Abhay Karandikar appointed as Secretary- Department of Science & Technology

Shri Abhay Karandikar is a distinguished scholar and academician with a rich educational background. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, earned in 1995. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree in the same discipline at the same institution, further demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence. Notably, he secured the top position in Electronics Engineering during his Bachelor’s program at Jiwaji University, Gwalior.

With a career spanning over two decades, Shri Karandikar has been a prominent figure at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). He assumed roles of increasing responsibility, from Assistant Professor to Professor & Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering. His expertise lies in Wireless Communications Networks, Computer Communications Networks, Communications System Theory, and Digital System Design.

Beyond academia, Prof Karandikar has made significant contributions to the field of technology development and standards. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the design of the PARAM 9000 Super Computer’s Interconnection Networks during his tenure at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune. He also conducted research on ATM Flow Control and large ATM switches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Prof Karandikar’s administrative leadership at IIT Bombay has been instrumental in shaping the department’s growth. He spearheaded initiatives to enhance faculty strength, revamped admission processes, and improved infrastructure. Additionally, he held various key positions at the national level, including Secretary of Telecom Standards Development Society India (TSDSI) and Coordinator of the National Centre for Excellence in Technologies for Internal Security (NCETIS).

His impact also extends to industry collaborations and consultancy. Prof Karandikar actively participated in technology licensing endeavors, contributing to advancements in areas such as wireless networks, broadband access, and emergency communication systems. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous Ph.D. theses, and his dedication to education is underscored by the introduction of new courses and the establishment of specialized labs.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Shri Karandikar has received several prestigious awards, including the VASVIK Industrial Research Award and the NASI-Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award. He has been the driving force behind sponsored research projects, garnering substantial funding to support his academic pursuits. Overall, Abhay Karandikar’s multifaceted career underscores his immense contributions to academia, technology development, and national-level initiatives in the field of Electrical Engineering.