FRIDAY SEMINAR SERIES
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
&
MPHASIS SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH LAB,
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Perspectives on Innovation: From Open Technologies to Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Date: 14th November 2025 VENUE: SEMINAR HALL DOMS.
Talk 1 (3:00 PM )
Ms. Pamela Kumar
Director General, TSDSI
Ex-President, CCICI
Title: Democratising Technology Leveraging Open Standards and Open-Source Perspectives on Innovation:
Brief Bio: From Open Technologies to Entrepreneurial Mindsets Pamela Kumar is the Director General of the Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI) and Founder Chair of the Cloud Computing Innovation Council of India (CCICI). With over three decades of experience in communications, computing, and semiconductors, she has led key initiatives in India-centric telecom and 5G standards. She has previously held leadership roles at AT&T Bell Labs, C-DOT, Texas Instruments, IBM, and HPE.
ABSTRACT: In today’s digital era, democratizing technology is key to inclusive innovation. This talk explores how open standards and open source can accelerate progress toward the UNSDGs and support developing nations. With insights from IISc case studies and global trends, it highlights the power of the “open paradigm” in shaping a collaborative, sustainable future.
Tea break @ 4.00 PM
Talk 2 (4:15 PM)
Mr. Girish Hiremath
Chief Operating Officer,
GINSERV
Title: Inside the Startup Mindset – Lessons from the Trenches of Incubation (A Practitioner’s Reflection)
Brief Bio: Girish Hiremath is the Chief Operating Officer of GINSERV, a 5-star rated Technology Business Incubator supported by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. With over 30 years of experience in corporate leadership and startup ecosystem development, he has supported 300+ startups and invested in 26 ventures. He has also worked with Tata Communications, Reliance Communications, BPL Cellular, and Tomizone (New Zealand).
ABSTRACT: Startup success stories often steal the spotlight, but the real lessons lie in how founders think and act. Drawing on his experience nurturing startups at GINSERV, Girish shares insights into the mindsets, motivations, and challenges that shape sustainable entrepreneurs—highlighting character, curiosity, and disciplined execution over hype.