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Dr Karthik Sankaran appointed as Deshpande Startups’ CEO
Mumbai: Deshpande Startups, India’s largest business incubator, has appointed Dr Karthik Sankaran as the new chief executive officer. With an impressive background in the semiconductor and software industry, Dr Sankaran brings extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of driving innovation. In his new role, he will be leading all four programmes of Deshpande Startups, and spearhead collaboration efforts between the programmes and industries alongside taking care of the day-to-day responsibilities as the CEO.
He has joined Deshpande Startups at a time when the company is rapidly expanding its impact across the Indian startup ecosystem through its state-of-the-art startup incubator at Hubbali in Karnataka. It is also undertaking a multitude of programmes aimed at various aspects of entrepreneurship, startup growth, knowledge-sharing and ESG initiatives.
Speaking about the appointment, Deshpande Foundation CEO Anand Bariya said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr Karthik Sankaran as the CEO of Deshpande Startups. His remarkable experience and leadership in the semiconductor and software industry, coupled with his entrepreneurial background, will be invaluable in guiding our startup programs and strengthening our ties with industries. As we endeavour to contribute to economic and social growth in India by providing incubator support, mentoring and industry guidance to startups, Dr Karthik’s expertise is going to add immense value to our efforts. I wish him all the best in his new endeavour.
Adding further, Deshpande Startups CEO Dr Karthik Sankaran said, “I have always advocated the usage of advanced technologies to solve challenges and achieve social and business objectives. Having been associated with a diversity of companies, over the last three decades, I have seen technology’s impact first-hand. I look forward to working with the talented teams at Deshpande Startups and the startup community to drive meaningful impact and help startups scale and succeed.”
A prominent figure in the software and semiconductor industries in India, Dr Karthik has accumulated over 30 years of experience in the field. Notably, he made significant contributions during his extensive 18-year tenure at Analog Devices, Bangalore, where he served in several executive positions. His leadership was instrumental in establishing a diverse semiconductor product development team in Bangalore, renowned for delivering innovative IC products that catered to the global market. He has also played key roles during his time at ATI Motors. He also has a successful entrepreneurial background, having co-founded Black Lotus Technologies and spearheaded the development of the Black Lotus mobile app for mental well-being.
Possessing an impressive educational background, Dr Sankaran holds an M.S degree, and PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin, USA, and has completed his engineering (BE in Electronics Engineering) from the PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. He is a recipient of the JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians, a prestigious scholarship for meritorious Indian students to study abroad.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
