The 8th o2h Collaborative Innovation Conference
In the news
About Innovation Conference
We are delighted to share that we are back with the 8th edition of the o2h Collaborative Innovation Conference on March 12, 2026.
Innovation is the force that powers new industries, economies, and the way we live. The model of innovation locked inside the walls of an empire has run its course. Is one part of the answer that we ourselves create that community?
At o2h, we enjoy working together, believing that cross-fertilisation of ideas across boundaries spurs innovation. We are passionate about building a collaborative community across India, the UK, and the USA. This first-of-a-kind conference will bring together live operators in science, tech, academia, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, non-profit, investment, art, media, creative, engineering, law, architecture, finance, and big business.
8*
Editions
220+
Speakers
85+
Sessions
Event Agenda
We are delighted to share the official agenda for the 8th edition of the o2h Collaborative Innovation Conference. Similar to previous editions, this year again we will be covering a range of enthralling subjects, including investment in R&D, latest advances in longevity research and medicines, advances in robotics and intelligent systems, and air pollution policies, its impact and sustainable future.
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Our Speakers
Stephen Hickling
Deputy High Commissioner, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Stephen Hickling
Deputy High Commissioner, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeStephen Hickling brings over 20 years of diplomatic experience to his role as a Deputy High Commissioner, where he has served in leadership capacities across multiple countries, including Peru, Kazakhstan, and Albania. He has demonstrated expertise in Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and Latin America, contributing significantly to bilateral and multilateral diplomacy efforts. Notably, Stephen has played a pivotal role in crafting policy initiatives and managing project portfolios abroad, including the development of the HMG Strategy for the Andean region, shaping key program initiatives such as CSSF.
On a personal level, Stephen Hackling is celebrated for his exceptional leadership skills and proficiency in crisis management within the UK, delivering insightful briefings to ministers and senior officials. He has garnered recognition for his adeptness in public diplomacy and representational duties, consistently advancing diplomatic objectives with finesse and effectiveness. Stephen's remarkable career is underpinned by a strong educational background, having pursued rigorous training and education in diplomacy and international relations.
Nitin Nayar
Founder & Managing Partner @ Filter Capital India Advisors LLP
Nitin Nayar
Founder & Managing Partner @ Filter Capital India Advisors LLPNitin launched Filter Capital India in 2018 specialising in growth investments opportunities in technology including Internet, e-commerce, software, IT, payments, logistics, education and health. Nitin was a Managing Director at the affiliate of the US-based global investment firm Warburg Pincus LLC where he worked for 14 years.
Nitin is a graduate of the Harvard Business School. He is currently a Member Board Trustee in SNEHA which is a non-profit organization that works with women, children, public health and safety systems.
Rashmi Barbhaiya
Chairman of Advisory Council at Institute of Life Science Entreprenuership
Rashmi Barbhaiya
Chairman of Advisory Council at Institute of Life Science EntreprenuershipDr Rashmi Barbhaiya is a distinguished pharmaceutical executive known for his global contributions to drug development and innovation-driven companies. With over two decades of experience, including leadership roles at Bristol-Myers and Ranbaxy, he has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in R&D. His journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence and collaboration, inspiring future generations of pharmaceutical leaders to drive meaningful advancements in the field.
His visionary leadership extends to co-founding Advinus Therapeutics, a venture that addressed core R&D challenges and achieved profitability within its first decade. He has a Ph.D. from the University of London.
Dr. Catherine Beech
Co-Founder & CEO at Exonate
Dr. Catherine Beech
Co-Founder & CEO at ExonateDr. Catherine Beech OBE is a physician entrepreneur and a co-founder and CEO of Exonate, a biotech company working on therapies to treat vascular diseases. She has recently led the company onto a ground-breaking collaboration with Johnson and Johnson to develop a new eye drop for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases.
Catherine also co-founded the Cambridge Gateway Fund, an early stage fund that invested primarily in spinouts from UK Universities. She has invested in and sat as a non-executive director of 12 early stage companies helping them to grow and in some cases achieve successful IPOs or trade sales. Catherine has a degree in medicine from Birmingham University and was awarded an OBE in the year 2008 for her services to technology and innovation.
Dr. Daxa Sakhiya
Business Development Manager - Gujarat State Biotechnology (BT) Policy 2022-27
Dr. Daxa Sakhiya
Business Development Manager - Gujarat State Biotechnology (BT) Policy 2022-27Dr. Daxa Sakhiya is a biotechnology professional with over a decade of experience supporting innovation, policy implementation, and ecosystem development within the sector. She currently facilitates biotechnology policy promotion for the Government of Gujarat, overseeing industry incentive schemes, venture fund initiatives, and infrastructure projects including biotech parks.
In her previous role, she implemented programs focused on biotech skilling, capacity building, industrial training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She actively engages with academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and startups to strengthen the biotechnology ecosystem and promote sustainable sectoral growth. Dr. Daxa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a Master’s degree in Microbiology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and a PhD in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography from Saurashtra University, Rajkot.
Prof. Shailendra Saraf
Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad
Prof. Shailendra Saraf
Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), AhmedabadProf. Shailendra Saraf is the Director of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, and a distinguished academic leader with over three decades of experience in pharmaceutical education, research, and institutional governance. He is widely recognised for advancing research-led academic ecosystems aligned with global standards. Prior to this, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Hemchand Yadav University, Durg, and as Director and Dean at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, where he strengthened academic quality, research capacity, and industry–academia collaboration.
He has held key national regulatory roles, including Vice-President of the Pharmacy Council of India (2016–2021), contributing to policy development and academic standards across pharmacy institutions.
Prof. Saraf is a prolific researcher in Herbal Technology and Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS), and has supervised 15 Ph.D. scholars, published over 200 research papers, and filed 10 patents. He holds his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Pharmacy from Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, and continues to play a significant role in shaping India’s pharmaceutical education and innovation landscape.
Harish P
Professor - IIT Gandhinagar
Harish P
Professor - IIT GandhinagarHarish is a Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), where he co-leads the IITGN Robotics Lab and serves as Dean of General Administration. A roboticist, researcher, educator, and academic leader, he combines deep technical expertise with institutional leadership.
His work spans robotics research, education, and translational innovation, bridging fundamental science with applied engineering. Beyond academia, he serves as Director at ABsix Robotics Pvt. Ltd. and DexSent Robotics, contributing to industry-focused innovation and technology deployment. He has also held visiting academic positions at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of California, Merced, strengthening international research collaborations. Harish holds a Ph.D. and M.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai University.
Suril Desai
Disrupter @ Nishith Desai Associates
Suril Desai
Disrupter @ Nishith Desai AssociatesSuril serves as a Disrupter at Nishith Desai Associates, where he has been instrumental in implementing Balanced Scorecard metrics, overseeing back-office operational management, and identifying strategic clientele, with a strong focus on cross-border transactions. He is also the Founder of Yugen Media LLP, Co-Founder of Pencil Point Designs, and Director at IPpro Services India Pvt Ltd., bringing together legal, strategic, and entrepreneurial leadership across ventures.
Suril operates at the intersection of law, code, capital, and culture. A Columbia-trained lawyer, crypto native, artist, and systems thinker, he works at the edge of regulation and rebellion, translating frontier technologies such as Bitcoin, AI, and decentralized finance into legal, economic, and civilizational frameworks. Suril holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Global Business Laws from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Government Law College, Mumbai.
Hitesh Sanganee
Venture Partner at Octopus Ventures
Hitesh Sanganee
Venture Partner at Octopus VenturesHitesh Sanganee is a strategic drug discovery and development executive with deep expertise across the full R&D value chain, spanning innovation, venture, technology, and AI-driven drug discovery. He is currently a Venture Partner at Octopus Ventures and holds multiple board and non-executive roles, including Board Observer positions at Apheris and LabGenius Therapeutics, and Non-Executive Director roles at NanoSyrinx, Tailor Bio, and Infinitopes.
Hitesh has delivered multiple drug candidates and novel therapeutic modalities into the clinic across diverse disease areas. Before his current roles, he spent over 26 years at AstraZeneca, where he served as Executive Director and Head of Emerging Innovations, leading initiatives in drug discovery, translational science, and AI-enabled platforms. He holds a first degree and DPhil in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, and an MBA from the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Leena Patel
Founder & CEO at GES
Dr. Leena Patel
Founder & CEO at GESDr. Leena Patel is Founder and CEO at Global Entrepreneurial System (GES), India’s first Autonomous Global Entrepreneurial System certified by CERN, NASA, ISO, and UNO. She leads the GES Group of Companies across technology, entrepreneurship, education, and spiritual sciences, empowering over 14,000 youth globally. Her work spans Cyber Security, AI, Robotics, and Healing Sciences, supported by 17 publications, three national patents, and 250+ keynote invitations, including at King’s College, University of Cambridge, UK.
A three-time World Record holder, she has received 43 national and international awards for her contributions to innovation and youth development. Dr. Leena holds a B.Tech from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, an M.Tech from Jagannath University, Jaipur, and a Diploma in Computer Engineering, along with Honorary Doctorates in Education (Theophany University, Haiti) and Computer Science Engineering (University of Maryland, USA).
Mahesh Pandya
Founder of Paryavaran Mitra
Mahesh Pandya
Founder of Paryavaran MitraMr. Mahesh is a Director and Editor of Paryavaran Mitra, a leading environmental advocacy initiative he has guided since 1996. With nearly three decades of experience, he works at the intersection of environmental engineering, social justice, and public policy, focusing on the application of environmental laws to address community-level challenges. He specialises in environmental advocacy, human rights issues linked to environmental degradation, and strategic legal interventions, including environmental cases in High Courts. Through research, policy analysis, and grassroots engagement, he supports communities in understanding and exercising their environmental rights.
An active environmental educator and trainer, he conducts awareness programmes in schools and colleges and mentors media professionals on environmental reporting. As Editor of a bi-monthly environmental newsletter, he continues to shape informed public discourse on sustainability and environmental governance.
Deepak Agrawal
CEO at Bellaviso HealthTech LLP
Deepak Agrawal
CEO at Bellaviso HealthTech LLPDeepak is the CEO and Founder of Bellaviso HealthTech LLP, operating under the brand name Biohackians and Satvik Salaad. He is a longevity expert dedicated to bridging scientific innovation with elite human performance. His work spans longevity science and biohacking, with a strong focus on extending healthy lifespan, optimising metabolic health, enhancing recovery, and elevating holistic performance. Deepak integrates evidence-based scientific approaches into health innovation while promoting resilience, discipline, and high-performance living.
He is an Ironman International Triathlete and Super Randonneur, reflecting his deep personal commitment to endurance, mental strength, and disciplined excellence. Under his leadership, Biohackians emphasizes scientific rigour, GMP-compliant practices, ethical manufacturing, and sustainable health solutions designed for the future of preventive healthcare.
Arjit Johri
Vice President at Mars Shot Ventures
Arjit Johri
Vice President at Mars Shot VenturesArjit Johri is the Vice President at Mars Shot Ventures, an early-stage, sector-agnostic investment initiative by the Razorpay Founders. At Mars Shot Ventures, he is actively engaged in advising startups on fundraising, strategy, and growth, leveraging his expertise to help companies scale. He has also co-founded Project Reach Foundation, working on sustainable development and technology solutions in healthcare.
Prior to this, Arjit gained extensive experience in venture investing and startup analysis through roles at Bharat Innovation Fund, IIMA Ventures, and EY, where he assessed and supported early-stage businesses.
He has an MBA Tech in Finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS).
Milapsingh Jadeja
Angel Investor and Advisory Board at MIELI CAPITAL Ltd
Milapsingh Jadeja
Angel Investor and Advisory Board at MIELI CAPITAL LtdMilapsinh Jadeja is the founder of Iroller Capital, a strategic financial advisory firm supporting startups in partnership with “FAVCY” - one of India’s largest venture builders. He is also an angel investor with over 20 years of experience, backing a portfolio of 70+ companies globally, and a Director, mentor, and investor at ANFT, a company pioneering next-generation lithography and nanotechnology, and serves on the Advisory Board (India) at MIELI Private Office (by MIELI Capital Ltd).
Milapsinh created "Kal Ke Krorepati," a show spotlighting entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He also co-chairs the Startup Committee at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). Milapsinh has produced multiple films, including "Ghaath," which premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.
Milapsinh has completed his Executive Education from University of California -San Diego and Ahmedabad University.
Dr Chirag Thakkar
Consultant G I, Laparoscopic and Bariatric surgeon at ADROIT Centre
Dr Chirag Thakkar
Consultant G I, Laparoscopic and Bariatric surgeon at ADROIT CentreDr. Chirag Thakkar is the Founder & Director of Adroit Centre for Digestive and Obesity Surgery, specializing in gastrointestinal, advanced laparoscopic, and bariatric procedures. He has extensive expertise in treating gastro-intestinal conditions and performing abdominal, laparoscopic, weight loss, and hernia surgeries.
Dr. Thakkar is a member of several prestigious medical associations, including the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI), Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSED) and others.
He is an MBBS from B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, and completed his MS in General Surgery from N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad.
Anar Thakershy
Vice President at TiE Ahmedabad
Anar Thakershy
Vice President at TiE AhmedabadAnar Thakershy is the Vice President of TiE Ahmedabad. She is also the CFO and Director of Abhinav Group of Companies, a key player in construction and real estate. She has led Anar Thakershy & Associates, specializing in management consulting, business process restructuring, and financial strategy. Anar serves as the CFO & Trustee of Thakershy Charitable Trust, overseeing J S Hospital, a charitable healthcare facility in Ahmedabad.
She has over 30 years of experience, an entrepreneur, and mentor with a deep commitment to social impact. A passionate mentor, she actively guides young professionals and entrepreneurs. As Vice President of TiE Ahmedabad, she leads its Women Wing, championing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Anar is a Chartered Accountant.
Ingit Anand
Project Lead at Collated Ventures LLP
Ingit Anand
Project Lead at Collated Ventures LLPIngit Anand is the Project Lead at Collated Ventures LLP. With expertise in Project Management, Planning, Business Strategy, Internal Audit, and Performance Management, he contributes valuable insights to the real estate industry. Ingit's disciplined approach and effective time management skills allow him to maintain a balanced professional and personal life, including a dedicated workout schedule.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ingit holds an impressive athletic background, having completed the Ironman triathlon six times, along with four half iron distance triathlons, three Olympic distance triathlons, one sprint distance triathlon, three full marathons, and numerous half marathons. His most recent endeavor includes participating in the Ultraman Australia 2023 Ironman Race.
Ingit has a Master's degree in Construction & Project Management from CEPT University.
Cecilia Oldne
Business Advisor, International Trade and Development
Cecilia Oldne
Business Advisor, International Trade and DevelopmentCecilia is a Business Advisor and Brand Strategist and works with companies in the food and beverage industry. She also holds partner and ambassadorial roles across a spectrum of industrial, governmental and social organisations. She is a Partner in Amphora Portfolio Managment - London’s leading Fine Wine Investment Firm.
Cecilia was instrumental in the success of Sula Vineyards as the Head of Marketing in which she curated SulaFest - one of India’s most awaited music festivals. She is also the Brand Ambassador for Sweden-India Business Council, a network for growing business between Sweden and India.
Elli AvrRam
Bollywood Actress
Elli AvrRam
Bollywood ActressElli AvrRam is the first Swedish Greek actress to work in Bollywood. Elli came to prominence after participating in the Indian reality TV show Bigg Boss which helped her become a household name. Elli has worked in various South Indian and Hindi movies like Mickey Virus, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Naam Shabana and others.
Elli took an interest in figure skating, singing and dancing from her initial years. Her song Chamma Chamma for the movie Fraud Saiyyan gained over 200 million YouTube views in just three days after its release. She has four new projects coming this year.
Akshay Gupta
Co-Founder & CEO at Scouto (acq. by Spinny) and Pro Racecar Driver
Akshay Gupta
Co-Founder & CEO at Scouto (acq. by Spinny) and Pro Racecar DriverAkshay is the Business Head of Scouto, and Co-founder of Quixote, a cutting-edge automotive tech start-up specializing in connected cars. With a proven track record of innovation, he co-founded Scouto, recently acquired by Spinny. At Quixote, Akshay spearheads the design, engineering, and manufacturing of end-to-end technology solutions for the connected car industry.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Akshay is also a skilled racecar driver and angel investor. Akshay's achievements extend to representing India and Nissan India at the Asian finale held at the renowned Silverstone racetrack in the UK.
Akshay has a degree in Automobile Engineering from Indus University.
Kamal Bansal
Founder & Managing Partner at BRK Ventures
Kamal Bansal
Founder & Managing Partner at BRK VenturesKamal Bansal is the Founder & Managing Partner at BRK Ventures, offering strategic guidance and seed investing in businesses seeking growth. He has over 20 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, and capital markets. Kamal has expertise in investment appraisal, business due diligence, and structuring, with successful ventures like BillDesk and e-Infochips.
Kamal was previously the Managing Director at GVFL Limited, where he focused on early-stage investments in technology-driven sectors. He also led corporate advisory services and fundraising at Bonanza Portfolio Ltd., serving various industries.
He has an MBA in Finance from Kurukshetra University.
Jeff Roix
CEO at Stingray Bio & Director at Opal Therapeutics
Jeff Roix
CEO at Stingray Bio & Director at Opal TherapeuticsJeff is the CEO of Stingray Bio, a biotech company headquartered in Sussex UK, focused on the discovery and development of novel small molecule cancer therapeutics. He also serves as a director on the board of Opal Therapeutics.
Jeff is a scientist and biotech entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in discovering medicines. He was also the founder and CEO of NeoPhore Ltd, a UK based cancer immunotherapy biotech. Prior to that, he worked as COO at PhoreMost, a Cambridge University spin-out. He got his bachelor’s from the Harvard Extension School.
Dr. Savan Godiawala
Senior Director at Deloitte India
Dr. Savan Godiawala
Senior Director at Deloitte IndiaDr Savan is a Senior Director at Deloitte India and leads the process industry in the corporate finance India team and also a part of Deloitte Global Chemical Affinity Group. He is also a visiting faculty at IIM-A. He has 23 years of advisory experience covering investment banking, restructuring, M&A, business valuation, and due diligence, serving large national and
multinational clients across industries. Savan is an angel investor and mentor to many startups.
He has also co-authored a book on ‘Business Taxation’ published by McGraw Hill. Savan is a Chartered Accountant and has a Ph.D. in management from Nirma University.
Evelyn Sharma
Bollywood Actress
Evelyn Sharma
Bollywood ActressSeams for Dreams (SFD), the brainchild of Bollywood actress turned philanthropist Evelyn Sharma, is an Indian non-profit organization that was founded in the year 2015. Launched in association with VOGUE, India’s leading fashion magazine, the organization started with the aim of bringing the film and fashion industry together to spread the love for fashion and create awareness for the communities in need of appropriate clothing. SFD strives hard to make an impact using the universal love for fashion and since its inception, the organization has been an accelerator in generating the trend of sustainable fashion in India. Through its various programs, campaigns and partnerships, the organisation has been inspiring and encouraging people to donate their own used clothes to the ones in need through Seams For Dreams.
SFD main objective is to supply clothing to the less privileged, reaching from Mumbai across the country. Completing two successful years and around 100 outreach efforts and impacting the life of over 10,000 individuals, the organisation spearheaded by Evelyn Sharma, has been able to draw in the attention of the Indian film and fashion industry and emerged as the favoured place to discard used clothing of film stars, movie production houses and fashion stylists; and with it’s high profile supporters sees glamorous events like the annual SFD Garage Sale to raise funds in support of it’s social development projects.
Highlights of Previous Editions
Over the past few years, we have built really strong relationships across boundaries with some of the most prominent personalities, including renowned Scientists, Founders, Investors, Ventures Capitalists, Entrepreneurs, Celebrities, Performance Artists, CEOs, Academics, Writers, Media, and Government Personnel. Watch our previous conference videos to learn more.
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