2024 FEATURED SPEAKERS

AESA
The Architects, Engineers &
Surveyors Association, Pune
Ar. Mahesh Bangad
With an Industry experience of 16 Years and a Professional career of over 13 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 has represented Maharashtra at the UNESCO-INTACH World Heritage Forum for Youth in Delhi in 2016. He is an Associate Life Member of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Associate Life Member of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), Associate Member of the ICOMOS, India, an Affiliate Member of ISHRAE and an Associate Member of IGBC.

Vice president Advisory
Chemicals & Materials Advisory
NEERAJ VERMA
An experienced strategic consultant with 20+ years of experience in the Chemical & Materials industry with 9 years as a materials scientist for the past 10 years he has executed many strategic projects in areas of Plastics recycling, Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes, strategic analysis of isocyanates in India, Bio-based and Fluorinated lubricants, adhesives & sealants, materials involved in renewable energy, composites, coatings, textile chemicals, insulation materials, glass materials, catalysts, and construction chemicals.
He has developed more than 10 products/technologies in the areas of PU-based adhesives, high-temperature fluorinated polymers, renewable energy markets, insulation materials, natural fiber-reinforced composites, natural gums, fluorochemicals, herbal products, electronic coatings, etc.

Business Development Manager
IAL Consultants, a division of BRG Group
Philipp Propst
Philipp’s studies combined work experience with an extensive company-funded education program, which included a three-year course at a chemistry school in Graz, Austria, practical experience in various fields, tailored polyurethane courses and an internal education system focused on organic chemistry. Philipp also spent four years at Cytec (now Allnex), working in the research and development of water-based polyurethane resins.
After moving to the UK, Philipp gained further work experience in the Prestige Fine Fragrance Department at Procter and Gamble, focusing on reformulation and odour evaluation. After 2.5 years, and some experience at a pharmaceutical company, Philipp joined certification and testing company SGS as a REACH Project Coordinator, managing the REACH program for a big retailer in the UK.
Philipp joined IAL as an Analyst in 2016 and has worked on various market reports, including SPF/OCF, PUDs, TPU and thermal insulation, and has also been heavily involved in our flagship reports PU EMEA, PU APAC, and PU Americas. He has also worked extensively on single-client studies focusing on polyurethanes and thermal insulation. He is now in the role of Project Manager.

Sustainability Consultant
Conserve Consultants
Sharma Ravikumar
As a sustainability engineer, I drive sustainability strategies across diverse sectors, including Pharma, Real Estate, Interiors, and Manufacturing. With over 5 years plus of experience and involvement in more than 40 plus green building and Net Zero projects—such as Phoenix, CtrlS, Sheth Developers, Kajaria, Gulf Oil, Cipla, Arnita Consultants, and many more—I have developed in-depth expertise in green building certifications like IGBC, LEED, EDGE, WELL, Net zero water & electricity and LCA for products and buildings. Additionally, I have successfully developed over 15 green products and formulated strategies for low carbon footprint and decarbonization in new buildings. I also possess hands-on experience with frameworks such as BRSR, GRI, TCFD, GRESB, and the GHG protocol & accounting.

Professor and Group Leader
Centre for Nano and Material Science, Jain University
Prof. S.K. Nataraj
Prof. S.K. Nataraj is currently working as Professor at Centre for Nano and Material Sciences (CNMS), Jain University, Bangalore, India and Brain Pool Visiting Professor at Chonnam National University South Korea on Brain Pool Outstanding Overseas Scientist Fellowship. He obtained his PhD on ‘Membrane Based Separation Processes for Industrial Effluent Treatment’ in 2008 from Centre of Excellence in Polymer Science (CEPS), Karnatak University, Dharwad, India. Immediately after completion of PhD, he moved to Alan G MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute (AMERI), Chonnam National University, South Korea to pursue Postdoctoral Associate assignment (2007-2009) to work on Energy Materials.
During 2009-10, he accepted a second assignment as Postdoctoral Associate at Institute of Atomic Molecular Sciences (IAMS), Academia Sinica, Taiwan to develop ion-exchange membranes for Fuel Cell applications. Further, he worked as Qatar University visiting fellow at Cambridge University (2010-11) and continued as full time Postdoctoral Research Associate (2011-2013) at Cavendish Laboratory, University Cambridge, UK. Later, he moved to India to work as DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellow (2013-2015) at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar where his main areas of research were to develop Sustainable Materials and Processes for Energy and Environmental applications including Supercapacitors, Fuel Cells, Membrane processes for wastewater treatment, Functional Nanomaterial-based devices for wastewater treatment and the value addition of bioresources. Based on his achievements, he has been awarded as best researcher from Jain University for the year 2017 and has been admitted to prestigious as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), London, UK. SKN Serves as Associate Editor of AQUA - Water infrastructure, Ecosystems and Society (IF=4.3) and Editorial Board member of General Chemistry, Frontiers in Membrane Science and Technology, Current Indian Sciences and so on.

Senior Tech Specialist – Design & Manufacturing
Altair Engineering
Shibashis Ghosh
Shibashis Ghosh, a graduate production engineer and postgrad in business management, spent over 15 years in design-development of product/system for automobile and heavy earthmoving equipment industries. Before joining Altair he worked for Kirloskar Oil Engines, Tata Motors and John Deere.
In his present role as Sr. Technical Manager – Design & Manufacturing, he is helping product creators with optimum and manufacturing defect free components and systems.
In spare time he works for his blog mechGuru.com

Chief Operating Officer, Cannon Indikos,
Environmental Architect, Academician, Project Manager
VINOD PUROHIT
My professional goal is to transform and position organizations as market leaders by enhancing team efficiency to exceed corporate objectives and helping customers achieve their goals. This is where my strengths lie.
I am currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Cannon Indikos since 2021. Prior to this, I was the Vice President at Expanded Polymer Systems from 2010 to 2020. I also held the role of Senior Manager in Sales at Reliance Industries Ltd. from 2005 to 2009, Deputy Manager in Business Development at BMDL from 1999 to 2004, and Scientist B at J K Tyre from 1994 to 1996.
My educational background includes a Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, a Master's degree in Polymer Science & Technology, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and a Certificate in Financial Analysis of Business from IIMA.

Managing Director, Jay Elastomers PVT Ltd
JAYANT KHADILKAR
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.

Director, Chemie Products Private Limited
Gaurav Sachdeva
Gaurav Sachdeva is a B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry graduate from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, India. He has been working in Chemie Products Private Limited since 2008. He is the son of the founder Mr. Ashok K Sachdeva and is working as the Director in the company. He has experience in PU Industry for the past 16 years handling the operations, NPD, Sales and Marketing, etc. During his tenure the company has ventured into Automotive Industry, Liquid Colorants and additives. He has developed a capable team and the company has grown manifolds under his leadership.

Executive Director, Shakun Industries
Keshav Goyal
Bridging the realms of chemistry and creativity, Keshav Goyal is a relentless innovator passionate about crafting next-gen solutions in the polyurethane industry. From packaging foams to high-tech automotive materials, he pushes boundaries, blending science with strategy to develop standout products. With a sharp focus on sustainability and an entrepreneurial spirit, Keshav reimagines what’s possible in manufacturing, always eager to connect and collaborate on future-forward projects.

Marketing, Polyurethanes, BASF Asia Pacific
Mohnish Hasrajani

National Hon. Gen. Treasurer-Elect, Builders' Association of India
Aniruddha Nakhawa
Recently, I was appointed as the Head of Delegation for the Blended Learning Program in Building Automation Systems held in Germany, under the Bilateral Agreement between India and Germany for Technology Transfer, facilitated by the Government of India, Ministry of Skill Development. My research contributions include presenting a case study on "800 Buildings for Corrosion and Residual Life" at the RILEM 2023 meet in Vancouver, the ACI International Session in San Francisco in April 2023, and the CBMT 2021 conference in Istanbul. Additionally, I served as a Steering Committee member and speaker at NITI Aayog’s CIDC International Conference on "Reviving the Construction Industry in a Post-COVID World" during the Indian Construction Week 2020.
With extensive professional experience, I have successfully designed over 800 low to high-rise structures (up to 35 storeys) and audited more than 6,000 buildings across Mumbai, Thane, and suburban regions in Maharashtra and Gujarat. My portfolio also includes assisting in over 250 structural and civil repair projects for buildings and bridges, designing and completing 1,500+ community toilet blocks for municipal bodies like MMRDA and MCGM, and delivering 2,000+ microwave towers across Maharashtra and Goa.
My work has been widely published, with papers featured in leading institutions like the University of Leeds, Purdue, and Istanbul, as well as prestigious journals and magazines, including the Indian Construction Journal and Mumbai Construction. This extensive body of work underscores my commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.

Head of International Sales, Prakash Textiles
Paras Jain
I am Paras jain, an Entrepreneur & MBA by profession.
Joined Prakash Textile Mills in 2013 & in the span of 11+ years, gained a rich experience in technical textiles.
Prakash Textile Mills, situated at Ahmedabad, India - one of the most renowned manufacturers of Bedding Fabric since 1998.
Products :
~ Mattress Ticking Fabric
~ Pillows & Comforter Fabric
~ Imported 100% pure Natural LATEX (Mattresses & Pillows)
More than 25 years in this industry , our professional teams are structurized in different stages in order to supply the error free & best quality fabric.
~ Procurement Team
~ Production Engineers Team
~ Designers Team
~ Cutting, Packaging, Folding & Rolling Team
~ Quality control & Inspection Team
~ Warehousing & Dispatch Team
Knitted fabric collection
~ Pure Organic Cotton Fabric (GOTS certified)
~ Cooling Fabric with as high as upto 75% Cooling
~ Spun Fabric
~ Melange series fabric
~ Filament Fabric
We have a database of thousands of designs, an extensive collection in this industry.
Our company is ISO 9001 Quality certified & our 100% yarn vendors are OEKO-TEX certified.

Plant Head, The Sleep Company
Dhiraj Rathod
Dhiraj Rathod is an experienced Operations Head with over 10 years in cross-functional roles across diverse industries. Currently, Associate Director of Operations at The Sleep Company, he has interest in optimizing processes, solving problems , launching new products, and expanding operations nationally. Dhiraj’s expertise lies in business strategy, team leadership, and operational efficiency, with a proven track record in improving performance and scaling businesses. His focus on customer-centric solutions and talent development makes him a key figure in the operations space.

General Manager - Operations, Duroflex India Pvt Ltd
Jomi Thomas

Business Analyst, Chemicals, Argus Media
Anshu Pandey