Mukesh Chandra Kestwal : Pioneering Sustainable Innovation And Deep-Tech Ecosystem Building
Mukesh Chandra Kestwal
Chief Innovation Officer
Under Mukesh's leadership, iHub - AWaDH (IIT Ropar) has achieved impressive milestones, scaling its startup portfolio to 114 startups since its inception in December 2020, a portfolio securing over ₹96 Cr in external funding and ₹16 Cr in internal investment, resulting in a combined valuation of over ₹1300 Cr. The Hub, supported by ₹110 Cr from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has also raised over ₹20 Cr from various entities including Startup India, DST NIDHI, MeitY, HDFC’s CSR initiatives. Through strategic partnerships with over 220 stakeholders, Mukesh has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation across sectors.
Before joining IIT Ropar, Mukesh worked with the Headstart Network Foundation, India’s largest entrepreneurial volunteer-driven group, where he contributed to the expansion of 25 Head start Hubs. His initiatives enabled over 580 programs that supported startups, incubators, and government collaborations. Mukesh’s background in research and innovation, along with his understanding of the government tech ecosystem, has been key to his success in driving transformative change, particularly in sectors such as deep tech agriculture, water sustain ability, and general sustainability. His dedication to innovation continues to fuel his drive to support India’s growth story and the potential of technology to solve critical challenges.
CEO Insights engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Mukesh Kestwal. Let’s read on.
Could you share your approach to sustain ability and the methodologies you've implemented to promote sustainable agri- culture?
My approach to sustainability is centered around creating impactful solutions through collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem building. At IIT Ropar AWaDH, we focus on leveraging advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to address key challenges for deep tech in agriculture and water management, driving long-term sustainability through corporate and startup engagement.
In the past year, we have secured critical funding such as ₹90 Lakh from HDFC Bank for sustainable innovation, and mobilized ₹10 Cr through programs like Startup India and NIDHI SSS to support startups in these sectors. We have also secured GENESIS funding from MeitY to enable deep-tech startups to scale sustainable innovations. Additionally, we’ve led the development of Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, and through various programs and initiatives onboarded 80+ new startups, growing our portfolio to 114 startups.
Through strategic equity investments totaling ₹10 Cr and a network of over 220 partners, including 55+ investors, we’ve facilitated significant funding for sustainable ventures. From AWaDH Sustain ability Accelerator Program (ASAP) and several other innovation-driven initiatives, such as SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, and SMARTGIS, WATER, IMPACT, to drive market acceleration and commercia- lization, I’ve always believed in 313P model.
My aim is to create a collaborative ecosystem where research, startups, and industry stakeholders align to develop sustainable models that bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application, ultimately empowering communities and contributing to a greener future.
What does technology leadership entail in today’s complex and high-demand technology landscape? As a leader, how do you contribute to this?
Technology leadership today is about driving innovation that not only addresses societal challenges but also ensures scalability, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility. In my current and previous roles, I have secured over ₹30 Cr in funding and facilitated more than ₹210 Cr for incubators, investing in startups across deeptech, agriculture, and sustainability. Through mentoring innovators at over 70 keynote sessions and 800+ events, as well as initiatives like SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, Startup September, AVNI, Bharat Pitchathon, and
Could you share your approach to sustain ability and the methodologies you've implemented to promote sustainable agri- culture?
My approach to sustainability is centered around creating impactful solutions through collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem building. At IIT Ropar AWaDH, we focus on leveraging advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to address key challenges for deep tech in agriculture and water management, driving long-term sustainability through corporate and startup engagement.
My goal is to shape policies that foster equitable innovation, empower future startups, & drive global sustainable progress
In the past year, we have secured critical funding such as ₹90 Lakh from HDFC Bank for sustainable innovation, and mobilized ₹10 Cr through programs like Startup India and NIDHI SSS to support startups in these sectors. We have also secured GENESIS funding from MeitY to enable deep-tech startups to scale sustainable innovations. Additionally, we’ve led the development of Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, and through various programs and initiatives onboarded 80+ new startups, growing our portfolio to 114 startups.
Through strategic equity investments totaling ₹10 Cr and a network of over 220 partners, including 55+ investors, we’ve facilitated significant funding for sustainable ventures. From AWaDH Sustain ability Accelerator Program (ASAP) and several other innovation-driven initiatives, such as SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, and SMARTGIS, WATER, IMPACT, to drive market acceleration and commercia- lization, I’ve always believed in 313P model.
My aim is to create a collaborative ecosystem where research, startups, and industry stakeholders align to develop sustainable models that bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application, ultimately empowering communities and contributing to a greener future.
What does technology leadership entail in today’s complex and high-demand technology landscape? As a leader, how do you contribute to this?
Technology leadership today is about driving innovation that not only addresses societal challenges but also ensures scalability, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility. In my current and previous roles, I have secured over ₹30 Cr in funding and facilitated more than ₹210 Cr for incubators, investing in startups across deeptech, agriculture, and sustainability. Through mentoring innovators at over 70 keynote sessions and 800+ events, as well as initiatives like SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, Startup September, AVNI, Bharat Pitchathon, and
more than 30 innovation challenges, I’ve contributed to empower ventures in over 30 cities. For me, technology leadership is about ensuring that technology leads to meaningful, inclusive, and measurable outcomes that create a positive impact on society.
How would you describe your team? As a leader, what qualities and skills do you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates?
My team reflects the values I hold dear, which are being learners and executioners who thrive on collaboration, innovation, and impactful outcomes. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we’ve built a nationally recognized ecosystem driving deep-tech innovation through a multi disciplinary team.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from inspiring leaders like Dr Pushpendra Singh (AWaDH), Gautham, Taha, Amit (Headstart), and Dr Jitendra Pandey (UPES). Collaborating with talented colleagues such as Dr Radhika, Dr Jayant, Bhushan, Dr Vinay, Renu, and others has enriched my journey and reinforced the power of teamwork.
When building a team, I prioritize doers, adaptability, and a proactive mindset, valuing individuals with teamwork, mutual respect, innovation, and societal impact. Ethicalcandidates aligned with sustainability goals and ownership stand out.
I believe in work-life harmony, focusing on team driven results while fostering personal well-being. This ensures an inclusive, high-performing culture rooted in agility, innovation, and meaningful societal change.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
I envision a future where technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability unites to address global challenges. My immediate goal is to scale IIT Ropar AWaDH into a global innovation hub for deep tech startup expanding our startup portfolio to 150+ ventures by mid-2025 and driving 5x growth for high-potential startups. To achieve this, I plan to establish a fund of funds and a product studio leveraging IIT’s technical ecosystem for scaling transformative deep-tech products.
India's startup revolution presents immense opportunities, and I strive to accelerate it through policy reforms and efficient execution. My goal is to shape policies that foster equitable innovation, empower future startups, and drive global sustainable progress.
Mukesh Chandra Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer, iHub - AWaDH
Mukesh Chandra Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer at IIT Ropar’s iHub - AWaDH, leads India’s deep-tech ecosystem with over a decade of experience. He is driving 114 startups, a portfolio that have raised over ₹100 Cr in funding, and forged 220+ partnerships. With seven patents and a focus on sustainable innovation, he mentors future innovators for global impact.
How would you describe your team? As a leader, what qualities and skills do you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates?
My team reflects the values I hold dear, which are being learners and executioners who thrive on collaboration, innovation, and impactful outcomes. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we’ve built a nationally recognized ecosystem driving deep-tech innovation through a multi disciplinary team.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from inspiring leaders like Dr Pushpendra Singh (AWaDH), Gautham, Taha, Amit (Headstart), and Dr Jitendra Pandey (UPES). Collaborating with talented colleagues such as Dr Radhika, Dr Jayant, Bhushan, Dr Vinay, Renu, and others has enriched my journey and reinforced the power of teamwork.
When building a team, I prioritize doers, adaptability, and a proactive mindset, valuing individuals with teamwork, mutual respect, innovation, and societal impact. Ethicalcandidates aligned with sustainability goals and ownership stand out.
I believe in work-life harmony, focusing on team driven results while fostering personal well-being. This ensures an inclusive, high-performing culture rooted in agility, innovation, and meaningful societal change.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
I envision a future where technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability unites to address global challenges. My immediate goal is to scale IIT Ropar AWaDH into a global innovation hub for deep tech startup expanding our startup portfolio to 150+ ventures by mid-2025 and driving 5x growth for high-potential startups. To achieve this, I plan to establish a fund of funds and a product studio leveraging IIT’s technical ecosystem for scaling transformative deep-tech products.
India's startup revolution presents immense opportunities, and I strive to accelerate it through policy reforms and efficient execution. My goal is to shape policies that foster equitable innovation, empower future startups, and drive global sustainable progress.
Mukesh Chandra Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer, iHub - AWaDH
Mukesh Chandra Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer at IIT Ropar’s iHub - AWaDH, leads India’s deep-tech ecosystem with over a decade of experience. He is driving 114 startups, a portfolio that have raised over ₹100 Cr in funding, and forged 220+ partnerships. With seven patents and a focus on sustainable innovation, he mentors future innovators for global impact.