Mr Anup Kumar Dave is a seasoned leader with over 45 years of experience in the metal industry, spanning aluminum extrusion, steel forging, fabrication, and insulated panels. He has held senior roles in production, tool design, sales, and general management, including P&L responsibility at Metecno Asia BV across South and Southeast Asia.

With over 20 years in aluminum extrusion and a strong focus on continuous improvement, Anup has driven innovation across diverse manufacturing setups. He is also a mentor to young professionals and a trusted consultant in steel structures and insulated panels. Known for his customer-centric mindset and cross-cultural expertise, he champions talent development as a key driver of growth.

Mr. Keshav Goyal, CEO of Shakun Industries since 2014, brings over a decade of expertise in the polyurethane sector. An engineer from MIT and MBA from ISB, he is recognized for his technical acumen and entrepreneurial drive. Under his leadership, the company has scaled rapidly—expanding globally, launching innovative trademarked products, and earning national acclaim. Featured in Forbes India and Industry Outlook, Keshav was named among India’s Top 100 Great People Managers in 2021. He champions operational excellence, talent development, and innovation, guided by his belief: “Difficulties mastered are opportunities taken.”

Mr. Nitin Kolekar—a forward-thinking leader dedicated to advancing polyurethane technology.

Mr. Nitin Kolekar, Managing Director of Aryanvi PU Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the Engineering and Polyurethane (PU) industry. An engineering graduate from Mumbai University, Mr. Kolekar has built a distinguished career working with leading polyurethane machinery and chemical manufacturing companies. His deep expertise in Instrumentation, Automation, and Process control has earned him recognition as a respected authority in the field.

As the founder and strategic visionary of Aryanvi PU Solutions Pvt. Ltd., he plays a central role in steering the company’s growth and innovation. With a strong commitment to delivering top-class high-pressure foaming machinery and cutting-edge solutions to both Indian and global markets, he has positioned Aryanvi PU Solutions as a key player in the PU industry.

Sanjay Gupta is a seasoned professional with over four decades of experience in the footwear components industry. As the President of the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), he has been at the forefront of promoting innovation, quality, and growth in the sector. He is also the Director of Sandeep Rubber Industries, a legacy company founded in 1967 by his father, which he has successfully led to become a prominent manufacturer of rubber sheets and soles. With deep technical knowledge and hands-on expertise, Mr. Gupta is a strong advocate for local production, standardization, and the adoption of India-specific shoe sizes to boost domestic manufacturing. He plays an active role in shaping policy and industry practices as a Governing Council Member of the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) and a Steering Committee Member of the BIS Footwear Committee. Under his leadership, IFCOMA has launched initiatives such as the Components Display Showroom to highlight advancements in the industry. Mr. Gupta is committed to supporting India’s ambition to reach a $26 billion footwear market by 2030 through a focus on R&D, skill development, and strategic industry partnerships.

With an Industry experience of 16 Years and a Professional career of over 14 Years, Prof. Mahesh Rameshwar Bangad is an Associate Professor and the former Head of Department for B. Arch at BNCA Pune. He is enrolled as a Research Scholar at SPPU, has a Master’s in Environmental Architecture from SPPU, Pune & a Post Graduation in Project Management from Manchester, UK.

He is the current Chairman of the Architects Engineers & Surveyors Association (AESA), Executive Committee Member of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Pune Centre. Mahesh is also an Executive Committee Member of INTACH, Pune and an Associate Life Member of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Associate Life Member of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), an Affiliate Member of ISHRAE and an Associate Member of IGBC. Prof. Mahesh Bangad has recently won the IIA Young Architect of the Year 2025. Mahesh has won several National Awards for Teaching, including the A3F Best Teacher Award, Best Educationalist in Pune Award, Young Achiever Award by ACETECH, Outstanding Contribution to Academia & Profession Award by Society Interiors & Design Magazine and Global Teaching Award by the Chronicle Journal, UK.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay K. Nayak is a distinguished polymer scientist and academic leader with over 35 years of experience in teaching, research, industry collaboration, and governance. He is currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, Odisha, and is the former Director General of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.

Holding dual Ph.D. degrees in Science and Engineering and a D.Sc. in Advanced Thermoplastic Composites & Nanocomposites, Prof. Nayak is globally recognized for his pioneering work in eco-friendly composites, nanocomposites, biopolymers, and plastic recycling from e-waste. He has authored/edited 30+ books, published over 500 research papers, and holds 50+ patents and registered designs.

He has mentored over 50 Ph.D. scholars and played a crucial role in policy design, BIS standardization (Chairman, Plastics Committee: 2007–2021), and advancing academia-industry collaboration. His awards include the FICCI Lifetime Achievement Award, National Awards for Technology Innovation (Government of India), and international recognition from Stanford University as one of the world’s top 2% scientists in polymers.

Prof. Nayak continues to champion sustainable polymer science, skill development, and innovation for socio-economic growth.

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 Tyers 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 Nutshell 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.

Apoorva Shah is a recognized industry leader with a distinguished career in the field of Insulation. He has specialisation 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.

With this solid technical foundation, Apoorva Shah has excelled in Hot, Cold, Dual and Cryogenic insulation systems for more than 43 years, its applications, and handling large scale industrial projects and driving the market with innovation, material adoption, and turnkey execution strategies. He has worked in leadership roles at Reliance Industries, Corrotech Construction Chemicals, Alaska PUF Industries, Amol Dicalite Ltd., Keltech Energies Limited and more in the field of insulation. His main role is securing approvals from top industry players such as ADNOC Refinery, GASCO, PSU entities, and global corporations and major Indian industries. He is also aware 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 at the various Energy Efficiency Summit, shaping best practices in insulation technologies and energy efficiency. He also has signed an MOU with Govt. of Gujarat for sharing his expertise to many universities and industries.

Mr. Abhay V. Udeshi is the Chairman of Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd., a global leader in castor oil and castor-based specialty chemicals. He also serves as a Director of the Sustainable Castor Association, which promotes responsible and sustainable castor cultivation practices.

An alumnus of M.S. University of Baroda with a B.E. in Chemical Engineering, Mr. Udeshi brings over 30 years of industry experience. He has been instrumental in the growth and diversification of the Jayant Group and currently oversees its global marketing and sales strategy. His leadership has helped position castor as a sustainable feedstock for a wide range of applications, including bio-based polyurethanes, lubricants, cosmetics, and performance materials.

Mr. Udeshi is widely recognized for his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fostering international partnerships across the castor value chain.

Vivek Savla has been instrumental in modernizing India’s cold storage sector through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Controlled Atmosphere storage and mechanized handling systems. He has set industry benchmarks by pioneering:

• India’s first APEDA-accredited packhouse for fresh fruit and vegetable exports to the EU.
• Customs-bonded cold storage facilities.
• Fully automated Hot Water Treatment systems for mango exports.

Under his leadership, Savla Foods doubled its storage capacity from 15,000 to 30,000 metric tons, becoming the largest privately owned single-location cold storage in Asia. He has also implemented SOPs for fruit and vegetable exports in collaboration with the Government of India, upgraded refrigeration systems for energy efficiency, and introduced new ERP and IT systems for seamless operations.

Mr Savla has received multiple awards for excellence, including “Best Cold Chain” by CII in 2016 and 2017.

Mr. Narendra K. Modi – General Manager (Planning & Coordination), Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSID), Deputy Director and Technical Advisor , Asian Development Bank.

Mr. Narendra K. Modi is a seasoned infrastructure professional with over 40 years of public sector experience, currently serving as General Manager (Planning & Coordination) at Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSID). As Deputy Director and Technical Advisor, ADB and General Manager, Planning & Coordination, GSID he is at the forefront of planning and executing world-class sports infrastructure projects that form the backbone of India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Previously, as the first-ever Nodal Officer of the Olympic Cell at AUDA, he led India’s maiden Olympic infrastructure readiness study for Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. His portfolio includes pioneering projects such as the Karai Police Sports Academy, the Manipur-Godhavi Sports Complex, and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex—each reflecting his focus on sustainability, accessibility, and athlete-centric design. As Deputy Director and Technical Advisor, he is assisting two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on a project aimed at developing Ahmedabad’s peri-urban areas with Urban Growth Centres and constructing ten bridges over the Sardar Patel Ring Road (Ahmedabad). He is also the former Chief City Engineer for infrastructure development and the water department.

With deep expertise in urban governance, stakeholder coordination, and global financing frameworks, Mr. Modi continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s sports infrastructure landscape.

Shailesh Patwardhan is a highly experienced architect known for his leadership in design innovation and technical excellence. With a career spanning diverse sectors, he has contributed to the successful delivery of numerous high-profile projects, particularly in the areas of façade systems, material integration, and sustainable design. His approach blends creative vision with practical execution, making him a respected voice in the architectural community. As Head of the Architecture Department at Arnita, he continues to influence the evolution of contemporary design practices through his strategic and detail-oriented perspective.

Ar. Prashant Deshmukh is a celebrated architect, consultant, and academician with nearly five decades of experience in industrial, commercial, residential, and educational projects. A rank-holder from J.J. College of Architecture, he has worked with leading Indian business groups including Godrej, Mahindra, Bajaj, L&T, and Bombay Dyeing, and contributed to landmark projects for the Taj Group of Hotels.