From IIT to MIT to Deep Tech ft. Dr. Nishikant Sonwalkar - TEG 🪔🚀

From IIT to MIT to Deep Tech ft. Dr. Nishikant Sonwalkar - TEG 🪔 Del IIT al MIT y a la Deep Tech 🚀 The Entrepreneurship Gyan (TEG) had its thirty-second session on August 30, 2026, organized by IIT Bombay Alumni Association's Startup & Entrepreneurship Special Interest Group (SIG)🎓 Dr. Nishikant “Nish” Sonwalkar is a scientist, inventor, educator, and serial deep-tech entrepreneur whose work has crossed the boundaries of energy, materials science, photonics, adaptive learning, artificial intelligence, and educational technology. He holds an MTech in Energy Systems Engineering from IIT Bombay and later earned his Doctor of Science (ScD) from MIT, where his research combined molecular dynamics, Raman spectroscopy, materials science, and computational modelling. His journey at MIT evolved well beyond conventional scientific research. While working with molecular simulations and advanced computing, he began exploring how visualization and digital technologies could transform the way complex scientific concepts were taught. This eventually led him to establish and direct MIT's Hypermedia Lab and serve as a Principal Educational Architect, working on technology-enabled and online education. He subsequently developed the Learning Cube, a pedagogical framework for adaptive learning, and became an early pioneer of adaptive online education and MOOCs. Dr. Sonwalkar's first venture emerged from technology licensed from MIT and evolved into IntellADAPT, where he developed intelligent adaptive-learning systems that personalize education based on individual learning patterns. His work has even explored using EEG-derived brainwave information to identify learning strategies suited to individual learners. Over the years, Nish has built and been associated with multiple technology ventures spanning education and clean energy, including IntellADAPT, Power2Peer, SunDensity, and AdaptiveWaves. He has also received U.S. National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research support for translating inventions and patents into entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Sonwalkar's current entrepreneurial work brings him back to one of his earliest passions: solar energy. Through AdaptiveWaves, where he serves as Founder, President, and CEO, he is working on advanced materials and photonic smart coatings for solar glass, as well as technologies with potential terrestrial and space applications. His research includes applying deep learning and Bayesian optimization to the design of optical coatings for photovoltaic applications. Dr. Sonwalkar is also a Visiting Professor at IIT Bombay. Some of the questions: 1) How do you compare the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) at MIT vs something like that at IIT Bombay? 2) Where do you see domestic manufacturing growth in the future and reducing reliance on Chinese imports? So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, an academic, or simply someone with a keen interest in the world of startups and innovation, The Entrepreneurship Gyan (TEG) is an event you won't want to miss. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and collaboration. Let's shape the future of entrepreneurship together at TEG - https://www.iitbombay.org/e/the-entre... #iitbaa #iitbombay #teg #gyan #entrepreneur #advisor #innovation #education #universities #success #finance #Research #publicpolicy #patience #leadership #strategy #risk #impact #networking #opportunities #enabling #participating #events #connection #technology #businessinus #motivation #conocimiento #emprendedor #asesor #innovación #educación #universidades #éxito #finanzas #Investigación #políticapública #liderazgo #estrategia #riesgo #impacto #redes #oportunidades #habilitación #participación #eventos #conexión #tecnología #negocioseneua #motivación