Distinguished leaders guiding the MIECA evaluation process.

The jury brings together deep experience across innovation, education, industry, institution-building, and national development.

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar

Jury Chair, Padma Vibhushan

Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is known for world-class scientific research, transformative science and innovation institution leadership, and pioneering national movements from traditional knowledge protection to balanced IPR systems and inclusive innovation. He was the longest serving Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and has been honoured with honorary doctorates by 45 universities around the world.

He has served on the boards of many of India's leading companies and chaired several innovation councils. The President of India honoured him with the Padmashri, Padmabhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Ms. Roma Balwani

Independent Director, GPIL & CEO, IDCA

Roma Balwani is Director, Strategic Resources, Brand & Communications, and CEO of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association. She was formerly Senior Advisor and President at Vedanta Group, where she advised on brand strategy, CSR, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement.

With over three decades of strategic communications experience, she has received multiple Indian and international recognitions, including lifetime achievement awards from Adgully, Exchange4media, and PRCI.

Dr. Siddharth Pai

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Siana Capital

Dr. Siddharth Pai is the co-founder and managing partner of Siana Capital, a venture fund focused on deep-tech and deep-science innovations. A seasoned technology consultant, he has overseen over USD 20 billion worth of complex technology deals.

He advises boards, CEOs, and investors on technology strategy, drawing on leadership roles across ISG Inc., IBM, KPMG Consulting / BearingPoint, and Tekinroads.

Prof. Rajiv Prakash

Director, IIT Bhilai

Prof. Rajiv Prakash is Director of IIT Bhilai, appointed by the Hon'ble President of India in her capacity as Visitor of the institute.

Before joining IIT Bhilai, he served at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, where he held academic leadership roles including Head of Materials Science and Technology, Dean (R&D), and founder coordinator of the IPR Cell and Central Instrument Facility. He is recognised for his research in electronic polymers, nanocomposites, organic electronics, sensors, and energy storage, with over 250 international publications and 25 patents to his credit.

Dr. Chenraj Roychand

Chancellor, Jain University & Founder-Chairman, JAIN Group

Dr. Chenraj Roychand is an educationist, entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist with over 40 years of experience driving educational excellence and entrepreneurial mentorship across India.

He founded Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, which later grew into Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, where he serves as Chancellor. He continues to champion holistic education and social impact.