecom, semiconductors, design services, and product design and manufacturing. A Distinguished alumnus of RIT (Ramaiah Institute of Technology) Bangalore, he began his career in semiconductors before transitioning to telecom. Nipun works for Tejas Networks Ltd, India’s first deep-tech telecom product company to move from startup to IPO and later become part of the Tata Group. Tejas develops and manufactures state-of-the-art carrier-grade hardware and software, deployed in over 75 countries globally. Having joined Tejas in its early days, Nipun has been a key member of the core leadership team that guided the company through its two-decade journey. He is known for building new businesses from scratch, including creating a global OEM sales channel across 50+ countries and generating $150 million in revenues. In his current role, Nipun leads global business development with a strong focus on expanding Tejas’ presence in Europe. He also drives partnerships and synergies with other Tata Group companies, such as TCS, Tata Communications, and Tata Steel. A thought leader with a rare combination of technical and commercial acumen, Nipun is passionate about India’s growth story and the role of technology and startups in nation-building.

Nitik Ratnakar, a visionary architect and Executive Director of MIR Group (UAE), specializes in energy-efficient building design and sustainable urban regeneration. With expertise in integrating cutting-edge energy technologies, he plays a pivotal role in MIR Group’s expansion into India. He is leading the development of an innovative, energy-efficient building materials factory in Mangalore SEZ, reinforcing the company's sustainability commitment by creating a forward-thinking industrial district. Headquartered in Italy, MIR Group has transformed over 120 buildings, setting new standards in carbon-neutral and high-performance architecture. Nitik is dedicated to shaping future-ready urban landscapes, blending design excellence with eco-conscious innovation. Through strategic collaborations with investors, developers, and policymakers, he is driving sustainable real estate and accelerating the green transition in infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Pankaj is the CEO of Godrej Finance Ltd. with 24 years of experience, including 20 years in financial services. He has held leadership roles across banks, mortgage and unsecured assets, liabilities divisions, and NBFCs. Before joining Godrej, Pankaj spent about 10 years at Bajaj Finance Ltd., where he launched several business lines, including SME Loans, Home Loans, and Loans for Doctors. His career began at Asian Paints in the FMCG sector before transitioning to HDFC Bank, where he managed CASA acquisition and cross-selling. He later led unsecured consumer assets at HDFC and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Pankaj holds a Post Graduate Diploma in General Management from Emeritus Institute of Management, Singapore, an Executive Program in Sales and Marketing from IIM Calcutta, and an Advanced Management Program from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Parth Jindal is the Managing Director of JSW Cement, overseeing a thriving organization with a capacity of 21 MTPA. He also leads JSW Paints, launched in May 2019, which has rapidly grown to become the 5th largest paint company in India. Additionally, he serves as a Director on the Board of JSW Energy, India’s 3rd largest power producer. Parth is also the Founder of JSW Sports, which owns and manages elite teams such as Bengaluru FC, the 2018-19 ISL Champions, and the Haryana Steelers, the Pro-Kabaddi League Champions of the 2024 season. He is also the Chairman and Co-Owner of Delhi Capitals, a prominent cricket team in the Indian Premier League. Under his stewardship, JSW Sports was honoured with the “Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2018” by the President of India for outstanding contributions to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility. Recognized for his achievements, Parth was named the youngest Business Leader on the ‘2019 Economic Times 40 under Forty’ list. He was also featured in ‘GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians for 2018’ and honoured by News24 as the 2018 Youth Icon for his contributions to the nation. In March 2024, he received the Gen-Next Entrepreneur Award at the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2024.

Parvathi Moorthy is the Associate Vice President of SME Business Development at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), overseeing SME listings across India. A Chartered Accountant, she also holds a CFA charter and FRM certification, bringing over 15 years of experience in corporate and investment banking to her role. Before joining NSE, Parvathi worked with prominent banks such as ICICI, ING, and SBI, where she was responsible for SME Business Development. In addition to her industry experience, she has also shared her expertise as a visiting faculty member for finance subjects at institutions like Welingkar B School and ICFAI.

Pavan Guntupalli is the Co-founder of Rapido, India’s leading ride-hailing platform that has revolutionized urban mobility with a multi-modal approach. A Computer Science graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Pavan’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to solving transportation challenges. Before Rapido, Pavan gained experience as a software developer at Samsung, where he focused on building scalable systems, and at Roppen Labs, where he refined his skills in product innovation. In 2015, he co-founded Rapido to offer affordable and efficient transportation solutions, starting with bike-taxis and later expanding to auto-rickshaws and cabs. Despite 75 early rejections, Pavan’s vision and perseverance helped Rapido grow into a trusted name in mobility. Now operating in over 150 cities with more than 35 million users, Rapido has created around 9 million job opportunities and plays a key role in India’s gig economy. Under Pavan’s leadership, the company introduced driver-friendly initiatives like the Zero-Commission model, promoting equitable earnings. In 2024, Rapido reached unicorn status, cementing its place as a transformative force in India’s urban mobility and startup ecosystem."

Deeply involved in the startup world, Prashanth Prakash is a founding partner of the US venture capital firm Accel Partners in India. He completed his Masters in Computer Science at the University of Delaware, USA and moved back to India in the mid-1990s. His first startup, Visual Reality, was one of India’s first animation companies. His second startup, Netkraft, was one of India’s first internet-based companies. Since 2004, he has been a key venture capitalist in nurturing Karnataka’s and India’s startup landscape. A pioneer in the venture capital world, he co-founded Erasmic Ventures in 2004, one of the earliest seed-funds that invested in technology startups. At Accel, his primary focus is on digital first consumer brands, such as BookMyShow, Freshworks, Swiggy and Urban Company, B2B, Agritech and SaaS. He has led investments in 30 Indian technology start-ups and is a board member in 16 companies.

Radhika Gupta is the MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. Under her stewardship, the company has seen a meteoric rise in Assets Under Management (AUM), growing from over ₹6,500 crore as of 31st March 2017 to more than ₹1.40 Lakh crore by 31st July 2024. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Radhika is also a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, and author. In 2022, she authored 'Limitless,' a ground-breaking guide steering the journey of self-investment towards success. Radhika has been listed by Forbes, Fortune, and Business Today among India’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Business’ and by Economic Times in their list of ‘India’s Hottest 40 Young Business Leaders.’ Further solidifying her global reputation in the finance domain, she was recognized as a Young Global Leader in 2022 by the World Economic Forum and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023 from the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. She was also a judge on Shark Tank India (season 3) and has been named one of GQ India's 35 Most Influential Young Indians (MIYI 2024).

Dr. Rami Ahola is IBM’s Global Industry Leader for Industrial Manufacturing, helping clients in the electronics, automotive, aerospace and defense industries transform their businesses to meet the needs of today’s software and data-led world. Recently, his work has focused on enterprise transformation, cost takeout opportunities, and scaling generative AI use cases across the value chain. Dr. Ahola has over 30 years of experience with automotive, semiconductor, network and consumer technology industries. He combines deep industry knowledge with first-hand experience in R&D, manufacturing and supply chain strategy, processes and execution. Dr. Ahola holds a D.Sc. in Microelectronics from Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. He is a member of the IBM Industry Diamond, a select group of preeminent industry leaders working with the end goal of solving the toughest business problems within and across industries.

Ranch Kimball is a renowned CEO, Board Chair, and global expert in fostering innovation districts and cluster economies. As former Secretary of Economic Development in Massachusetts, he spearheaded the creation of the world's largest biotech cluster, earning a national award. Ranch has developed numerous innovation centres and co-working spaces across the US and Europe, advising over 20 state and national governments. His professional experience includes leadership roles at Boston Consulting Group, Harvard research hospitals, and Silicon Valley start-ups. Currently, he serves as a Senior Advisor at BCG and resides in Boston.

As the chief technology officer for Hewlett Packard Enterprise India, Ranganath Sadasiva is responsible for bringing in thought leadership across HPE's Edge to Cloud businesses, delivering best-in-class technology experience for customers. With more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Mr Sadasiva is an accomplished technologist, thought leader and management executive working across ICT technologies in India and Asia-Pacific/Japan. He has held various customer-centric roles across sales, product development and consulting in these geographies. As a mentor in HPE's Digital Catalyst Programme, he works towards aiding co-innovation with startups for a digital future. He is also a mentor of change with Niti Aayog, government of India. Before joining HPE, Mr Sadasiva served as director of enterprise research for IDC India and was responsible for overall enterprise research in areas including hardware, software and enterprise services and emerging technologies like Al, cloud, IoT analytics and big data. He served as regional sales director for Spectra APJ and EMEA and earlier as director of product management, Asia-Pacific, in Japan for HPE Storage. He has an MBA in marketing from Bangalore University and a bachelor of engineering degree in electrical engineering from BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru.

Rangesh Raghavan is a Corporate Vice President and General Manager for Lam Research India. In this role, he is responsible for the long-term vision and strategies for Lam in India and accountable for the operational execution and long-term performance of the organization. Before this role, he was VP of Strategic Development at Lam Research Corporation in Fremont, USA where he was responsible for mergers, acquisitions, alliances, and investments, in addition to driving the long-term corporate strategy for Lam globally. Before joining Lam Research, he was vice president of Marketing and Strategy at Veeco Instruments. Mr. Raghavan’s employment experience includes KLA-Tencor, where he served in various marketing and applications roles for over 10 years, and PDF Solutions, a design-for-manufacturability consulting firm. He began his career at Texas Instruments in the Advanced Process R&D group as a thin film engineer, where his responsibilities later included process integration and technology transfer for both logic and memory technologies. Mr. Raghavan holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rao Munukutla serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the development of Bengaluru Airport City for BIAL. This ambitious project aims to create a sustainable, smart, and vibrant city that showcases innovation and serves as a global testbed for urban solutions. With over three decades of experience in infrastructure development, Rao has led numerous high-profile projects across Asia-Pacific, including the massive Bintan Beach International Resort Project in Indonesia and the 25,000-acre MUSE SEZ Project in Myanmar. His portfolio also includes the Springfield Greenfield City in Australia and strategic projects in India, such as ITPL and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, during his tenure as CEO of Jurong India, a subsidiary of JTC Corporation Singapore.

Robert Boyd leads the Asia-Pacific region on global sustainability policy and partnerships for Boeing. His role includes leading on policy issues aimed at accelerating aerospace decarbonisation while developing and fostering technical, sustainability or commercial partnerships. Mr Boyd also supports and informs Boeing’s ICAO work with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) under the Committee on Aviation Environment Protection. (CAEP). Between 2022 and January 2024, he represented Boeing as aviation sector champion, for the World Economic Forum, First Movers Coalition. Before joining Boeing, Mr Boyd spent nearly ten years at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ultimately as head, of energy transition and policy. He led the global trade association’s work on industry decarbonisation, including sustainable aviation fuel. Before joining IATA, he was the principal economist for Virgin Australia Airlines. Mr Boyd has served for more than ten10 years as a member of the United Nations ICAO Fuels Task Group, and he served four years on the board for the Round table on Sustainable Biomaterials. His studies include a master’s degree in economics from the University of Queensland. Before joining IATA Robert was the Principal Economist for Virgin Australia Airlines.

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, is a distinguished scientist with 38 years of expertise in space technology and systems engineering. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved the successful Chandrayaan-3 landing, Aditya-L1 mission, and developed the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). He also plays a key role in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Formerly Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, he holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. He is a fellow of various academies and has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to space exploration.

Salman Anees Soz is an economist, author, and commentator. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and a senior consultant at the World Bank, where he previously held various roles during a 25-year career. His work spans economic development in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. A recipient of the World Bank President’s Award for Excellence, his professional interests include political economy and emerging market economics.He frequently provides commentary on economics and international affairs in major publications, appears on television, and speaks at universities, think tanks, and conferences. Salman Soz is the co-author of Unshackling India: Hard Truths and Clear Choices for Economic Revival (2022), which was listed among the Financial Times' best new books in economics and won the India Economic Forum Literary Award.

Sanath Kumar is the founder of Deep Holistics, a company reimagining healthcare by empowering individuals to perform at their best every day. Guided by a vision of a world where technology seamlessly supports human potential, Sanath is building systems that help people focus on what truly matters. His journey as an entrepreneur began at the age of 20, when he founded Smitch, a smart home brand that brought innovation into everyday living. After nearly a decade of growth and challenges, he pivoted into healthcare, combining his passion for technology and impact. Sanath’s work is shaping a future where innovation enables healthier, more purposeful lives.

Sandeep Deshmukh is the co-founder and CEO of ElasticRun, a B2B e-commerce platform revolutionizing rural India. Backed by prominent investors like SoftBank and Goldman Sachs, ElasticRun has achieved unicorn status. Before ElasticRun, Sandeep was part of Amazon's pioneering team that launched the company's India business. He began his career as a software engineer at tech giants like Apple and DHL. Sandeep holds a bachelor's degree in Instrumentation Engineering and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. He's passionate about building scalable tech businesses and is an avid reader with an interest in history, psychology, and evolution.

Sangita Devi Kathiwada is a visionary culture and design entrepreneur. She founded Mélange, a sustainable fashion brand that promotes Indian handicrafts and supports weavers and artisans. Sangita's commitment to preserving Indian heritage led her to establish The Morarka Cultural Centre at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA). She has also restored and repurposed over a dozen heritage properties, including Kathiwada Raaj Mahal and Kathiwada City House. Her achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally. She served on the board of Lakme Fashion Week for 11 years, supporting new talent. In addition to her work in fashion and heritage preservation, Sangita is dedicated to education and empowerment. She supports the education of the Tribal Community of Kathiwada through craft projects and collaborations with urban designers.

Santhosh Kumar is the President and Managing Director of Texas Instruments India, bringing over 20 years of experience at TI to his role. Throughout his tenure, he has held various positions, honing his expertise in product development and general management. Before his current role, Santhosh led TI's Embedded Processing business, driving growth in Autonomous Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Video solutions from Dallas, Texas. Under his leadership, TI India has established a robust end-to-end product development ecosystem, catering to global markets across industries such as industrial, automotive, communication, and personal electronics.

Santosh Iyer is the managing director and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz India. He has been associated with Mercedes-Benz since 2009 in various leadership roles. He currently directs the company’s India market strategy. Before his current appointment, Mr Iyer was the vice-president of sales and marketing. He successfully led the company’s digital transformation, establishing online sales and fostering sustainable growth during the pandemic. He was pivotal in conceptualising and implementing the Retail of the Future business model, with India as one of the first markets within Mercedes-Benz AG to have successfully implemented this model, in 2021. His earlier roles in the company were with customer service, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility functions. Mr Iyer started his career with Avery India. His entrepreneurial ambitions later took him to Nepal, for distribution and servicing of capital equipment. After setting up a successful business there, he moved back to India, joining Yamaha Motors. He had management stints at Indian subsidiaries of global automotive firms, including Toyota and Ford, before joining Mercedes-Benz. A graduate in commerce from Mumbai University, Mr Iyer holds an MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a master’s degree in corporate governance and compliance from the University of Konstanz, Germany.

Sashi Kant Mishra is an Associate Director of Business Development with over 14 years of experience in client servicing, operations, business strategy, development, and market research in the power sector. He possesses in-depth knowledge of India’s power sector, including the latest reforms, regulations, and the intricacies of Open Access/ISTS (3rd Party, Group Captive Mechanism) and power sales options under the Electricity Act of 2003. Sashi specialises in strategy development and leading policy initiatives to drive business growth and client acquisition.

Satoshi Uchida is the Director of the Marketing Support Department for the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN (SMRJ). He is engaged in matching Japanese SMEs with overseas companies for new product development, innovation promotion, overseas expansion and joint overseas business development.

Sebastian Thrun is working, through robotics and artificial intelligence, to change the way we understand the world. Formally a fully tenured professor at Stanford, Mr Thrun left in 2007 to become a vice president and fellow at Google. He founded Google X, Google’s hardware innovation shop, to create a factory for moonshots. He led the development of the robotic vehicle Stanley, which won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge and is exhibited in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. His team also developed a vehicle called Junior, which placed second at the DARPA Urban Challenge in 2007. This led to the development of the Google self-driving car. At Stanford, Mr Thrun remains a research professor who works on using AI to improve people’s daily lives. He is also the chairman of Udacity, which he co-founded in 2012. He is the recipient of many notable accolades, including being named fourth on Foreign Policy magazine’s Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2012, and the 2012 recipient of Smithsonian magazine’s American Ingenuity Award in the education category. Fast Company also selected Mr Thrun as the fifth most creative person in business in the world. He is one of the youngest individuals ever to be elected into the National Academy of Engineering in the US.

Shalini Goyal Bhalla is a leading expert in the field of circular economy and sustainability. She is the founder and managing director of the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), a leading Indian think-tank that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices both nationally and globally. She is editor of the Journal on Circular Economy and a recognised global thought leader with several authored publications in her name. She is leading discussions on global south and north collaboration at the World Circular Economy Forum and representing the cooperation of eight countries. Her leadership skills and innovative thinking have helped shape the global conversation on the circular economy and inspired action towards a more sustainable future. Ms Bhalla has received several awards, most recently from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, for her work on climate action.

Shashank ND is the co-founder and CEO of Practo, India’s leading digital healthcare platform. Since founding Practo in 2008, Shashank has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare by making it more connected, integrated, and efficient. Under his leadership, Practo has expanded its services to over 40 crore patients and built partnerships with 2 lakh+ doctors and healthcare providers across 20+ countries. An alumnus of NITK Surathkal, Shashank is also a founding circle member of iSPIRT, a think tank shaping India’s software industry. Recognized for his impact, he has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and twice in Fortune 40 Under 40 as a promising business leader. He was also awarded the ‘Young Turk of the Year’ in 2016, celebrating his contributions to innovation in healthcare.

Dr Shashi Tharoor is a fourth-term Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Thiruvananthapuram and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. He is the bestselling author of twenty-six books, both fiction and non-fiction, besides being a former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and a former Minister of State for Human Resource Development and for External Affairs in the Government of India. He has won numerous awards, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, a Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Crossword Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, Dr. Tharoor was also awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in the category of ‘English Non-Fiction’ for his book An Era of Darkness. He has previously chaired the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers as well as the Committee on Information Technology.

Shekhar Gupta is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ThePrint, a dynamic news media startup, and a senior prime-time anchor at NDTV. Previously, he served as Editor-in- Chief of the Indian Express, where he led a team of award-winning journalists during his 19-year tenure. Gupta also held editorial roles at India Today. He currently hosts "Off the Cuff" and "Walk the Talk" on NDTV, engaging in insightful discussions with prominent personalities. His leadership and journalism have made significant impacts on India's media landscape.

Simon Long is editor-at-large at The Economist, which he joined in 1995. Since then, he has worked as South-East Asia bureau chief, based in Bangkok, South Asia Bureau chief in Delhi and, for six years, as chief Asia correspondent and author of the “Banyan” column on Asia, based in Singapore. He has edited the Finance, Asia and International sections and worked as a digital editor. He has written special reports on a wide range of subjects, including dementia, financial inclusion, water, Hong Kong, India and China, Indian business, Indonesia and Pakistan. He had previously spent nine years with the BBC, as an analyst on East Asian affairs based in London, and as a correspondent in Beijing and Hong Kong. He wrote extensively for the Guardian and many other outlets. In an earlier career, he worked in London and Singapore as an investment banker. Mr Long was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge; Beijing Languages Institute; Nanjing University; and the Fletcher School in Boston (as a Harkness Fellow).

Dr. Sonal Asthana is a renowned expert in HPB and Multiorgan Transplant Surgery, serving as Clinical Lead and Program Director of Aster Integrated Liver Care (ILC) Group at Aster Group of Hospitals. He holds adjunct professorships at IISC, Bangalore, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, and KLE University (KAHER), Belgavi. Dr. Asthana is also an Honorary Consultant at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and contributes to government initiatives as a member of the Apex Technical Committee at NOTTO and the Liver Advisory Group at Jeevasarthakathe. Additionally, he is the Convenor and Architect of the Indian Liver Transplant Registry and Past President of the Liver Transplant Society of India.

Sreenivas Mylavarapu is a seasoned banking professional with 28 years of experience. He has worked with reputable organizations like IDBI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Aditya Birla Housing Finance, and is currently General Manager & Business Head - Retail, MSME, and Agri advances at Karnataka Bank Limited. A versatile and accomplished leader, Sreenivas has expertise in secured and unsecured lending, strategy formulation, and operational process streamlining. He is known for driving business growth, building high-performing teams, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. With a proven track record of success, Sreenivas is a sought-after expert in the banking industry. He is also recognised for his people-centric approach and ability to drive digital initiatives.

Dwaraka is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the Aerospace and Aviation industry. He has worked with Airbus in various regions, including Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Throughout his career, he has held several senior management positions, driving strategic growth and development in the industry. Dwaraka is also the Director General of the Aerospace India Association, Adjunct faculty at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore, and an Aerospace expert at Boston Consulting Group. Dwaraka holds an integrated master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and a PhD in Design Engineering from the University of Cambridge, UK, where he was a Cambridge-Nehru scholar.

Sudarshan Venu is the Managing Director of TVS Motor Company and TVS Holdings Ltd, and Chairman of TVS Credit Services Limited. As an automotive enthusiast, he has driven the company's growth and transformation into a leading global mobility player. With a passion for innovation and customer satisfaction, he has led TVS Motor Company to become the most awarded two-wheeler company, with a focus on emerging trends like electrification and personal mobility. Under his leadership, TVS has achieved significant milestones, including global expansion through strategic acquisitions like UK's Norton Motorcycles and European e-bike brands. He has also been instrumental in setting up new manufacturing facilities and driving growth in key markets like Africa, ASEAN, and Latam. Sudarshan's vision is to enrich the life of every Indian, and he is committed to making TVS a partner in the customer's aspirations. His customer-centric approach has earned TVS Motor Company the prestigious J.D. Power Award for No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction for four consecutive years, a testament to his exceptional leadership.

With 36 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mr. Sudeep S. Dalvi has spent the last 26 years at Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), contributing to the company since its inception in India. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Dalvi has held various leadership roles across key functions, including Vehicle Manufacturing, Quality Control, New Car Projects, Purchasing, Product Design & Development, New Business Development, External Affairs, and CSR. In addition to his extensive experience in the automotive sector, Mr. Dalvi gained valuable international market insights during his time at Toyota US in the Global Purchasing division. Outside of work, Mr. Dalvi enjoys music, running and has a passion for teaching. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University.

Sukhi Singh is the founder of Sukhi’s Gourmet Foods. In 1985, she moved to the U.S. and expanded her teaching to the culinary arts. A natural entrepreneur with the support of her family, she began cooking in a rented kitchen and selling products at local farmer’s markets in the Bay Area. In many ways a classic immigrant journey — the entire family pitched in, demand grew, and a business was born. In 2005, Sukhi’s three children, who grew up in the family business, returned after years of following their own professions. Together they brought their collective expertise to grow every aspect of the business. As a result, Sukhi’s Gourmet Food has flourished to the delight of people who love Indian food as well as those who are new to the cuisine. The family’s dedication is steadfast but remains true to Sukhi’s original vision of bringing authentic, flavorful and regional Indian cuisine into the homes of people who love good food.

Suzannah Muthoot is the Executive Director of Muthoot Housing Finance Limited (MHFL), the affordable housing finance arm of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. With a focus on corporate strategy and innovation, she has led initiatives across gold loans, affordable housing finance, and auto-finance. Before her current role, Suzannah served as Deputy Vice President of Corporate Planning and Strategy at Muthoot Fincorp Limited, where she launched innovative products like "Gold Loan from Home." Her leadership has driven customer-focused innovations, sustainable growth, and operational excellence. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and IE Business School, Suzannah brings a global perspective to her work. She is committed to gender equity and inclusivity, co-leading the Kerala chapter of the Women Mentorship Program under CII-IWN. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the "I Am Woman" award in 2024.

TM Veeraraghav is a distinguished journalist, currently serving as the Executive Editor and host of Southern View, a daily current affairs show on NDTV.

Toru Tsuruta, currently the COO of Fujitsu Research of India Private Limited, has graduated with a Masters degree from Tokyo University of Science and has held various management level positions across the span of 13 years in Fujitsu group companies like Fujitsu Laboratories Limited and Fujitsu Kyushu Network Technologies.

Toshihiro Mizutani is the Head of JETRO in Bengaluru. He graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. After which, he spent six years working in the sales and financial planning department at a Japanese machine manufacturing company. Mizutani then joined JETRO, a Japanese government organisation, and has been supporting overseas business activities of Japanese companies ever since. While in JETRO, he has worked in Japan (Tokyo), Myanmar (Yangon) and is currently in India (Bengaluru).

Udayant is the CEO & Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, a world-class design, engineering and manufacturing company which designs and builds highly engineered products for Hydraulic, Automotive, Aeronautic and Security applications. Dynamatic Technologies Limited is a leading private R&D organisation with numerous patents and inventions to its credit, and partners with marquee customers like Airbus, Boeing, Bell Helicopter, BMW, Audi, Daimler, Mercedes, John Deere and Cummins on a single source basis. Udayant has been associated with Dynamatic Technologies for over three decades and drives the leadership team of the Company in transforming it into a knowledge based organisation. He is a member of the CII National Council and chairs the CII National Committee on Design. He has also served on the Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur, besides being the past Chairman of the National Sector Skills Council for Strategic Manufacturing, and the new National Institute of Design, Amravathi.

Var Shankar is chief AI and privacy officer at Enzai, which provides a software platform for organisations looking to navigate global AI laws. He is also a co-instructor, along with Alexis Cook, of Kaggle’s AI Ethics course. Mr Shankar was previously executive director of the Responsible AI Institute, where he helped organisations in multiple industries develop their responsible AI programme s. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he previously practised law at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. He is a member of the OECD's Network of Experts on AI, the World Economic Forum's AI Governance Alliance and the Brookings Forum for Co-operation on AI.

Dr. Varun Jyothiprakash is a Senior Program Manager at WRI India, where he leads the modelling of short-, medium-, and long-term low-carbon strategies for national planning. With a PhD from the Department of Management Studies at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), his extensive 13-year career focuses on developmental strategies, energy system and power sector modelling, renewable energy, and sustainability studies. Dr. Varun's contributions have been recognized through various awards and fellowships, including those from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and Toyohashi University of Technology in Japan. His research has been widely published and presented at both national and international levels.

Dr. Venkat Raju is the Global Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner at Turbostart, an accelerator supporting startups. He is a serial entrepreneur with three successful exits and has held senior roles at Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch and British Telecom. Venkat is also an active angel investor and mentor, focusing on digital transformation and innovation ecosystems in the U.S. and India.

Vidit Aatrey, Founder & CEO of Meesho, leads India’s fastest-growing e-commerce platform, empowering women entrepreneurs and digitizing MSMEs. An IIT-Delhi alumnus, Vidit co-founded Meesho in 2015 to democratize e-commerce for underserved customers. Recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune 40 Under 40, he advises 30+ startups and sits on boards like Navi Technologies. His first venture, Pledge, won the 2011 Social Venture Challenge. Vidit is a visionary shaping India’s digital commerce landscape and advancing social entrepreneurship.

Vidya Annapragada is the Managing Director for India at Vital Capital Environment, a company specializing in environmental solutions through identifying, planning, financing, developing, owning, and managing large-scale environmental infrastructure projects in emerging markets. He has held directorial positions in various companies, including Vital Environment India Private Limited. His leadership focuses on delivering excellence in environmental initiatives across India.

Vik is Consul (Commercial) and Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia. He leads Austrade’s Education teams across the dynamic and fast-growing South Asia Region. Vik was appointed to India in Nov 2023 and was previously based in Sydney, leading various trade, international education, and digital transformation projects at Austrade. Vik brings 20 years of business experience working in both in domestic and international leadership roles across business development, international student recruitment, marketing, data insights and commercial partnerships. Most recently he was heading up the Asia Pacific operations for IDP Connect. Vik holds a postgraduate degree in Information Systems from Victoria University and brings a diverse range of skills and experience to help businesses grow.

Vikrant Shrotriya is the Managing Director for the India affiliate of Denmark’s pharma major, Novo Nordisk. Vikrant has a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the healthcare industry, in India and internationally. He is an alumnus of the University of Delhi and Symbiosis, Pune. He has worked with many national and international organisations in India, Southeast Asia, and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries where he was Vice-President of Novo Nordisk’s GCC business and Corporate Vice President for Saudi Arabia. Among his several accolades, Vikrant is also the recipient of one of the highest awards from the Danish Government - “His Royal Highness Prince Henrik’s Medal of Excellence” - in recognition of his outstanding contribution to business and trade.

With over 25 years of experience in policy-making, innovation, and large-scale project execution, Vinod Subramaniam is a trailblazer in sustainable development, climate solutions, and transformative public infrastructure. A serial entrepreneur and policy advocate, he has pioneered groundbreaking technologies and scalable solutions that have positively impacted millions of lives. Nationally and internationally recognized, Vinod has co-founded ventures focused on sustainable resource management, bridging the gap between policy frameworks and grassroots impact.

Dr. Vivek Lall is the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, overseeing unmanned aircraft, electromagnetic, nuclear, and laser technologies.In 2024, he was appointed Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and serves on boards like the US-ASEAN Business Council and NATO STO. Dr. Lall has held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon. He earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, an MBA, and has worked with NASA and the UN. Honored with the US President's Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Lall is also a trained private pilot and author of over 100 articles.

Yvonne Watson is the Executive Dean of the Parsons School of Design, a position she has held since July 2022. With a background in fashion and education, Yvonne has been a member of the Parsons School of Fashion faculty and leadership since 2010. She has held various roles, including Dean of Curriculum and Learning, Associate Dean of Curriculum and Learning, and Associate Dean in the School of Fashion. Yvonne's academic credentials include a Master's degree in Globalization, Identity, and Technology from Nottingham Trent University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, focusing on inclusive pedagogy. Her research and practice explore fashion sustainability, supply chain rethinking, and creating inclusive spaces for global artisans and fashion entrepreneurs.