All About Konnifel's
Advisory Board
At Konnifel, we believe that research is a right and not a privilege. To
support in mission of creating an inclusive research ecosystem, Konnifel
has established an esteemed Advisory Board comprised of
distinguished academics, researchers, and thought leaders from around
the world.
Their presence supports our conviction that the right mentorship,
collaboration, and knowledge sharing can redefine higher education and
research worldwide. We are honoured to have the following members on
our Advisory Board:
Prof. Shakeel Ahmad
Former Senior Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC)
Prof. Shakeel Ahmad is a senior academic and policy expert with over 36 years of leadership experience in higher education, institutional governance, and strategic policy development. He has held prominent positions including Senior Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC), Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Registrar at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), and Head of the UGC’s North Eastern Regional Office. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping policies and governance frameworks across Central, State, and Deemed Universities in India.
Prof. Ahmad holds a Ph.D. in Commerce from Jamia Millia Islamia and postgraduate degrees in Commerce and Public Personnel Management from Osmania University. He has served on numerous expert committees focused on academic planning, quality assurance, accreditation, research, and skills development. His work has directly influenced institutional reforms, regulatory policies, and funding mechanisms for universities.
He has authored two books and over 60 research publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals. He has presented his work at global academic platforms including Harvard University, Concordia University, and the University of Oxford. He continues to advise and serve on academic councils, boards of studies, and governing bodies of over 50 institutions.
As an Advisory Board Member at Konnifel, Prof. Ahmad brings invaluable expertise in academic policy, institutional strategy, and education reform. His commitment to quality, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking aligns with Konnifel’s mission to build ethical, impactful, and forward-thinking academic ecosystems.
Prof. Bhavna Ambudkar
Professor at Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Pune Head, Entrepreneurship Promotion and Innovation Cell (EPIC)
Prof. Bhavna Ambudkar is a distinguished academic and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience in engineering education, institutional administration, and entrepreneurship promotion. She currently serves as Professor at Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Pune, where she heads the Entrepreneurship Promotion and Innovation Cell (EPIC).
Holding a Ph.D. in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Prof. Ambudkar has previously served as Dean and Head of Department at Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Engineering & Technology. She is also a certified trainer in design thinking and venture development, actively mentoring students and faculty in building innovation-driven mindsets.
Prof. Ambudkar has authored more than 30 research publications and contributed to multiple patent filings in the fields of smart systems, safety wearables, and biomedical devices. Her work has earned national recognition, including the IIC Ambassador title by the Ministry of Education.
As part of Konnifel's Advisory Board, she brings a unique combination of academic depth, innovation strategy, and practical mentorship experience, strengthening Konnifel's mission to bridge research, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Dr. Soubhagya Sahoo
Assistant Professor, Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia
Soubhagya Sahoo is a lecturer at Higher School of Economics University in Moscow, Russia. He worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Centre for Research on Economics of Climate, Food, Energy and Environment (CECFEE), Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi. His research interests are experimental economics, behavioral economics, development economics, and applied microeconomics.
His doctoral research explores various issues in the context of gender using a Field experiment, an Audit experiment, and an RCT. He completed Ph.D. from the Department of Economic Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and holds a master’s degree in Economics from the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
His work lies at the intersection of rigorous empirical methods and real-world policy relevance, addressing themes such as discrimination, development interventions, and behavioral responses.
At Konnifel, Dr. Sahoo brings a strong empirical lens and a commitment to research that advances both theory and impact. His insights strengthen Konnifel’s focus on evidence-based inquiry, interdisciplinary engagement, and social relevance.
Mr. Ajay Narula
Founder and CEO of Akira Consulting Co-Founder & CEO, ACJTecho
Mr. Ajay Narula is a globally respected leader in cross-border innovation, talent strategy, and intercultural business consulting. As Founder and CEO of Akira Consulting, based in Japan, he has pioneered efforts to bridge critical gaps between Japanese industry and international talent, with a focus on high-impact engineering, R&D, and global workforce solutions.
With over two decades of experience across Asia and beyond, Mr. Narula brings a rare blend of technical depth and human-centric leadership. Under his leadership, Akira has emerged as a trusted partner for strategic hiring, global expansion, and localized market advisory especially in fields where cultural fluency and domain expertise must go hand in hand.
At Konnifel, Mr. Narula offers valuable insight into international hiring, cross-cultural collaboration, and industry partnerships. His experience strengthens Konnifel’s work at the intersection of research, education, and practical application. With his guidance, Konnifel is better positioned to build globally connected programs that are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
