Through curated conversations, including the KINETICS podcast series and closed-door interactions, the platform creates space for meaningful dialogue on emerging ideas, shared experiences, and opportunities to strengthen India’s research, innovation, and knowledge ecosystem.
Each conversation explores the people, ideas, and systems shaping the future of science and innovation—bridging perspectives across sectors and encouraging collaboration that can translate knowledge into meaningful impact.
Explore the KINETICS conversations and stay connected with Pune Knowledge Cluster for insights that inform, connect, and inspire action.
KINETICS | Episode 01 | The New Energy Economy | Featuring Dr. Rahul Walawalkar
In the inaugural episode of KINETICS, we are joined by Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, Co-founder & President of NETRA and a globally recognized leader in energy storage and clean energy transition. Drawing on decades of experience across industry, policy, and research, Dr. Walawalkar shares insights on India’s journey toward net zero, the future of energy storage, innovation ecosystems, and the collaborations needed to accelerate a sustainable energy future.
KINETICS | Episode 02 | The Future of Deep-Tech India | Featuring Dr. Kishore Paknikar
In this episode of KINETICS, we are joined by Dr. Kishore Paknikar, an eminent scientist, ANRF Prime Minister Professor, COEP Tech Univ, Pune; Ex-Director, Agharkar Res Inst (DST, GoI); Ex-Visiting Prof, IIT Bombay Drawing on his extensive experience in scientific research, institutional leadership, and innovation, Dr. Paknikar shares his perspectives on building world-class research institutions, strengthening innovation ecosystems, fostering academia–industry collaboration, and translating scientific excellence into societal and economic impact.
KINETICS | Episode 03 | Building the Future of Indian Science | Featuring Dr. Sourav Pal
In this episode of KINETICS, we are joined by Prof. Sourav Pal, Professor of Chemistry at Ashoka University; former Director of CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune and IISER Kolkata; former Professor at IIT Bombay; J. C. Bose National Fellow; Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry; and recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences. Drawing on decades of experience as a distinguished scientist, institution builder, and science leader, Prof. Pal shares his perspectives on building world-class research institutions, strengthening scientific ecosystems, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and government, and positioning research as a driver of national capability.
KINETICS | Episode 04 | The Future of Indian Pharma | Featuring Dr. Umesh Shaligram
In this episode of KINETICS, we are joined by Dr. Shaligram, a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry, whose work has contributed to advancing vaccine development, public health, and global immunization initiatives. Drawing on his extensive experience in vaccines, pharmaceutical innovation, and global healthcare, Dr. Shaligram shares his perspectives on India’s growing role in vaccine leadership, pandemic preparedness, emerging infectious diseases, the future of pharmaceuticals, and the innovations shaping healthcare worldwide.
KINETICS | Episode 05 | Engineering Sustainability | Featuring Dr. Vinay Bhandari
In this episode of KINETICS, we are joined by Dr. Vinay Bhandari, ANRF Prime Minister Professor at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and a distinguished researcher in environmental engineering and sustainable industrial systems. Drawing on his extensive work in water treatment, resource recovery, industrial sustainability, and circular economy approaches, Dr. Bhandari shares his perspectives on reimagining water and waste as valuable resources, advancing sustainable industrial practices, and building resilient systems for a resource-constrained future.