Chanakya University’s Chanakya Convergence Forum Brings Together Space-Tech Leaders and Academia in Bengaluru

Chanakya University’s Chanakya Convergence Forum Brings Together Space-Tech Leaders and Academia in Bengaluru

New Delhi [India], September 12: Chanakya University hosted the Chanakya Convergence Forum (CCF), an academia-industry engagement series, on September 10, 2026 at Accel LaunchPad, Koramangala.

The inaugural edition brought together leaders and practitioners from India’s space technology ecosystem for an evening of knowledge sharing and networking around the future of India’s space economy.

Themed “India’s Space Economy & The Next Decade,” the Forum opened with a keynote address from Dr. S. Somanath, Chancellor, Chanakya University and Former Chairman, ISRO, who spoke on the need for sustained investment in space research and allied sectors for national development. He urged industry partners to collaborate with Chanakya on R&D so that future innovators in the field get hands-on training.

This was followed by a panel discussion, “Who Will Build India’s Space-Tech Future?”, featuring Sri Prashanth Prakash, Partner at Accel India, Sri Suyash Singh, Co-founder of GalaxEye Space, and Prof. Duvvuri Subrahmanyam, IISc. Sri Prashanth Prakash noted that India’s private space-tech sector is still in its early days and has exciting days ahead, Sri Suyash Singh spoke on the need for greater innovation and policy support, and Prof. Duvvuri Subrahmanyam expressed confidence in closer academia-industry alignment for space research.

The Forum felicitated Prof. P.A. Ramakrishna from IIT Madras, Dr. V. R. Lalithambika from ISRO, Sri Suyash Singh from GalaxEye Space, and Prof. Duvvuri Subrahmanyam from IISc for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the space sector in India.

Sri Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the need to invest further in infrastructure and RCD for India’s economy. He urged young people in the audience to dream big, build startups and create jobs, and while being candid about gaps in policy, reform and governance, closed on an optimistic note about India’s path to becoming a developed nation.

At the event, Prof. S. Sadagopan, Founding Director, IIIT-B launched the Centre for Technology Development and Consultancy (CTDC), through which the University will work directly with industry and startups to develop, test and deploy technology solutions. CTDC’s mandate spans technology co-development, IP and research commercialisation, industry consultancy, executive education and incubation support for young innovators.

The University also launched the Chanakya SpaceTech Fellowship (2026–27), an industry-academia initiative placing young researchers on industry problems sponsored by industry partners. Fellows will work across domains including satellite communications, earth observation, space robotics, radar signal processing, hyperspectral imaging and space debris tracking. Prof. H. S. Subramanya, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Chanakya University invited companies to join Chanakya through the fellowship along with research collaboration on other high-tech sectors such as mobility, pharma and devices, and artificial intelligence.

The Forum saw participation from space-tech companies including Nibe Industries, Collins Aerospace, GalaxEye Space and EtherealIX, alongside venture capital firms such as 3One4 Capital, Momentum Capital, Pratithi and the Kris Gopalakrishnan Family Office, offering a platform for founders, investors and researchers to connect. Other prominent guests included entrepreneur Sri Madan Padaki, Sri Umakant Soni from Bharat1.AI, Smt. Malini Goyal from UnboxingBlr, Prof. Aloke Kumar from IISc, and many more.

Pro-Chancellor Sri M.P. Kumar delivered the closing remarks, describing the CCF as the institution’s step toward integrating industry with academia and reaffirming Chanakya’s commitment to building a culture of industry-aligned research and curriculum.

The Chanakya Convergence Forum is a flagship platform bringing together leaders and thinkers to engage with questions that matter and ideas that can shape the future, with each edition centred on a theme at the intersection of industry, research, entrepreneurship and institutions.

Dr. S. Somanath Assumes Office as Chancellor of Chanakya University; Reconstituted Board of Governors Announced

Dr. S. Somanath Assumes Office as Chancellor of Chanakya University; Reconstituted Board of Governors Announced

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: Chanakya University marked a momentous occasion today as Dr. S. Somanath, Eminent Scientist and Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), officially assumed office as the Chancellor of Chanakya University on 12th June 2025. In his inaugural address, he laid out a bold and inspiring vision for the University’s future, urging the academic community to go beyond conventional benchmarks and focus on shaping the character and competence of every student. He envisioned Chanakya University as a modern-day Nalanda or Takshashila–rooted in India’s civilizational values and responsive to future challenges.

Highlighting a critical structural gap, Dr. Somanath called attention to the disconnect between academia and industry. He emphasized that academic research must feed into the nation’s economic growth and encouraged Chanakya University to take the lead in pioneering high-impact, industry-relevant innovation.

He also spoke about the need to cultivate an ecosystem that naturally attracts top talent from around the world–a space where growth, innovation, and collaboration thrive, and where students aspire to be part of a larger mission.

The event was graced by Founder Chancellor Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Pro-Chancellor Sri M. P. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. H. S. Subramanya, Chief Operating Officer Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Registrar, Deans, Department Heads, Faculty, Staff, and Students–marking a transformative new chapter in the University’s journey.

The university also announced the reconstitution of its Board of Governors in accordance with the Chanakya University Act. Dr. Somanath will chair the newly formed Board, which includes a distinguished panel of leaders from academia and industry:

  • Prof. M.K. Sridhar, Padma Shri Awardee and President, Centre for Educational and Social Studies, Bengaluru.
  • Sri M.P. Kumar, Pro Chancellor, Chanakya University, Ex-Officio.
  • Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University.
  • Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Axilor Ventures; Co-founder, Infosys.
  • Sri T.V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners.
  • Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (UGC nominee).
  • Prof. B. Mahadevan, Former Professor, IIM Bangalore.
  • Prof. Nandini N., Former Professor, Bangalore University.
  • Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Secretary, Centre for Educational and Social Studies.
  • Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka (Ex-Officio Member).
  • Prof. H.S. Subramanya, Pro Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University.
  • Prof. Sushanth T Joshi, Registrar, Chanakya University.

This dynamic leadership team signals a bold new chapter for Chanakya University as it aspires to become a global hub of learning, innovation, and societal transformation–anchored in India’s timeless civilisational values.

Deekshanta Samarambha 2025 – First Convocation ceremony of Chanakya University

Deekshanta Samarambha 2025 – First Convocation ceremony of Chanakya University

Chanakya University celebrated a momentous milestone today with its first convocation ceremony, Deekshanta Samarambha 2025, held at the University’s global campus, in Bangalore. The grand event witnessed an august gathering of luminaries from various fields, faculty, students, and proud parents. Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor welcomed the gathering.

His Excellency Governor of Karnataka and Visitor to Chanakya University Sri Thaawarchand Gehlot in his message “l am delighted to know that Chanakya University is celebrating its first convocation ‘Deekshanta Samarambha 25’. I am glad that Chanakya University is built on the idealistic principles of collective philanthropy for social aspiration representing the true idea of India and that it has been nurtured with qualities rooted in Indian traditions and universal values. I send my best wishes and warm greetings to the Management, members, and Students and I wish greater glory to Chanakya University”.

In his message, Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Pro-Visitor and Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, lauded the University’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and its efforts to empower students to become global leaders. He emphasized the role of higher education in driving societal transformation and congratulated the graduating students on their remarkable achievements. “Deekshanta Samarambha 2025 is a significant moment not only for Chanakya University but also for the higher education landscape in Karnataka. It symbolizes the culmination of rigorous academic pursuit and the beginning of a journey to contribute meaningfully to society,”.

The event’s highlight was the Convocation address delivered by Sri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate and renowned child rights activist. In his inspiring Convocation address speech, Sri Satyarthi urged, “As you embark on this new journey, I urge you to remember that compassion is the foundation upon which we build a just and equitable society. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of every child are protected and nurtured.”

“Dream of a world where every child can grow up with dignity and freedom. Discover your own unique strengths and passions and use them to make a positive impact. Do realize your dream and execute in your life and do not be afraid to challenge the status quo and push for change”.

“But remember, with every right comes a responsibility. The responsibility is to act, speak out, and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. As you go forth, I charge you to be the champions of child rights, to be the guardians of compassion, and to be the leaders of a brighter, more just future”.

During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon the first graduating batch of students across various disciplines. Outstanding achievers were honored for their exemplary performance.

Chanakya University, established to redefine higher education through innovation and inclusivity, takes immense pride in its first convocation. The university remains committed to empowering young minds and contributing to nation-building through academic excellence and research.

Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Chancellor of Chanakya University, presided over, Sri M. P. Kumar, Pro-Chancellor; Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman Axilor Ventures Co-founder Infosys, Prof. B. Mahadevan, Professor IIM -B, Bangalore; Prof. L. Gomathi Devi, Vice – Chancellor, Maharani Cluster University; Justice A. V. Chandrashekhar, Former Judge High Court of Karnataka; Dr. Sushant T Joshi, Registrar; Dr. Sandeep Nair, Registrar (Evaluation), Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Chief Operating Officer; Members of the Board of Governors, Board of Management, Academic Council, Deans of various Schools, Faculty, and Staff graced the occasion during the Convocation ceremony.