“True innovation lies at the intersection of technology, ethics, and nation building. When intelligence meets purpose, transformation becomes inevitable.”

— Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar

About Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar

Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar stands as a globally recognized thought leader at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), digital transformation, and technology-led nation building. With over 25 years of cross-continental leadership experience spanning Europe, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India, he brings a rare blend of strategic foresight, operational scale, and policy influence to the global technology discourse.

Academically distinguished, with a Doctorate in Computer Science and Engineering and advanced global management education from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Dr. Bhatnagar integrates research depth with practical enterprise execution. His global exposure across continents has honed his cultural intelligence, enabling him to lead diverse, cross-functional teams and multinational collaborations with integrity and vision.

On a global thought leadership platform, Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar represents a rare synthesis of technologist, strategist, policy influencer, educator, and humanitarian. His work transcends corporate achievement to influence ecosystems, standards, and narratives shaping the future of AI, IoT, and digital societies. He continues to champion a model of leadership that is globally relevant, ethically grounded, innovation-driven, and profoundly human-centric.

Architect of Future-Focused Innovation Ecosystems

As Chairman of Futred Innovation Studio, Dr. Bhatnagar is architecting a future-facing innovation ecosystem that integrates deep-tech, AI, next-generation business models, and academic transformation to prepare industries and institutions for the AI age. His vision extends beyond commercial success toward building resilient, scalable, and ethically aligned innovation frameworks.

Complementing this role, he serves as Chairman of the IET Future Tech Panel, a globally connected platform curating high-impact dialogue and policy recommendations around emerging technologies. Through this forum, he actively contributes to positioning India as a credible and influential voice in global future-technology leadership.

Global Executive Leadership & Enterprise Transformation

Dr. Bhatnagar’s global credibility is rooted in executive leadership across multinational corporations.

As President and Board Member at Aeris Communications, he spearheaded worldwide digital solutions and founded Aeris India, scaling it into a high-growth end-to-end IoT enterprise. Under his leadership, Aeris India achieved USD 10 million in revenue within three years—one of the fastest growth trajectories in the company’s global operations. He repositioned IoT from connectivity infrastructure to a transformative digital architecture enabling smart cities, connected healthcare, industrial automation, and sustainable infrastructure.

Previously, as Global Head for Digital Enterprise Services at Tech Mahindra, he managed a USD 500 million digital portfolio and led multi-million-dollar, multi-year engagements with global enterprises including AT&T and Deutsche Telekom. He also played a pivotal role during the integration of Satyam with Tech Mahindra—demonstrating strategic resilience and governance leadership in one of India’s most significant corporate transformations.

Earlier, at HCL Perot Systems, including as Director for Ireland operations, he built a USD 15 million portfolio from scratch within three years, strengthening his global execution credentials.

Published Author & Global Technology Evangelist

A published author and global speaker, Dr. Bhatnagar co-authored Enterprise IoT, launched in Berlin alongside global industry leaders, contributing foundational thinking to enterprise IoT architecture and digital transformation.

He founded the IET IoT Panel in India in 2015 (now evolved into the IET Future Tech Panel), creating a respected cross-border collaboration platform for technologists, policymakers, academia, and industry leaders.

As Chairman of the CII IoT Summit since 2018 and Member of the CII National AI Forum, he continues to shape strategic dialogues influencing industry standards, AI governance frameworks, and national digital policy.

Policy Influence & National Advisory Leadership

Dr. Bhatnagar’s influence extends into advisory roles at the highest levels of governance. He advises the Government of India on digital strategy, IoT policy, telemedicine frameworks, and digital health standards, contributing to national digital infrastructure and startup ecosystem development.

His role as Jury Member for the CII National AI Awards and the Gyan Bhartam Mission Awards under the Ministry of Culture reinforces his standing as a trusted evaluator of innovation excellence and societal contribution.

Through these engagements, he bridges policy, industry, and research—ensuring that innovation remains ethically grounded and nationally aligned.

Core Thought Leadership Pillars

Dr. Bhatnagar’s intellectual and strategic contributions are defined by three core pillars:

• Ethical AI Governance: Advocating responsible AI deployment, transparent algorithms, and governance frameworks that balance innovation with societal accountability.

• Technology-Enabled Inclusive Growth: Designing scalable digital models that expand access to healthcare, financial inclusion, smart infrastructure, and sustainable development.

• Education Transformation for the AI Era: As National Convenor for Education and Technology at Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal, he champions curriculum modernization, integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with emerging technologies, and stronger academia-industry linkages.

He frequently addresses IITs, IIMs, and global institutions—mentoring future leaders and promoting interdisciplinary innovation.

Humanitarian Leadership & Social Impact

Beyond enterprise and policy, his leadership philosophy is anchored in humanitarian commitment. As Chairman of Ankitgram Sewadham Ashram, he supports the welfare of over 1,150 physically and mentally challenged residents—demonstrating his belief that technology and leadership must ultimately serve humanity.

His work reflects a balanced integration of innovation, ethics, and compassion.

Academic Distinction & Global Perspective

Academically distinguished, Dr. Bhatnagar holds a Doctorate in Computer Science and Engineering and advanced global management education from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

His global exposure across continents has honed his cultural intelligence, enabling him to lead diverse, cross-functional teams and multinational collaborations with integrity, adaptability, and strategic clarity.

A Human-Centric Model of Global Leadership

On a global thought leadership platform, Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar represents a rare synthesis of technologist, strategist, policy influencer, educator, and humanitarian.

His work transcends corporate achievement to influence ecosystems, standards, and narratives shaping the future of AI, IoT, and digital societies. He champions a leadership model that is:

  • Globally relevant

  • Ethically grounded

  • Innovation-driven

  • Nation-focused

  • Deeply human-centric

Dr. Bhatnagar continues to shape conversations and frameworks that define how intelligent technologies can responsibly power the future of economies, institutions, and societies worldwide.

Business Leadership

    • Chairman of Futred Innovation Studios: As Chairman of Futred Innovation Studios, Dr. Bhatnagar is architecting a future-facing innovation ecosystem that integrates deep-tech, AI, next- generation business models, and academic transformation to prepare        industries and institutions for the AI age.
    • Co-Founder & Managing Director (India) & Global CTO – AA2IT India Pvt. Ltd: Driving digital transformation and global technology strategy for AA2IT, leading operations in India and providing technical leadership across international markets. Focus on building scalable solutions, enterprise-grade IT services, and innovation-driven business growth.
    • President – Muni Educare Coexistence Pvt. Ltd: Leading initiatives in education, sustainability, and social coexistence. Responsible for designing programs that integrate technology and traditional knowledge to create inclusive learning and community development models.
    • Chairman – RCICO Organic Pvt. Ltd: Heading efforts to promote organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Providing strategic direction for scaling organic produce, farmer empowerment, and supply chain development.
    • Board of Trustees – Farmer Producer Company Ltd: Supporting governance and decision-making to strengthen farmer producer organizations (FPOs). Guiding strategies for farmer welfare, market access, and technology-driven agriculture.
    • Vice President – Research for Resurgence Foundation: Driving research programs that bridge science, technology, and Indian knowledge systems. Focus on agricultural innovation, sustainable technologies, and policy-level impact to build Atmanirbhar Bharat.

 

 

 

 

Affiliations

Chairperson

Broadbank India Forum, IoT & AI Committee (Till 2023)
IET India-IoT Panel 2015-2023
Elecrama’s IoT, AI & Electricity Track
CII IoT Summit since 2018
The IET Future Tech Congress since 2016
‘Ankitgram’ Sewadham Ashram, Ujjain
Ex-President, Lava International
National Convener of Education and Technology, Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal

Member

National Committee on Technology and the IoT Core Panel
NASSCOM Smart Cities Task Force and the Startup Core Committee
Standards and Guidelines Committee for Machine-to-Machine in India
Advisory Committee, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Kaushal Kendra, a UGC initiative for skill development from industry in India
Standing invitee to the IEEMA Executive Council
Member of Technical Committee of NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers)
TIFAC – Technology Information Forecasting Assessment Council
Governing Council of the CII – Tata Communications Centre for Digital Transformation
CII National Mission on Technology, Research and Innovation & CII National Committee on IT/ITeS
Board of Studies for M.Tech CSE, Center for Advanced Studies, AKTU, UP

Advisor & Mentor

A PAN India startup hub providing end to end assistance to startups
Supports startups by providing early-stage funding
An Entrepreneurship Development initiative of Sharda University
Conference Advisory Body
Advisor for IoT India Expo 2016, 2017 & 2018
Conference Advisory Body
IoT International Exhibition & Conference
Innovation led Entrepreneurship Summit
Transforma Insights, UK
FluxGen (Technology Start-up)
Kindly (Technology Start-up)
Manacle Technologies (Start-up)
TIFAC – DPR on Advanced Technologies in Agriculture & the Tele-medicine project

Publications

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar was recognized as one among the “50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders (Global Listing)” by World CSR Day in 2017

SAP also conferred Dr Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar with the “Digitalist Thought-leader” award by SAP at the SAP ACE Awards that were held in 2015

Adjudged the “Most Influential amongst the Thought Leaders in the Business Insights domain — Digitizing Assets & Internet of Things” for 2015 by SAP

He was also recognized as the “Most Influential Digital Media Professional” by World Marketing Congress and Conference and Awards in 2015

A Glimpse Of The Journey So Far