Before joining IIIT-B, Prof. Sushree had already heard much about the institute from her Ph.D. guide and M.Tech supervisor. The opportunity to engage in both teaching and research is a unique and rare privilege for any professor. The flexible working hours, coupled with the need for promptness in assigned tasks, provide an environment of independence that she believes is unparalleled. According to Prof. Sushree, such a combination of teaching and research freedom is hard to find elsewhere.
Beyond the professional aspects, the appeal of Bangalore adds to her comfort, particularly due to its favorable weather conditions. Living with her brother, Prof. Sushree considers IIIT-B a home away from home.
Amidst her academic commitments, Prof. Sushree makes time for her hobby, which includes painting, drawing, and cooking. Her artistic pursuits, ranging from Madhubani painting to watercolor and acrylic painting, have been a source of meditation and self-discovery for the past four years.
Prof. Sushree is passionate about her research interests in computer vision, medical imaging, machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing. As she embarks on her career journey at IIIT-B, let us extend our best wishes for a successful and fulfilling experience ahead.
Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, Chief Executive Officer, Innovation Centre and Executive VP, COMET Foundation
Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, a trailblazer in academia and entrepreneurship is captivated by the intellectual prowess and research-focused environment present in IIIT-Bangalore. She envisions IIIT-B as a hub for deeptech startups in India.
Having closely followed the institute’s research activities, she recognizes the huge potential for innovation. Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, she initiated the Entrepreneurship Cell by Wadhwani Foundation in 2006, laying the foundation for encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit among students.
In 2015, Dr. Lakshmi enabled Dayananda Sagar Entrepreneurship Research & Business Incubator (DERBI) Foundation as a section 8 company, assuming the role of its first CEO. Through DERBI, she has championed the cause of startups, supporting 300 ventures and investing in 30 entrepreneurs, witnessing valuations doubling in the last few years.
A risk-taker by nature, Dr. Lakshmi emphasizes the pivotal role of risk appetite in entrepreneurship. Her journey from academia to entrepreneurship reflects a commitment to constant learning, meeting challenges head-on and encouraging connections in the dynamic startup ecosystem. She is passionate about startups and actively contributes to multiple ecosystem players like TiE Bangalore, Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and ISBA among others.
She envisions weaving technology into the fabric of entrepreneurship, with a focus on health tech, social tech, and digital public goods at IIIT-B. Driven by a love for gardening and cooking, she finds solace in maintaining cacti, succulents and a small kitchen garden, embodying the perfect blend of academia, innovation, and a zest for life.
Dr. Kannan.V, Program Manager (MINRO & Research Office)
Dr. Kannan V, a man of diverse interests and impactful pursuits, emerges as a unique blend of nature enthusiast, astrophile, chronicler and environmental activist. With a passion for bird watching and a love for nature, he seamlessly transitions into an astrophile, delving into the mysteries of the earth and sky. In addition, Dr. Kannan dons the hat of a chronicler, unraveling fascinating details about various events. His ability to unearth intriguing information, such as his findings around Thyagaraja Aradhane, showcases his insatiable curiosity and commitment to sharing knowledge.
As an environmental activist, Dr. Kannan has left an indelible mark by planting a remarkable 1,900 trees. His journey began at the age of 40, where he decided to plant trees equivalent to his age, exemplifying a personal commitment to environmental stewardship. Adding a dash of humor to his multifaceted personality, Dr. Kannan is also a cartoonist, with a keenness for creating cartoons on politics. This artistic expression serves as a unique outlet for his views on the socio-political issues.
With a professional background as a Senior Regional Sales Manager for South India at Novo Nordisk and an academic foundation in MSc Operational Research, Dr. Kannan brings a perfect combination of skills to his role at MINRO. Eager to work on clear-cut deliverables, his diverse experiences reflect a commitment to making a meaningful impact in both the corporate and environmental spheres.
Dr. Kannan stands as a testament to the idea that a rich and fulfilling life is one that seamlessly integrates passions, pursuits, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
