Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Assumes Role as CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation
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Synopsis
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, an IIT Madras graduate, has been appointed as CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This organization aims to advance research and innovation across India’s academic and industrial sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman is the first CEO of ANRF.
- ANRF was established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023.
- It aims to enhance R&D across universities and research institutions in India.
- The organization has a budget of Rs. 966 crore for FY 2024-25.
- ANRF has launched a new EV Mobility Programme to foster research collaboration.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, a graduate of IIT Madras, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), as announced by the Ministry of Science & Technology on Monday.
ANRF was created under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 (25 of 2023) in July 2024. Its mission is to establish, nurture, and enhance research and development (R&D) while promoting a culture of research and innovation across India's universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
Kalyanaraman stands as the inaugural CEO of ANRF, following the leadership of Professor Abhay Karandikar, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
“I am confident that he will guide ANRF to new heights,” remarked Karandikar, who acted as the interim CEO of ANRF, in a LinkedIn post.
Kalyanaraman previously held the title of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in the Energy Industry for Asia at Microsoft. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both IIT Madras and Ohio State University (2021). Additionally, Kalyanaraman is a Fellow of IEEE (2010), a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (2015), an ACM Distinguished Scientist (2010), a member of the Microsoft Gold Club (2024), and a Technology Review TR100 young innovator (1999).
ANRF is designated to serve as a leading authority providing strategic direction for scientific research in the nation, aligning with the directives of the National Education Policy (NEP).
This apex research organization will cultivate collaborations between industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions, establishing a framework for industry and state government involvement alongside scientific and line ministries.
The provisions of the ANRF Act, 2023 became effective on February 5, 2024. For the fiscal year 2024-25, ANRF has received an allocation of Rs. 966 crore. A variety of programs have been developed for ANRF's implementation, focusing on positioning India globally in critical sectors; advancing scientific breakthroughs and innovation ecosystems; and enhancing research and innovation via the private sector.
Recently, ANRF initiated an Electric Vehicle (EV) Mobility Programme under the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA), targeting solution-oriented research in a mission-driven approach that encourages collaboration among institutions, disciplines, and investigators, closely involving industry.
Industry partners are required to contribute a portion of the funding, either in cash or in-kind, for the project's successful execution. At least 10 percent of the proposed project cost must be financed by industry stakeholders in cash.
