Our Leadership
Leadership That Ignites Innovation
A veteran of the Indian Navy, Capt Param Pal Singh (Retd.), brings over three decades of expertise at the intersection of RF & EMI/EMC engineering, Computer Science & AI/ML and Defence Technologies. With an BTech in Electrical Engineering from Naval College of Engineering, MTech in Computer Science from IIT Madras, a Masters in Financial Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, he combines technical mastery with strategic acumen. Apart from serving onboard frontline Naval ships, he was fortunate to dive deep into the fields of RF & EMI/EMC and Computer Science & AI/ML during his 36 years with the Indian Navy. His EMI/EMC portfolio spans computational electromagnetics, EMC compliance testing, platform-level EMC trials / audits, HERO testing of missiles, and NEMP protection of strategic facilities. He was instrumental in planning and establishing Indian Navy’s EMI/EMC Test Facilities for MIL-STD-461 compliance testing and Computational Electromagnetics Modelling & Simulation Software at Naval EMC Centre, Mumbai. His expertise in Computer Science & AI/ML was utilised in teaching Master’s level courses at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Deemed University and Tri-Services Staff level courses at Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune. He also led the development and commissioning of Indian Navy’s Wargaming Simulator for tactical training and operational planning at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Mumbai. With a rare blend of systems thinking and hands-on execution, he anchors Cemantica’s capability in deep tech consulting in RF, EMI/EMC, Cybersecurity, and AI for Defence Applications.
Cdr D Abhilash (Retd.) is an Indian Navy veteran submariner with over 24 years of distinguished service. He has extensive expertise in the operation, testing and commissioning of advanced naval platforms, including nuclear submarines. A weapon specialist, he has been extensively involved with designing equipment and defining processes as part of the crew of first indigenously built nuclear submarine. He has been actively engaged in emerging technologies, focussing on AI/ML and Cybersecurity and has experience across software development and delivery. Project Management has been his forte and he has handled complex developmental projects from womb to tomb.
Commander Gaurav Sharma (Retd.), an Indian Navy veteran, is a renowned expert in the design and development of defence systems especially in the domain of RF, EMI/ EMC, underwater systems and cybersecurity and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practice at IIT Delhi. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he has consistently demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to indigenisation throughout his distinguished career. He holds a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Naval College of Engineering, an M.Sc in Electronics and Telecommunication from CUSAT, an M.Tech in Radio Frequency Design and Technology from IIT Delhi, and a PGDMS (Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies) from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. With over 24 years of experience spanning electronics, weapons systems, system integration, and EMI/EMC, he has played a pivotal role in the design of RF and underwater systems at IIT Delhi. His exemplary service has been recognized with a Chief of Naval Staff Commendation and two Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendations. He was also hand-picked by the three services to undertake technical assessments for a highly critical and high-value DRDO project. Additionally, he has contributed extensively to cybersecurity initiatives, AI implementation, and specialized training programs tailored to unique defence requirements.
Our Mentors
Guiding Innovation, Inspiring Excellence
Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, former Chief of Materiel, is a distinguished retired officer of the Indian Navy, having served over three and a half decades in various critical technical and leadership roles. Commissioned in 1985 into the Electrical branch, he holds a master's degree in Radar and Communication Engineering from IIT Delhi and is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. Vice Admiral Naithani has commanded key naval establishments and held appointments including Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Mumbai, Director General Naval Projects, Programme Director of Advanced Technology Vessel Project, and Controller Warship Production & Acquisition. He culminated his service as the Chief of Materiel, the senior-most technical officer of the Indian Navy, overseeing life-cycle management, indigenization of naval equipment, and major marine infrastructure development.
Vice Admiral Sree Kumar Nair (Retd.), AVSM, NM is a highly respected retired officer of the Indian Navy with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He served in various key operational and technical leadership positions, demonstrating exceptional expertise in naval warfare, engineering, and strategic planning. Vice Admiral Nair has been instrumental in enhancing the Indian Navy’s capability through his leadership in shipbuilding projects, acquisition programs, and modernization initiatives. Known for his strategic vision and technical acumen, he played a vital role in advancing indigenous naval technology and fostering defence collaboration. His contributions have significantly strengthened the Navy’s operational readiness and self-reliance. Vice Admiral Nair’s service has been marked by professionalism, dedication, and commitment to national security.
Dr. Y Srinivas Rao, Ex-Director General Naval Systems and Materials (DG NSM), DRDO is a distinguished scientist and former Director General of Naval Systems and Materials at DRDO. Starting his career at BHEL Hyderabad, he brought deep expertise in manufacturing steam turbines, compressors, and gas turbines before joining DRDO in 2000. Over two decades of service with DRDO, Dr. Rao has led advanced development in underwater weapons, missile systems, communication systems, and warhead technologies. He has been instrumental in the successful realisation of state-of-the-art interceptor missile systems and has spearheaded innovations critical to India’s naval defence capabilities. Dr. Rao is a Fellow of the Aeronautical Society of India and The Institution of Engineers India and has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing his significant contributions to defence research and development.
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Pande is a distinguished scientist and DRDO Distinguished Fellow at the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru. With over three decades of experience in radar systems and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), he has contributed significantly to the design and development of active and passive antennas and test facilities for various DRDO radar programs. Dr. Pande is a prolific researcher, having authored more than 150 research papers and 50 technical reports. He is a founder life member and current Chairman of the Society of EMC Engineers (India) and has also chaired the IEEE EMC Chapter in Bangalore. His outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the DRDO Scientist of the Year Award (2005), Megha Nath Saha Memorial Award by IETE, National Science Day Award (2004), and several certificates of achievement from the Indian armed forces and international bodies. He became a Fellow of the High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Society in 2016.
