Dr Mukesh Kestwal just became Chief Innovation and Talent Officer at the British High Commission in India, bringing 12+ years in deep-tech innovation, startup incubation and research. He began his journey at UCOST as Research Scholar into DST Funded policy project; then research journey at UPES, developing a patented greywater treatment technology and earning his PhD in Engineering.
At Headstart Network Foundation, he helped institutions apply for grants worth ₹210 Cr+ and reached 5,600+ founders through 580+ programs. As Chief Innovation Officer at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar, he mobilised ₹10 Cr+ in funding and built a 190+ startup portfolio that raised ₹120 Cr+. IIT Ropar won 10+ awards in his tenure, including CII's Best Incubator. Now, he leads India engagement for the UK's Global Talent Taskforce, connecting founders, investors, family offices and researchers with UK growth opportunities. That's not just innovation management. It's linking India's talent and research with UK capital and markets. Most innovation leaders come from academia or venture. Dr Mukesh brings both.
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For innovation leaders: what's harder, turning research into startups, or taking startups global?
First published on the Boardroom CXO LinkedIn page on 27 October 2026. To correct or remove it, write to [email protected].
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