Ketan Mohitkar FAQ

1. Who is Ketan Mohitkar?

Ketan Mohitkar is an Indian social entrepreneur, educationist, startup mentor, innovation strategist, and technology leader. He is widely recognized for his contributions to India’s startup ecosystem, innovation-led development, and technical education. As the Member Secretary of the Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD), he has played an important role in promoting entrepreneurship, research, skill development, and collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and government institutions.

2. Where was Ketan Mohitkar born?

Ketan Mohitkar was born on 27 October 1984 in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India. He later established his professional base in Nagpur, where he has led several innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives that have contributed to the growth of the startup ecosystem in Central India.

3. What are Ketan Mohitkar’s educational qualifications?

Ketan Mohitkar has a multidisciplinary academic background that combines technology, management, and research. His qualifications include a Doctorate in Information Technology and Socio-Technical Studies, an MBA, a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), a Project Management Professional Program from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, and a C-DAC Certification from Rajarambapu Institute of Technology.

4. What is Ketan Mohitkar known for?

Ketan Mohitkar is best known for developing innovation ecosystems and promoting entrepreneurship through initiatives such as Nagpur Startup Fest, Innovators Meet, Citizen Hackathon, and ICTRD Round Table Forums. His work focuses on connecting startups, investors, educational institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders to create collaborative platforms that encourage innovation and sustainable development.

5. What is India Active Software?

India Active Software is a technology company founded by Ketan Mohitkar in Nagpur IT Park. The organization initially focused on software development and digital solutions but later expanded its role by supporting startups, promoting innovation, and encouraging collaboration among entrepreneurs, developers, and technology professionals across Central India.

6. What is ICTRD, and what is Ketan Mohitkar’s role in the organization?

The Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD) is an organization that promotes technical research, innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration. Ketan Mohitkar serves as its Member Secretary, where he helps lead initiatives related to startup incubation, innovation policy, technical education, citizen participation, and research-driven development across India.

7. What is Ketan Mohitkar’s Sociotechnical Philosophy?

Ketan Mohitkar advocates a Sociotechnical Philosophy, which emphasizes that technology should always be developed alongside social responsibility. According to this approach, innovation becomes truly meaningful when technological advancement is combined with education, entrepreneurship, governance, and community welfare. His philosophy serves as the foundation for many of his initiatives and reflects his belief that technology should improve people’s lives while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development.

8. What awards and recognitions has Ketan Mohitkar received?

Ketan Mohitkar has been honored with several awards for his contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and education. These include the Mayor Innovation Award (2019), the Pillars of Maharashtra Award (2022), and the Indian Icon for Innovation Award (2024). These recognitions acknowledge his efforts in promoting startup culture, innovation-driven growth, and collaborative ecosystem development.

9. What are Ketan Mohitkar’s major initiatives?

Throughout his career, Ketan Mohitkar has launched and supported several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. Some of his most notable initiatives include:

• Nagpur Startup Fest, connecting startups, investors, academia, and industry.
• Innovators Meet, encouraging dialogue between innovators and policymakers.
• Citizen Hackathon, promoting technology-driven solutions for civic challenges.
• ICTRD Round Table Forums, focusing on innovation policy and entrepreneurship.
• Viksit Bharat 2047 Round Tables, supporting long-term national development through innovation and collaboration.

These initiatives collectively promote entrepreneurship, public engagement, and innovation-led development across India.

10. What is Ketan Mohitkar’s vision for India’s future?

Ketan Mohitkar envisions an India where innovation, entrepreneurship, education, technology, and public policy work together to create sustainable economic and social progress. He believes that Tier-II and Tier-III cities will play a significant role in the country’s future startup ecosystem and advocates for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, startups, government agencies, investors, and industry leaders. Through his work, he aims to create opportunities that empower young innovators, strengthen research, and contribute to the vision of a developed and innovation-driven India.