• BE (Polymers), MBA

• Alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad, NMIMS, Mumbai, MIT, Pune.

• More than two and half decades of professional experience in different industries like polymers, composites, building materials / insulation.

• Rich experience to work on several start-up projects from feasibility to commercialisation.

• Instrumental to set up India's first Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation plant and commercialise India's first external insulation project (DLF – Mall of India).

• Member - Executive Council of IGBC (India Green Building Council), member of ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers).

• Earlier served as a member of BIS Technical Sub-committees, BEE – subcommittees for ECSBC (Energy Conservation & Sustainability Building Code); NCCD (National Centre for Cold Chain Development).

• Jury – Solar Decathlon India (SDI) conducted by IIHS-AEEE under the aegis of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

ARDIV™ — Engineering the Future of Railway Polyurethane Systems

Innovative Polyurethane Solutions for:

• High-Speed Rail Coaches

• Vande Bharat & Semi-High-Speed Platforms

• Metro Rail Systems

• Aluminium & Composite Coach Structures

• Lightweight Honeycomb Panels

• Railway NVH & Passenger Comfort Systems

• Structural Adhesives & Composite Bonding

• Fire-Performance Interior Systems

• Thermal Insulation & Energy Efficiency

• Advanced Elastomeric & Protective Technologies

Application Portfolio:
Speciality PU Adhesives • Structural Bonding • NVH Solutions • Railway Foams • Composite Technologies • Elastomeric Systems • Protective Coatings • Lightweighting Technologies

Designed for the Next Generation of Indian Railway Infrastructure Supporting:

• Indian Railways

• National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited

• Integral Coach Factory

• Modern Coach Factory

• Rail Coach Factory

Focus Areas:
Lightweighting • Fire Safety • Energy Efficiency • Passenger Comfort • Structural Integrity • Long-Term Durability • Manufacturing Productivity

Experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Skilled in Six Sigma, Manufacturing, Management, Project Management, Product Planning and Product Development.

Vivek Pawar serves as Country Manager – India at Hongbaoli Group, where he is responsible for driving business development, market expansion, and strategic growth for polyurethane solutions across India and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

With deep domain expertise in rigid polyols, insulation technologies, and advanced polyurethane systems, he has been instrumental in introducing innovative and application-focused solutions to the Indian market. His contributions include the successful development and promotion of CP pre-blended systems and Hongbaoli's B2-grade polyols for the continuous sandwich panel industry.

Vivek works closely with customers, OEMs, applicators, consultants, and industry partners to deliver technically robust, commercially viable, and performance-driven polyurethane solutions. His approach combines market insight, technical understanding, and customer-centric execution to support product innovation, application excellence, and sustainable growth across the polyurethane value chain.

Through his leadership, Hongbaoli Group continues to strengthen its presence in India while contributing to the advancement of high-performance insulation and polyurethane technologies in the region.

ARDIV™ — Engineering the Future of Railway Polyurethane Systems

Innovative Polyurethane Solutions for:

• High-Speed Rail Coaches

• Vande Bharat & Semi-High-Speed Platforms

• Metro Rail Systems

• Aluminium & Composite Coach Structures

• Lightweight Honeycomb Panels

• Railway NVH & Passenger Comfort Systems

• Structural Adhesives & Composite Bonding

• Fire-Performance Interior Systems

• Thermal Insulation & Energy Efficiency

• Advanced Elastomeric & Protective Technologies

Application Portfolio:
Speciality PU Adhesives • Structural Bonding • NVH Solutions • Railway Foams • Composite Technologies • Elastomeric Systems • Protective Coatings • Lightweighting Technologies

Designed for the Next Generation of Indian Railway Infrastructure Supporting:

• Indian Railways

• National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited

• Integral Coach Factory

• Modern Coach Factory

• Rail Coach Factory

Focus Areas:
Lightweighting • Fire Safety • Energy Efficiency • Passenger Comfort • Structural Integrity • Long-Term Durability • Manufacturing Productivity

Dr. Umasankar Patro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, India.

He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Bombay and completed postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel.

His research focuses on polymer nanocomposites, graphene- and carbon nanotube-based materials, polyurethane and carbon foams, multifunctional composites, and materials for energy, environmental, and defence applications.

He has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, holds several patents, has led multiple sponsored research projects, and has received recognition as one of India's Top 1% Most-Cited Materials researchers by IOP Publishing during 2016-18.

Anupam Bansal, an Economics Graduate from Delhi's Shri Ram College of Commerce and an alumnus of Harvard's Executive Management Programme, combines analytical expertise with creative design acumen honed at Italy's ARS Sutoria. As Executive Director of Liberty Shoes Ltd., he has transformed the brand from a value-driven family footwear label into a dynamic lifestyle icon, driving retail expansion, innovative company-owned brand launches, and professional management reforms.

He co-founded Izzhaar, a premium bespoke gifting brand with his wife Ruchita, blending emotion, innovation, and luxury in invitations, hampers, and personalized experiences to capture India's burgeoning gifting market.

Industry Leadership & Commerce
A prominent leader in industry forums, Anupam chairs the Delhi & NCR Committee of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). He recently led a delegation to meet the Hon'ble Minister for Law & Justice, advocating initiatives to position Delhi as a premier cultural, tourism, and business hub.

Since 2007, he has served as Non-Executive Independent Director at BPTP, leveraging over 30 years of real estate and retail experience to guide consumer-focused strategies and brand-led developments.

Startup Ecosystem & Mentorship
In India's vibrant startup ecosystem, Anupam is a key Titan on Ideabaaz, Zee TV's groundbreaking platform and digital marketplace that connects early-stage founders—especially from Tier 2/3 cities—with funding, mentorship, and networks. As an angel investor and mentor, he provides hands-on guidance in brand building, retail strategy, go-to-market execution, and consumer-centric scaling, championing sustainable models and long-term equity.

Through Ideabaaz, he collaborates with peers and leading institutions such as IIT Madras to offer structured incubation, pitch refinement, and ecosystem support. He has backed ventures securing pre-seed and seed funding to fuel responsible entrepreneurial growth, reinforcing his reputation as a mentor who transforms aspiration into tangible opportunity for India's next generation of entrepreneurs.

His engagement extends beyond investment, encompassing capability-building initiatives that help founders refine pitches, sharpen unit economics, and develop scalable market strategies aligned with sustainable business principles.

Recognition
Anupam Bansal is widely recognized for his contributions to India's footwear and retail industries, his role in scaling consumer-centric brands, and his commitment to fostering a transparent, merit-based startup ecosystem that empowers founders across all geographies.

Academic: B.Ch.E. (Jadavpur University), Ph.D. (IIT Bombay)

Retired Outstanding Scientist from DRDO with nearly four decades of experience in Polymer Science and Technology. Served at the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (DRDO), Ambernath, from 1977 to 2016.

Research interests include Polyurethane Foam, Dynamic Viscoelasticity, Acoustic Polymers and Acoustic Stealth Materials Technology.

Awarded the DRDO Scientist of the Year (2010) and DRDO Agni Award (2004).

Published over 60 international research papers, holds 10 patents, authored 2 books and 5 book chapters. Currently Consultant at IDST, Pune.

Driven by a passion for innovation and customer-centric growth, I lead Business Development at Comphy Pillows & Mattresses, where we are redefining comfort through thoughtfully engineered sleep solutions. My focus is on building a trusted, innovation-led brand by developing high-quality pillows, mattresses, and comfort products that combine advanced material science with everyday functionality.

With over a decade of experience across polymer engineering, technical services, product development, and business strategy, I bring together technical expertise and commercial insight to identify market opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and accelerate business growth. I believe that lasting success comes from continuous innovation, uncompromising quality, and creating products that genuinely improve people's lives

At Comphy, our mission is simple: to deliver scientifically designed comfort that helps people sleep better and live better

A visionary leader and an ardent advocate for MSMEs, Jayant Khadilkar stands at the forefront of innovation in the polymer industry. With a master's degree in Organic Chemistry from the Institute of Science, Mumbai University, and a management diploma from Jamanalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, his academic background is as robust as his professional journey.

Starting his career with HOECHEST Pharmaceuticals, a German company, Jayant dedicated 12 years to mastering the intricacies of pharmaceutical production. In 1990, at the age of 38, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding JAY ELASTOMERS PVT. LTD., a company specializing in Polyurethane products. Under his leadership as Managing Director, the company has flourished, earning numerous MSME competitive awards and forging international partnerships to innovate durable ceramic-coated rubber rolls for the steel industry.

Jayant's expertise is recognized globally, with presentations at prestigious conferences such as the American Society's Polyurethane conferences and the Aberdeen Conference, UK. His keynote speech at the Tokyo Recycling Conference 2019 underscored his commitment to sustainable practices in waste management, contributing significantly to the circular economy.

His contributions to defense are noteworthy, with projects like the PLSV Rocket Clamp Lining and Radiation Resistant Tyres for nuclear fuel transport. His association with the Naval Material Research Laboratory since 1995 has led to the development of High-Density Model making Foam for Frigate Ship construction. First ever indigenously developed SYNTACTIC FOAM is a feather in his cap. Acidic and temperature stable special adhesive sealant using Cashew Nut Shell based Bio resin is another significant achievement will be patented soon.

Jayant's innovative spirit has been recognized with awards from the Indian Polyurethane Association, SKOCH-NSE, and CII-SR, among others. IAMOT-NITTE and SME 100 awards have recognized his efforts. His work has not only earned accolades but has also positioned him as a thought leader in the industry.

Jayant Khadilkar's journey is a testament to his belief in innovation, sustainability, and the power of MSMEs to drive economic growth. His current focus on recycling waste management reflects his dedication to creating a better future for industry and the planet.

Yash Solanki is a Business Unit Leader (Production Process Leader) for the Polymer Hard Products ecosystem & Electronics at Decathlon Sports India, where he leads manufacturing strategy, supplier ecosystem development and business transformation across a diverse portfolio of sporting goods.

With over 15 years of experience in manufacturing, procurement, sourcing, industrialization, and supply chain management, Yash has been instrumental in developing local manufacturing capabilities, strengthening supplier partnerships and driving operational excellence. His expertise spans manufacturing transformation, strategic sourcing, sustainability, innovation and building high-performing teams, with a strong focus on creating resilient and future-ready manufacturing ecosystems.

A seasoned professional with over two decades of experience driving quality and business excellence across diverse sectors including Real Estate, Corporate Parks, Hotels, Stadiums, and Data Centre projects. Proven track record with industry giants such as Godrej Properties, AdanConneX, Sterling and Wilson, Tata Housing, and Larsen & Toubro.

Associated with ASQ India Section - Construction Chair, IPMA Institute - Project Management Associate, CII Institute of Quality - Business Excellence Assessor, EPI Institute - Certified Data Center Professional, Quality Council of India and Construction Industry Development Council – Member.

Core expertise in total quality management, quality assurance, quality control, business excellence, digitalization and industry 4.0. Implemented advance technologies and construction practices like 3D & 2D precast, PEB structure, Reinforced Concrete Block (RCB), GFRC Panels etc.

Spearheaded initiatives like Business Quality Council, Objective-Based Project Quality Rating System, Quality Hallmark, and Rotating Quality Trophy to foster healthy competition and continuous improvement.

Collaborated with global experts including German and Irish Master Masons to elevate construction quality standards. Led innovative programs such as construction films on key trades, mock-up galleries, and on-site training centers for workforce skilling and upskilling.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh was awarded a Ph.D. from IIT (BHU), Varanasi in Ceramic Engineering in 2000 for his work on cement-organic monomer/polymer interactions. He subsequently held a Research Associate position under a CSIR, Government of India sponsored project in the Department of Chemistry, BHU.

He currently serves as Head – R&D at Aditya Birla Group's UltraTech Cement Limited (Unit: Birla White), Jodhpur, with over 25 years of experience in cement and cement-polymer based composite materials. He has published and presented more than 30 research papers in national and international journals and conferences.

He recently developed and commercialized India's first white cement-based liquid Primer product line (4 variants) under Birla White, and holds 8 granted patents on white cement-based polymeric putty and value-added products from the Indian Patent Office.

Key achievements at Birla White (2009–2025):

Developed seven new variants of white cement-based Polymeric Putty, including Fragrance and Bio-shield Polymeric Putty; led a shift in industry practice by introducing water-based liquid products using white cement in place of dry-mix cementitious products; developed India's first white cement-based Liquid Primer Paint and Colored Distemper product; introduced over 35 new smart polymers/materials into the company's value-added product portfolio.

A passionate technocrat with an MTech in Polymer Science & Engineering from IIT Delhi, Manoj Shankar brings 27 years of industrial experience spanning diverse platforms and technologies in material science, delivering innovation and solutions aligned with evolving market trends across industrial markets.

His experience covers multiple roles, including leading R&D teams across geographies in Asia; collaborating with Asia, Europe & US teams on technology transfer in tapes and execution for the India market; project management; leading application engineering teams in Australia & New Zealand for Adhesive & Tapes; and serving as Asia Assembly Solutions leader for the region.

He has worked with multiple customers across segments including transportation, appliances, electronics, construction, and general industrial markets, and has collaborated with institutes on technology development in green chemistry-based polymer initiatives, especially around polyurethane chemistry, among others.

He currently leads the R&D Lab for the Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Division, India region.

Noor E. Shama is a Research Analyst specializing in polyurethane and specialty chemicals, transforming market data into actionable insights through market research, competitive analysis, and strategic forecasting.

Gracy Sharma is a Polyurethane industry analyst with expertise in market trends, competitive intelligence, and sustainability metrics, helping businesses navigate industry shifts and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Frank Liu serves as Technical Support Leader for Asia Pacific at Hongbaoli Group Co. Ltd.

Sagar Srivastava is a chemicals industry professional with over 15 years of experience at Bayer MaterialScience and Covestro. Originally from Lucknow, he holds a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from SRM University, Chennai, and an Executive General Management qualification from IIM Bangalore.

With a rich cross-functional profile spanning Technical, Sales & Marketing, and Strategy roles across India and Southeast Asia, Sagar currently leads the Rigid Polyurethanes Systems business at Covestro, stationed in Mumbai, while also overseeing Marketing and Strategic Projects for broader Polyurethane segments. He also actively contributes to the industry ecosystem as a member of the Advocacy Team (Rigid PU) at the Indian Polyurethane Association (IPUA).

Toshit Dhawan brings extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion to YZ Buyer International Pvt. Ltd., where he serves as President – Business Development.

His leadership and industry expertise play a key role in strengthening the company's presence across India and international markets. As the company expands its capabilities in private label footwear, school footwear, leather footwear, apparel, and sourcing solutions, his strategic vision helps build stronger customer relationships, explore new opportunities, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Nitin Kolekar is the Founder and Managing Director of Aryanvi PU Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and a recognized leader in India's polyurethane machinery industry. With over two decades of experience, he has dedicated his career to advancing PU processing technology through innovation, engineering excellence, and customer-focused solutions.

Under his leadership, Aryanvi has evolved into a trusted manufacturer of high-pressure PU metering machines, sandwich panel production lines, refrigeration manufacturing systems, and industrial automation solutions, serving customers in India and overseas. Passionate about indigenous technology and global collaboration, Nitin is committed to positioning India as a global hub for polyurethane processing equipment and advanced manufacturing solutions.

Ar. Prashant Yeshwantrao Deshmukh is the Principal Architect at Prashant Deshmukh & Associates (PDA), and also serves as Chairman & Managing Director of Prashant Deshmukh Projects Pvt Ltd.

Snigdha Agrawal is a footwear industry professional with 15+ years of experience across product development, design, merchandising and brand building. As Founder & Footwear Strategist at The FootReplica, she works at the intersection of footwear, biomechanics and consumer needs, with a focus on creating products that fit and function the way people actually move.

She is also the Founder of growkix, a children's footwear brand focused on healthy growing feet. Her philosophy is simple: footwear should fit people, not only trends — putting the foot, movement, comfort and purpose at the heart of footwear design.

Dr. Debarati Ghosh Banerjee is a strategic and visionary leader with over 21 years of experience across India, the Middle East and Africa, specializing in B2B industrial sales and business development with a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and profitability across the manufacturing and chemicals sectors.

As Business Head at Henkel Adhesives, she spearheads sales strategies and cultivates strategic partnerships, ensuring long-term customer relationships and maximizing profitability. She has successfully launched the Henkel Footwear Application Centre and developed a sustainable product portfolio that has significantly enhanced the company's customer-centric innovation capabilities in the country.

Known for inspiring people and building high-performing teams, she is driven by the belief in purpose-led transformation — connecting market shifts, people, and purpose to set direction and drive results that last.

Apoorva Shah is a recognized industry leader with a distinguished career in the field of insulation, specializing in strategic business development and project management. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from L. D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, he brings a strong foundation in mechanical design, industrial processes, and technical sales expertise. He is a member of multiple technical panels of the Thermal Insulation Sectional Committee, CHD 27 of the Bureau of Indian Standards, handling activities such as committee roadmaps, revision of standards, and development of new standards — currently working on the revision of IS 12436, IS 11239 for PUR and PIR, Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and Calcium Silicate, and developing a new standard for Flexible Aerogel Blanket.

With this solid technical foundation, Apoorva Shah has excelled in Hot, Cold, Dual and Cryogenic insulation systems for more than 43 years, their applications, and handling large-scale industrial projects while driving market growth through innovation, material adoption, and turnkey execution strategies. He has held leadership roles at Reliance Industries, Corrotech Construction Chemicals, Alaska PUF Industries, Amol Dicalite Ltd., Keltech Energies Limited and more in the field of insulation. He is currently working with Blue Sapphire Insuline Ltd & Sheth Insulations Pvt Ltd, with his main role focused on securing approvals from top industry players in India and neighboring countries, along with a strong awareness of the overall insulation market in India.

Recognized as an influential speaker and faculty member, Mr. Shah has addressed audiences at Nirma University, FICCI, CII, Gandhinagar Institute of Technology, and various Energy Efficiency Summits, shaping best practices in insulation technologies and energy efficiency. He has also signed an MOU with the Government of Gujarat for sharing his expertise with universities and industries.

Nikeshkumar Shah is a chemicals industry professional with over 20 years of experience, including 14 years at Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience). He holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA in Marketing from Pune University.

As Senior Sales Manager – PM TDI APAC based in Thane, he leads sales of Flexible Foam raw materials (TDI) to slabstock manufacturers across West and South India. He actively drives digitalization of sales processes and customer engagement, and brings deep, hands-on understanding of the flexible slabstock market.

M.T.P. Mohammed Kunhi is a distinguished Indian entrepreneur based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Managing Director of the Sulfex Group of Companies, a diversified business conglomerate with operations spanning mattress manufacturing, fibre products, furniture, footwear, and other industrial ventures. Under his leadership, the Sulfex Group has grown into a respected organization employing more than 500 professionals across its various businesses.

Born in Trikkaripur, Kasaragod District, Kerala, Mr. Kunhi completed his Bachelor's degree in English and later earned a Diploma in Computer Applications in Bengaluru. In 1985, he relocated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he began his professional career with several reputed organizations. His entrepreneurial journey started with the supply of pipes and allied industrial materials to Saudi Aramco, after which he successfully expanded into the retail sector by establishing supermarket businesses in Saudi Arabia.

In 1992, Mr. Kunhi founded Sulfex Mattress Company in Kerala, marking the beginning of his manufacturing enterprise in India. Today, Sulfex is one of India's leading manufacturers of Rubberized Coir Mattresses (Pure Latex & Coir Fibre) and Dual-Tech Spring Mattresses, with a production capacity of approximately 2,500 mattresses per day. The manufacturing facility is ISO-certified, and its products are ISI-certified.

Sulfex products have been approved by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) under the Ministry of Defence and are also recognized by DGS&D (Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals). The company has established a strong domestic presence while successfully exporting its products to several international markets. Building on this success, Mr. Kunhi diversified the business into footwear manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, and other industrial sectors, transforming Sulfex into a multifaceted business group known for innovation, quality, and customer trust.

Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Kunhi is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, regularly delivering motivational talks and entrepreneurship sessions at business schools, management institutes, and colleges. His contributions have earned him notable honours, including the Largest Seller of Rubberized Coir Products in India Award, presented by the Honourable Union Minister for MSME, Government of India, and the Social Responsibility Award, conferred by the Honourable Governor of Kerala.

Dr. Sachin Gupte, Ph.D., is a Strategic Business Leader in HVAC, Green Technologies, and Construction Chemicals, with a proven track record of aligning business strategies to evolving market dynamics, building scalable business categories, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering sustainable business impact. He brings deep expertise in P&L management, stakeholder engagement, and process innovation, and has consistently influenced industry direction through technology advocacy among government bodies, institutional buyers, and other key stakeholders.

With over 28 years of leadership experience, Dr. Gupte has held senior positions with leading multinational organizations, including Hitachi, Johnson Controls, Trane, and Bosch, across Chilled Water Systems, VRF, Building Management Systems (BMS), and Contracting. For the past 13 years, he has been with Pidilite Industries Ltd., where he currently heads the Green Buildings vertical, driving innovation, market development, and growth in sustainable construction solutions.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Management from the University of Mumbai, with research focused on the adoption of sustainable building materials. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Pune, where he was a University Rank Holder. He is accredited by IGBC and GEM, and certified in Carbon Footprint and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Dr. Gupte serves on several prestigious industry committees, including Executive Member of ASSOCHAM GEM, Core Committee Member of CII IGBC (Mumbai Chapter), Member of the CII IGBC Green Cooling Council, Member of the ISHRAE Technical Group on Healthcare, and CTTC Chair at ASHRAE.

Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and technology integration, Dr. Gupte actively contributes to advancing the built environment through research, industry collaboration, and thought leadership, reflecting his commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable building technologies and shaping the future of green building ecosystems.

Er. Aniruddha Vijay Nakhawa is a Structural Consultant and Chartered Engineer based in Thane, Maharashtra, with 28 years of field experience spanning structural assessments, state-of-the-art repair consultancy, structural RCC design and drawings, and project management consultancy. He started his own consultancy firm in 1997 after working with Ranadive Consultants from 1995 to 1997, and currently serves as National Hon. General Secretary of the Builders Association of India.

He is a life member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) since 1998 and serves on several ACI committees, including Non-Destructive Testing, Visual Inspection of Concrete, Seismic Repair & Rehabilitation, Repair of Concrete, and Climate Change Impacts on the Sustainability of Concrete. He also chairs BAI's Bureau of Indian Standards Committee and has served on Thane City's Planning Committee for Vision Document 2033 and 2050.

He was recently appointed Head of Delegation for a Blended Learning Program in Building Automation Systems held in Germany, as part of a bilateral India-Germany technology transfer agreement under the Ministry of Skill Development. He has presented papers at international forums including RILEM (Vancouver, 2023), ACI's International Session (San Francisco, 2023), and CBMT2021 (Istanbul), with his research published in journals from the University of Leeds, Purdue, and other institutions.

Over his career, he has designed 800+ low- to high-rise structures up to 35 storeys, audited 6,000+ buildings across Mumbai, Thane and surrounding regions, assisted in 250+ structural repair projects, and designed 1,500+ community toilet blocks for MMRDA, MCGM and other municipal corporations. He is the recipient of the Rastriya Suvarna Padak (2003) and Pride of India (2004) national awards for his structural assessment work following the Bhuj earthquake, and his restoration of the 200-year-old Anand Ashram heritage structure in Mumbai was nominated for ACI's Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards 2023.

Mohamed Merzook is a dynamic technical leader with over a decade of expertise in the polyurethane industry. As Technical Head for Rigid, Moulded, and Specialities at Recaz Chemicals, he drives innovation and performance enhancement across diverse application segments.

A graduate of Anna University, Chennai, with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Merzook began his career as a Technical Service Engineer and advanced through impactful roles in R&D and Technical Product Management at leading system houses in the Middle East. His strong foundation in chemistry, processing and technology has enabled him to support manufacturers and system houses across India, Turkey, the Middle East and Central Asia in improving product performance, enhancing thermal insulation values, and solving complex formulation challenges.

Recognized for his hands-on approach, deep technical insight, and customer-centric mindset, Merzook continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of polyurethane technology in construction and building insulation applications.

Mr. Sanjay Chowdhury is a seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience in the paints and protective coatings sector, spanning business strategy, P&L leadership, product management, manufacturing, R&D interface, and international business development.

Currently serving as Vice President & Business Head at Berger Paints India Limited, Mr. Chowdhury leads one of India's most comprehensive protective coatings portfolios, addressing critical infrastructure segments such as power, oil & gas, steel, cement, marine, infrastructure, and heavy engineering. Under his leadership, the protective coatings business has grown five-fold in a short time frame and strengthened its position as a key contributor to India's long-life asset protection ecosystem.

An engineer from IIT Kharagpur with an M.Tech in Polymer Technology, complemented by an MBA from IIFT, New Delhi, Mr. Chowdhury brings a rare blend of technical depth and commercial acumen. He is also NACE Level 1 and Level 2 certified, reinforcing his strong grounding in corrosion science and protection technologies.

Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership roles across leading organizations including Berger Paints, Shalimar Paints, Grand Polycoats, Jubilant Organosys, and Asian Paints, contributing significantly to new market creation, technology adoption, localization strategies, and sustainable business growth.

Known for his strategic thinking, execution excellence, and people-centric leadership, Mr. Chowdhury is deeply passionate about knowledge sharing, customer-centric innovation, and building future-ready coating solutions that support India's expanding infrastructure and industrial ambitions. At industry platforms, he actively advocates for advanced corrosion management practices, lifecycle cost optimization, and collaborative engagement between asset owners, consultants, EPCs, and coating manufacturers — with a strong belief that effective corrosion protection is fundamental to nation-building.

Sanjay Gupta is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry leader with over 30 years of experience in the footwear components, accessories, leather and footwear sector. He has been actively working towards strengthening the Indian footwear ecosystem, promoting manufacturing, skill development, quality standards, MSMEs and India's global competitiveness.

Key Institutional & Industry Positions:
President – Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA); Governing Council Member – Leather Sector Skill Council, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Governing Council Member – Development Council for Leather & Footwear, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Governing Council Member – Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Governing Council Member / Industry Representative – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); Industry Representative – NITI Aayog, Leather Sector; Panel Convenor – Council for Leather Exports (CLE); Industry Representative – CII & FICCI, Leather Sector.

IFCOMA is actively working with the footwear components industry to support the Government's target of reaching a US$ 50 billion footwear industry by 2030. During his leadership at IFCOMA, Sanjay Gupta has been actively involved in initiatives promoting the Indian footwear components industry, supporting SMEs and strengthening industry–government collaboration, including the development of industry platforms, participation in major footwear events, and establishment of an industry Display Centre at the FDDI Complex.

His experience across government institutions, industry associations, standards bodies, skill-development organisations and policy platforms gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing India's leather and footwear sector.

Ajay Gaur is a result-driven footwear industry professional with over 33 years of experience across footwear and accessories sourcing, procurement, production, merchandising, marketing and product planning. He has worked across manufacturing, buying-house, marketing and footwear-design environments, giving him broad practical exposure to the footwear value chain.

He is presently serving as Deputy Director of the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), where he supports the association's operations, coordinates with member companies and government bodies, contributes to trade fairs and international delegations, and supports industry-development initiatives.

Professional Experience:
Deputy Director – IFCOMA; General Manager – Kiran Enterprise; General Manager – Shoetechnique, Noida; Senior Manager – Mochiko; Senior Merchandiser – Samiksha International; India Market Launch – Zehonaro, Spain; Senior Merchandiser – HNG Leather Friends, Spain; Marketing Manager – Texon; Senior Merchandiser – Novi Footwear Far-East; Instructor & CAD Designing Head – FDDI.

Areas of Expertise:
Footwear Sourcing & Procurement; Product Development & Planning; Production; Merchandising; Marketing; Vendor Development; Quality & Order Processing; Footwear Design & CAD; Manufacturing Operations; Industry Coordination.

Current IFCOMA Responsibilities:
Supporting the Director in implementing policies and decisions of the association; coordinating with member companies; maintaining communication with government bodies and stakeholders; supporting trade fairs, exhibitions and international delegations; communicating with government departments, export councils and trade bodies; representing the association in meetings and official discussions; supporting industry-development programmes, training and initiatives; and identifying opportunities for industry growth, collaborations and joint ventures.

Education & Specialisation:
Specialization in Footwear Designing – TNO Wallwijk, Holland (1991); B.Com. (Hons.) – University of Delhi (1990); FDDI training in footwear clicking, designing and upper making (1992).

International Exposure:
Holland, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland and Canada.

Ms. Mamta Rawat is the Founder & CEO of ClimateNama Pvt. Ltd. and a sustainability leader with over 16 years of experience driving ESG, Net-Zero, Green Buildings and sustainable built environment transformation.

She is a LEED Accredited Professional (USGBC), an IGBC Accredited Professional, a Certified Engineering Professional (ISHRAE) and a Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Certified Energy Manager. She has been honoured with the prestigious IGBC Fellow Award.

Ms. Mamta served as the Founding National Convener of the IGBC Green League (IGL). She is the Advocacy Chair of the ISHRAE Education Committee, a Core Committee Member of the IGBC Mumbai Chapter and PJMT and the Past Co-Chairperson of the FOCUS Mumbai Chapter.

Over the course of her career, she has spearheaded over 300 sustainability projects, impacting over 25 million sq. ft. of built-up area. She has been actively involved in the planning, design, construction and operations & maintenance (O&M) of sustainable built environments.

Her experience spans a diverse portfolio of projects across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, warehousing, retail, healthcare, hospitality, residential, infrastructure and institutional developments.

Dr. Devi Ramamoorthy, Founder of ThaalChemy Innovations, is an eminent researcher holding a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), where she graduated in 2010. With over 17 years of extensive experience spanning both research and industrial sectors, her profound expertise in polymers is widely recognized.

Her comprehensive research endeavours have culminated in the development of groundbreaking patented technologies, clearly demonstrating her inventive prowess and unwavering commitment to advancing scientific frontiers. Dr. Devi Ramamoorthy's diligent efforts have been acknowledged through the successful acquisition of four patent applications and two esteemed Indian patent grants.

Driven by a profound dedication to sustainable and transformative green materials, Dr. Devi Ramamoorthy continues to inspire through her sophisticated scientific methodologies and her steadfast resolve to make a significant impact within the polymer field. Her pioneering contributions, particularly in the realms of polyurethane and cellulose nanocrystals, are instrumental in forging a path toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. Presently, ThaalChemy Innovations, located in Chennai, possesses the operational capacity to convert 2000 metric tons of PU foam annually into high-value polyurethane raw material.