With about thirty years of industrial experience, Chandrasekaran Jayaraman is a National level topper in Plastics Technology from Central Institute of Plastics & Engineering Technology (CIPET). Dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability across multiple industries, Chandrasekaran founded four startups: Watsan Envirotech Private Limited, Custom Parts Online, Ancient Heritage Conservation Private Limited, and Cureall Medicare OPC Pvt Ltd.. With a team led by women, Chandrasekaran’s company produces natural water purifiers for rural residents without the need for power, showcasing his expertise and real-time impact in both technical and commercial sectors. He is committed to leveraging his skills and experience to create positive change and make a lasting impact on communities and ecosystems worldwide. He was judged for SDG goal 6.

Numerous honors and medals throughout his entrepreneurial career have recognized his significant contributions to environmental conservation and social entrepreneurship

Vidhya Ramasubban is a distinguished development professional with over three decades of experience in international development, specializing in disability inclusion, community development, and strategic planning. She holds a Master of Arts in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and is multilingual, proficient in English, Hindi, Ladakhi, Nepali, and Sinhala. Vidhya’s career highlights include founding PAGIR, a rights-based movement for persons with disabilities in Ladakh, and developed innovative solutions to issues faced by disadvantaged people – Himalaya on wheels (India’s first travel wheelchair accessible travel company), Kickstart Cabs (India’s first taxi company for persons with disabilities and seniors). Her expertise extends to consulting on various strategic plans for disability and inclusive education in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Vidhya’s commitment to marginalized populations is evident through her innovative solutions and sustainable programs. She is judging for SDG 10

She has led impactful initiatives such as a gender and disability campaign in Haryana, reaching 85,000 people across 85 villages.

Shanmugavel is a responsible design entrepreneur and the founder of Fabrula Private Limited, a company dedicated to upcycling waste into new, innovative products. With over a decade of experience in visual design, Shanmugavel leads a design agency that prioritizes sustainability and social impact, developing solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and ethically sound. His work spans sustainable packaging, accessible web experiences, and strategic sustainability initiatives, all driven by a commitment to making a positive difference. His dedication to responsible design reflects his belief in creating a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable world. He judged Waste Management aspects of all the sustainable development goals.

At Fabrula, Shanmugavel ensures the use of eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices, promoting transparency and inclusivity in all products.

Joel Andrews is a Co-founder and Startup Activist with a proven track record in the Edtech industry. With expertise in innovation, management, startup incubation, mentoring, and business communication, Joel is dedicated to driving entrepreneurial success. Armed with a Masters in Business Administration, focused on Innovation Entrepreneurship and Venture Development from Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Joel is passionate about fostering innovation and supporting startups in realizing their full potential. With a keen eye for opportunities and a passion for driving growth, Joel is instrumental in driving positive change and creating impactful ventures in the startup ecosystem. Judge for SDG goals 4, 8 & 9.

His strong leadership skills and commitment to customer service makes him a valuable asset in the business development landscape.

Hari is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, driven by his discovery of Ikigai, his true purpose, focused on addressing the climate change crisis. As a social entrepreneur, he leads a dynamic startup dedicated to integrating sustainability into the core ethos of organizations, working closely with nature to enact tangible climate action. Hari extends his influence beyond business through active engagement in thought leadership and forums, inspiring a collective shift towards safeguarding the planet. With a vision of a world where sustainable development is the norm, he welcomes collaborations with like-minded individuals and organizations to create a regenerative future. Judged for SDG 13.

Holding a Master’s degree in Environment and Energy Management from the University of Twente, Hari is committed to driving positive change at the intersection of business and environmental stewardship.

Gopala Krishnan B has a successful 37-year career that spans a variety of industries, including K–12 Education, Office Automation, Information Technology, Agriculture Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Ecosystem building. He has held key positions in both corporate and non-profit organizations and has a track record of starting, growing, and managing profitable ventures. Gopala Krishnan is well known for his skill in promoting teamwork among people in different roles and fields and achieving achievements. Along with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and relationship management, his areas of competence also include operations, sales & marketing, and strategic planning. He is deeply engaged in providing long-term business consultancy to Deeptech, Agritech, Edtech, and SaaS startups. He was judging for SDG goal 2.

He holds the position of Founder & Principal Consultant at Startup Ascendia, where his unwavering commitment to cultivating good change in the entrepreneurial landscape is demonstrated by his efforts to scale firms, mentor entrepreneurs, and provide strategic board leadership.

Giridharan Palanisamy is a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of zauto.ai, a pioneering AI Solutions company that humanizes systems with AI for enterprises. With a storied career spanning multiple industries, including technology, education, and entrepreneurship, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify opportunities and build successful ventures from the ground up. Giridharan has worked with leading telecom companies like Altiostar, Nokia, and Rakuten, gaining extensive experience in the telecommunications industry. His expertise extends to operations, sales and marketing, and long-term business consultancy, particularly in the areas of Telecommunication, Healthcare, and SaaS startups. As the Co-Founder and CTO at StartNet, he is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and scaling businesses through strategic guidance and mentorship, leaving a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. He judged AI integration aspects of all the sustainable development goals.

He is renowned for his exceptional leadership skills, fostering collaboration among diverse teams and driving achievements through strategic planning, problem-solving, and relationship management.

Dr. Geetha Premkumar is a renowned youth counselor, published author, life coach, and entrepreneur, with a plethora of accolades to her name. She is recognized for her financial integrity and professionalism, leading Vector Indojanix Pvt. Ltd, a well-established MSME specializing in Power Electronic Products. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she is a certified psychologist, providing counseling services to individuals facing challenges in various spheres of life. Actively involved in charitable endeavors, she is the founder of H-KRAFT FOUNDATION, dedicated to promoting mental wellness in society. Her unwavering passion and commitment continue to inspire and uplift countless individuals, making her a true beacon of empowerment and change. She judged for SDG goals 5, 8 and 16.

As a first-generation businesswoman, she has been honored with prestigious awards such as the ‘State-level Best Woman Entrepreneur Award’ and the ‘Business Achievement Award’.

Dr. Sathyanarayanan is a Senior Trainer in Learning and Development at IINVTY, at the forefront of shaping the future of education. He is also a QMS Lead Auditor at SARVAM SAFETY EQUIPMENT PVT LIMITED, with a commitment to ensuring safety standards and engaging training sessions. Drawing from a decade of diverse experience spanning both Education and Industrial sectors, his expertise in areas such as Emotional Intelligence, Health and Safety protocols, disruptive Technologies, and Quality Assurance has paved the way for his dedication to Educational Technology. His life’s mission is rooted in impacting the lives of 1,00,00,000 young minds across the nation through a multifaceted approach encompassing training activities, podcasting, and spearheading the Quality Education For All movement, aligned with UNESCO’s 2030 sustainable goals for Quality Education. He was judging for SDG 12.

Satyanarayanan catalyzes positive transformations among educators, industrialists, and students, with his steadfast belief in the mantra, “Champion Mindset, Champion Yourself”

Dr. G. Sathis Kumar, affectionately known as Professor GSK, is a Public Policy Professional based in Chennai. With a focus on evidence-based policy research, he is dedicated to facilitating informed decision-making in public policy. Professor GSK is committed to fostering research collaborations with national and international policy institutes and think tanks. With over 15 years of experience in economics, strategy, and public policy, he offers valuable insights into the developmental progress of businesses, economies, governments, and societies. Through his expertise and dedication, Professor GSK endeavors to contribute to sustainability in social, economic, and philosophical realms through knowledge sharing, research, teaching, and outreach activities. He was the referee for SDG goals 4 & 16.

His guiding philosophy, “Be the Cause of Changes”, underscores his mission to effect transformative societal change across generations.

With more than 30 years of Research and Academic Expertise, Dr. C. Sheela Sasikumar is a renowned Scientist and Educator. She is currently in leadership roles at SS Clini Research LLP, a business that translates research into useful solutions for clinical trials. As a prominent figure in her industry, she is a member of advisory boards for reputable organizations like ‘The National Foundation of Liver Research’ and ‘The Golden Jubilee Women Biotech Park’. Her areas of specialization include Clinical Research, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Diabetic Foot Care. She mentors and empowers women in science through her educational projects and activities. In addition to being a very inspirational speaker, her works have an impact on the next generation of scholars. Her ambition was to judge for SDG goal 3.

She has won numerous awards for her efforts, including the Gold Medal for Professor E. P. Odum Gold Medal Award, which demonstrates her unrelenting dedication to the progress of science.

Dr. Menaga Magendran, MSc, M.Phil (Marine biotechnology), PhD (Microbiology-Chemistry), is a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur, serving as the Managing Director of Bioneemtec India Pvt Ltd at the Women’s Biotech Park in Chennai. She earned her PhD in Microbiology-Chemistry from the University of Madras and has since led pioneering efforts in the biotech sector. Dr. Menaga’s extensive career includes leading a team in developing APIs and natural product ingredients for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, and providing consulting services for regulatory audits. Also worked as an active team member in Design & development of Hydroponics Device Prototype by studying the Marine fungus & algae and determined the maximum production of Secondary metabolites under fermentation condition. As an advisor to a Chinese pharmaceutical company, she spearheads microbiological assay development and ensures adherence to GLP and GMP standards. With a rich background in research and academia, she holds multiple patents, including innovations targeting COVID-19, and has been published extensively. She was judging for SDG 14.

Dr. Menaga’s contributions to science and industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CII Women in Business – STEM in India and the Sir Visveswaraya Best Micro Industry Award. She is actively involved in international and national projects, collaborating with top institutions, and continues to advance the biotech field with her expertise and leadership.

Dr. Francis Somerwell is a dedicated Med-Tech SME with over 18 years of experience in Healthcare, IT, Risk management, and Health insurance. He has worked extensively in over 40 countries, focusing on uplifting low-income populations through innovative healthcare solutions. Currently consulting for UNICEF and other development agencies, he specializes in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates and managing healthcare programs for tribal populations in India. His passion for providing quality, affordable healthcare to underserved communities drives his work as Director of the Access to Education and Employment project. Dr.Somerwell’s expertise in strategy building, product development, and program management has made him a valuable asset in the field of global health. He was judging for SDG goals 3,5 & 16.

With a PhD in Iris Biometric Technology and Master’s degrees in Health Economics and Project Management, he has developed numerous projects for international organizations, integrating biometrics and IT to improve healthcare delivery.

Dakshnamoorthy Durairaj, M.E., M.Sc., is the founder of SANAL, a venture dedicated to promoting sustainable living practices and reducing plastic usage. With a background in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, his passion for creative design led him to establish SANAL as his 24th startup. Starting with the sale of premium quality cotton bags to curb plastic usage. Over time, he expanded his research areas to explore eco-friendly alternatives for daily essentials. In 2021, his commitment to environmental conservation led to the transformation of SANAL into an acronym for Sustainable Alternative for Non-polluting Acclimate Living. He has organized eco-awareness expos and launched SANAL Ecopod, an electric three-wheeler that promotes sustainability. His dedication to spreading awareness about climate change and eco-friendly living continues to inspire positive change in communities nationwide. He judged for SDG goals 8, 12 and 13.

SANAL evolved into a plastic-free international showroom named சநல் – சமுதாய நலனில் in 2017.

Babu R is a seasoned Management professional and Entrepreneur with a wealth of leadership experience in the Automotive and Railways sectors. As an entrepreneur, he is dedicated to driving sustainability initiatives and fostering circular economy practices through Industry 4.0 solutions. He is known for his problem-solving skills and innovative approach, constantly seeking insights and inspiration from diverse sources. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Calicut and a Post-Graduate diploma in Business Administration from Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai. With his expertise and passion for innovation, he is committed to making a positive impact on businesses and society alike. He was judging for SDG goal 13.

With a strong focus on business excellence and innovation, he has successfully managed multi-project programs for Indian and Global markets.

Aravind Anantharamakrishnan is the Co-Founder of Infinite Engineers, a social enterprise that revolutionizes education through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). With over a decade of experience, Aravind has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. His background in Aeronautical Engineering coupled with a fervent passion for experiential learning drives him to design and deliver innovative STEAM programs across India. Proficient in project Coordination, Customer experience, and Team management, Aravind is committed to fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of learners and innovators with the skills and mindsets necessary for success in the 21st century. He was judging for SDG goal 4.

Aravind’s notable achievements include creating a curriculum-aligned Dexter Box and securing partnerships and grants for ATAL Tinkering Labs.

As a Serial Entrepreneur, Arasi Arul champions Social Concerns. After running her father’s clinic and lab chain for a while, she opened Zha Cafe, the first coffee shop in the world with an ethnic theme. Because she is passionate about empowering women, she founded Chisel Factor, a training company that teaches soft skills to girls and women. Recognizing the challenges older people face, she launched 60Plus India, an AI-powered platform that helps older people live active, independent lives. For her dedication to social justice, she has received acclaim. The government and business associations of India have acknowledged her for her commitment to social justice. She was judged for SDG goals 5 and 8.

Arasi is a director of TN W.O.M.E.N, a fund devoted to women. An entrepreneur and member of the Indian government’s Human Rights Commission who has addressed thousands of schoolchildren.

Introducing Akash Jayasankaran, a visionary Fashionpreneur from Coimbatore, dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion industry through sustainability and innovation. As the co-founder of Boutee Kadai, Fabrula, and creative director at JR7 Digicommerce Services, Akash is on a mission to establish 1000 sustainable fashion brands across India. Boutee Kadai specializes in high-quality, customizable T-shirts and outfits, embodying the spirit of Coimbatore’s rich fashion heritage. Fabrula focuses on transforming fashion waste into valuable products, promoting a circular economy. JR7 Digicommerce Services excels in D2C and performance marketing for fashion brands. He was judging Waste Management aspects of all the sustainable development goals.

With a wealth of experience, Akash insights on the fashion industry, including common pitfalls, innovative concepts, and debunking myths.

Santosh Kumar J is a passionate industrialist with a deep-seated environmental concern, dedicated to integrating the parts and wholes of the lithium-ion battery’s circular economy. As the Founder of Li-Circle, he is committed to supporting the Indian lithium-ion battery supply chain by focusing on reverse logistics and urban mining of rare earth metals. With a background in civil engineering and extensive experience in project management,. He has led cutting-edge research projects in the healthcare and electronics sectors, driving innovation and technological advancement. Santosh’s commitment to sustainability extends to his initiatives in education and community engagement, making significant strides towards a greener and more eco-friendly world. Through his relentless efforts, he continues to champion the cause of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. He judged for SDG goals 11 & 12.

Santosh has also ventured into the electric vehicle revolution as the Founder of EV VEL, supporting the development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.

Tamil Pandiyan, a Chemical Engineer by education, embarked on a diverse career journey fueled by a passion for exploration and entrepreneurship. His aspirations were etched into civil services and he dedicated years to pursuing the same. Yet life took a turn and provided him another track that he was born to do. Becoming a Serial Entrepreneur, he started off by venturing into the Salon Industry, owning franchisees of two Naturals Salon outlets. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, Tamil also contributes his expertise as a Techie in a renowned IT company, showcasing his versatility and commitment to making a positive impact through innovation and leadership. He was judged for SDG goals 4 & 9.

His love for startups led him to explore new projects where technology and politics intersect, aiming to drive meaningful change within the political landscape.

Dhilip Peter, CEO and Founder of Benny Q Systems, will be serving as a judge for our hackathon event. With extensive experience in the security systems sector since 2018, Dhilip has led Benny Q Systems to become a leading provider of CCTV installations, biometric systems, burglar alarms, boom barriers, and home automation solutions across various industries. Under his leadership, the company has earned double ISO certifications (9001 & 14001) and serves prominent clients such as the Tamilnadu Police, Hyundai, Tidel Park, Popular Appalam, Urban Trees Apartments, SRM Colleges, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, and many more. 

Dhilip’s dedication to the field is further demonstrated by his role as Secretary of the Electronic Association of India (ESAI). His expertise and industry insights will be invaluable to our participants. He  judges all Smart Devices built around the sustainable development goals.

Dr. Vijai Singhal has over 37 years of experience in industrial pollution control, solid waste management, environmental governance, and management sectors. He is a certified GreenCo Assessor from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and has conducted environmental assessments for over 20 industries. From 2015 to 2022, he served as the Chief Environmental Engineer at the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), gaining extensive expertise in municipal and industrial waste management. Dr. Singhal has assessed hazardous and plastic waste management at Polycab India Limited, developed plastic waste inventorization reports for Rajasthan, and was the Nodal Officer for the establishment of a Waste Recycling Park in Jaipur. His international experience includes working with UNDP in Armenia on hazardous waste disposal and participating in study tours to Sweden and Brazil to learn about environmental governance and health care waste management. 

He has also developed pollution control guidelines for Tyre Pyrolysis plants, conducted GreenCo assessments across various sectors, formulated a Start-Up policy for waste utilization in Rajasthan, and implemented diverse waste recycling units. Additionally, Dr. Singhal contributed to the Status Report of Municipal Solid Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities in Rajasthan. He judged for SDG 11, 12 and 14

Govind S is a healthcare industry professional with over 30 years of international work experience. His passion is to be entrepreneurial, curious and problem-solving. He comes from a strong background in product supply quality in consumer health and personal healthcare. With his expertise in pharmaceuticals and biologics he has successfully developed a portfolio of products in healthcare leading cross-functional teams to deliver excellence. Also he is an angel investor, mentor and management consultant for Fortune 500 companies. He is judging for SDG 3.

I am Hariharan Murugesan, based in Salem, Tamil Nadu, and a dedicated and innovative CEO and Founder with a passion for strategic leadership and building high-performance teams. At Vantage FLOW, where I’ve been leading since June 2023, I focus on market research and developing cutting-edge AI-based products through collaborative, cross-functional teams. Previously, I founded and led Webilicious from October 2020 to March 2023. There, I designed wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs for mobile and web-based products, managed a major logistics software project, and created cost-efficient system architectures for various clients. He was judging AI integration aspects of all the sustainable development goals.

Himanshu is well known in Plastics industry with 8+ years of vital experience handling Commodity as well as Engineering plastics, he has also got a better knowledge towards business expansion and development into various regions and applications with his past experience working with Kingfa India and DOMO Chemicals dealing with Engineering plastics, speciality product lines and PP Compounds. He has been working majorly with all OEM’s of Automotive / Consumer Goods / Electrical segments with contacts available on Pan India basis. Also he has handled several projects of OEM’s like VW/TML/Ford/Godrej/M&M playing role of Techno-commercial key person. He will be judging for SDG 11 and 12.

Krishnapriya is an Environmental Engineer with over 8 years of experience in the waste management sector. Driven by her passion for sustainability and dedication to addressing global waste issues, she co-founded Spreco Recycling Pvt Ltd, a social enterprise focused on creating an inclusive and formal waste management ecosystem. As a certified TRUE Advisor, Krishnapriya has been instrumental in implementing global standards in waste management across 18+ TRUE projects. Her expertise spans developing effective waste management strategies, promoting innovative waste reduction and recycling technologies, engaging communities and businesses in sustainable practices, and measuring the environmental and economic impacts of waste programs. She is dedicated to building zero waste campuses and communities, raising awareness about sustainable waste management, and fostering a circular economy where materials are repurposed into valuable resources. Beyond recycling, Spreco emphasizes education and community engagement, aiming to inspire collective action and sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener future. She was judging for waste to value aspects including SDG 9, 11 and 12.

Spreco, under her leadership, has processed and recycled 375,000 kg of waste, significantly contributing to environmental preservation.

Ranjith Kumar is the Managing Director of AVKR Moringa Promise Wellness (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., a startup dedicated to creating unique wellness products formulated by experts in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy. With over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, Ranjith has successfully transitioned from a Senior Software Engineer to an entrepreneur focused on organic farming. His company, ‘Moringa Promise Wellness,’ aims to combat malnutrition in children, enhance fertility and wellness in adults, and provide remedies for chronic conditions and joint pain to boost immunity in the elderly. 

Ranjith’s expertise extends beyond IT, as he also offers consultancy in organic farming, specializing in Moringa Oleifera and coconut products. His deep technical knowledge, coupled with his passion for sustainable agriculture, positions him as a versatile and innovative leader in the wellness sector. He judged SDG 1 and SDG 2.

Roshini Kesavan is the Founder and CEO of Binari Intelligence (BI), a company specializing in AI, ML, and Custom software development. She has 6 years of experience at Microsoft in the USA and a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She also has published research papers in the field of Cognitive Science. Roshini is also a speaker and an active mentor, guiding students toward their own success in the tech industry. She’s also created YT videos for students in collaboration with Coding Ninjas for interview prep. She was judging AI integration aspects of all the sustainable development goals.

Stalin Selvamani is a seasoned Healthcare Technology Planning and Project Management Consultant with over 30 years of diverse experience in the healthcare industry. Starting his career as a Medical Equipment Support and Training Specialist, Stalin holds certifications in four specialties, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of hospital equipment and operations. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) with advanced expertise in Digital Health and Imaging, and a graduate in Electronics and Communications Engineering from National Engineering College, he excels in technology planning, project management, and strategic development. Stalin is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI to deliver future-ready healthcare solutions. 

His professional expertise includes seamless technology integration, resource allocation, stakeholder management, and team leadership, making him a visionary leader committed to transforming healthcare through innovative technological solutions. He judged for SDG 3 and SDG 9.

K. N. Thirukkuralkani is a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in innovative product development, specializing in product making strategy, management, and delivery within electrical, electronics, and software application-based solutions. He has substantial expertise in manufacturing and assembling innovative products using Design Thinking methodology. Currently serving as Director-Operations at Tectzo Solutions Private Limited and as a Product Development Mentor/Business Manager at SREC SPARK Incubation Foundation, he has also been an Assistant Professor since June 2017. 

His notable achievements include managing operations for megawatt-sized solar power plants, winning the TNIMM Best Incubation Centre award, and co-owning projects such as the “Smart Solar Induction Cooking Stove,” funded with INR 65,00,000 by BIRAC, and the “Smart Hybrid Energy Generation Tree” from SREC Seed money of INR 1,08,000. He is the patent holder of “Apparatus for Generating Clean Energy with Real-Time Monitoring and Controlling Mechanism,” and has developed the “Solar based Water Saving Flush System.” Currently finalizing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Anna University, he has also received accolades like the Excellent Paper Award at the International Academic Conference on Development in Science and Technology in Dubai. He was judging for SDG 7.