IfIA Bharat's Board of Experts

Dr. Bhavani P V is an accomplished Biotechnologist with a remarkable academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Biotechnology. Currently serving as the Co-Founder of Pentavalent Bio Sciences Private Limited in Bangalore, she has received prestigious awards such as the Biotechnology Ignition Grant and Elevate 100 grant-in-aid funding. With a focus on innovation, Dr. Bhavani has developed multiple technologies and filed several patents. She provides her scientific expertise as an Advisor/Consultant to various Biotechnology Start-ups. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through awards like the Tata Social Enterprises Challenge First Prize and the BEST ABLE First Prize. Dr. Bhavani's exceptional achievements in academia and her dedication to advancing Biotechnology demonstrate her outstanding skills and commitment to the field. 

Dr. Manisha Acharya is an experienced professional specializing in startup ecosystem development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the startup landscape in India. Dr. Acharya has held positions as a mentor, consultant, and CEO of several organizations, making significant contributions to the entrepreneurial community. She founded WEneurs Forum, a platform dedicated to women-led startups, and served as CEO of Indigram Labs Foundation, a technology business incubator supported by the Government of India. Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Acharya has received accolades such as the British Chevening Fellowship in Science, Research, and Innovation. Her unwavering passion for entrepreneurship and innovation drives her ongoing efforts to develop and support the startup ecosystem in India. 

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmanishaacharya 

Dr. Chef Avin Thaliath is a highly accomplished and renowned figure in the field of baking and patisserie. With a diverse educational background including a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management, an MBA in Human Resources, and a PhD in oenology studies, he is not only a celebrated baker and patisserie artist but also an academic.

In his role as the Director of Academics at Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts in India, Dr. Chef Avin Thaliath is dedicated to nurturing and shaping the next generation of baking and patisserie experts. He holds prominent positions such as Vice-President for the Pastry Council of India and memberships in esteemed culinary associations like WACS and IFCA.

With years of industry experience, Dr. Chef Avin Thaliath has honed his skills as a baker and patisserie artist, having worked with renowned establishments such as The Taj Hotels and The Orchids. He has also interned under Chef Antonio Texeira and worked with esteemed establishments in Paris, France.

As an author, speaker, and researcher, Dr. Chef Avin Thaliath has presented award-winning papers at top-level industry summits and has authored numerous academic journals, books, and monographs. His expertise is recognized globally, as he serves as a Deputy Chief Expert for WorldSkills International, a WorldSkills Expert and Jury Member, and Chief Expert for India Skills.

From his roots in Bangalore to his experiences in Paris, Dr. Chef Avin Thaliath has made a lasting impact on the culinary world. His unwavering passion for learning and innovation continues to inspire others and push the boundaries of baking and patisserie.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chef-avin-thaliath-10653251 

Juli Shively, the Chief Operations Officer at Innovation World™ and Co-Founder of the Global Innovation Field Trip (GIFT), is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in customer support and operations management. With over 30 years of experience in these fields, she has also dedicated more than 22 years to developing and implementing STEAM programming for students, both locally and globally.

As the Architect of the Innovation World Alliance, Innovation World Podcast Series, and the Young Collaborators Podcast Series, Juli Shively is committed to supporting and empowering young innovators, educators, and those who inspire innovation. She recognizes the vast opportunities for students to explore innovation and believes in the role of educators and program leaders to inspire and guide them on their journey.

Juli Shively actively contributes to the innovation community as an Ambassador for the United Inventors Association, a member of the Steering Committee of the National Innovator Challenge, and a proud member of InventFuture.Global. Her dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of innovators is unwavering.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/julishively 

Jake Mendelssohn's passion for invention and engineering started at a young age, building his first creations with wooden sticks. He pursued his interest by obtaining an Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. With his expertise, he has designed various electronic and micro-controller based commercial products, launched companies for their manufacturing and sales, and provided consulting services to improve manufacturing capabilities across industries.

Committed to inspiring the next generation, Jake has taught advanced technical courses at universities and secondary schools in the United States. He played a pivotal role in establishing organizations like the Connecticut Invention Convention, STEMIE Coalition, InventFuture.Global, and the Global Innovation Field Trip. For nearly four decades, he has collaborated with these organizations to foster creativity and problem-solving skills among students from kindergarten to grade 12.

Jake feels privileged to collaborate with talented individuals worldwide, channeling their energy and skills to advance real-world education and promote innovative achievements among students globally.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-mendelssohn-b81521a2 

 Soumanil is a highly motivated and organized professional with over 15 years of management experience. He excels in maintaining productivity and delivering high-quality services. With his expertise in Ed-Tech, he successfully handles national-level turnkey projects, demonstrating technical know-how and effective leadership. Soumanil's diverse skill set includes market research, content writing, product marketing, and business development, complemented by his strong background in project management and customer relations. Notably, he has contributed significantly to national CSR projects focused on skilling and livelihood, impacting thousands of beneficiaries. Currently, in his role within the Strategic Alliances Division, Soumanil facilitates partnerships between state governments, public sector undertakings, and India's research and start-up innovation ecosystem. Beyond work, he indulges in his hobbies of cooking, traveling, singing, and writing.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumanil-mukherjee-193ab71a1 

In April 2023, I made history by becoming the first woman elected as Vice President of IFIA (International Federation of Inventors' Associations). Since founding KVENN, a pioneering association for innovative women in Iceland, on July 11, 2007, I have been serving as its Chairman. Prior to that, I held the position of Chairman at the Icelandic Inventors' Association (SFH) from 1998, and I continue to contribute as a board member.

My dedication to promoting inventiveness extends beyond national boundaries. I have actively participated in Nordic and international collaborations, establishing strong partnerships between KVENN, SFH, the Swedish Inventors' Association, Innovation Stockholm, and IFIA. As a testament to my contributions, I have served on IFIA's executive committee since 2010.

Beyond my involvement with KVENN and SFH, I hold several notable positions. I am the Secretary of Átak, an association striving to establish a Science Center in Iceland. I represent Iceland in QUIN (Female Inventors in the Nordic and Baltic countries), GlobalWIIN (Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network), and proudly serve as President of EUWIIN (European Women Inventors and Innovators Network) since 2020. In 2015-2016, I chaired Fulbright Alumni, an organization dedicated to international educational exchange. Additionally, I previously served as Chairman of a politically controlled organization in my area from 2014 to 2016.

Recently, I received the honor of becoming a fellow of the RSA, acknowledging my contributions to arts, manufactures, and commerce.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinora-inga-sigurdardottir-frsa-7637815 

Agnieszka Wasko is highly accomplished Events Director, holding degrees from both Silesian University of Technology in Poland and Coventry University in England. She brings to her role a wealth of international experience, that she has gained working in global corporations and institutions across U.S., England, Italy, and Poland.

In early 2020 she has joined Eurobusiness-Haller as the director of International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG® with a vision to establish it as the leading events of innovations in Central and Eastern Europe. With a strong international background, she is committed to support inventors and marriage the scientist with business. She continues to shape the worldwide events, empowering inventors in changing the world and to bring their ideas to life.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnieszka-wasko-16b4a9b 

 Dr. Shilpa Datar, a distinguished psychologist with a Ph.D. in Indian Psychology and Philosophy, & is globally recognized for her expertise. She is the Founder Director of "Swayam Analytics Pvt Ltd," an innovative personality assessment platform. Her psychometric tests are widely employed worldwide. Dr. Datar's multidisciplinary approach is evident in her multiple roles with diverse organizations. A recipient of the "Veda Brahma Award," and multiple other awards, she has presented papers internationally, taught at esteemed institutions, and engaged with global leaders on women's empowerment and entrepreneurship challenges in India. Her platform is also partnered with the Govt. of Karnataka and KSDC on their Skill Connect platform to assess job seekers. 

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-datar-psychometric-assessment