SHANTANU GAUR

AI Adoption & Startup Engagements Specialist
Gurugram, IN.

About

Highly accomplished Innovation Management professional with over 10 years of experience driving AI adoption and scaling startup ecosystems. Proven leader in transforming emerging tech ideas into impactful, scalable AI and IoT solutions by bridging the gap between startups and industry. Expertly manages end-to-end innovation programs, from scouting and scaling to providing crucial technical and lab support.

Work

Nasscom CoE - IoT & AI
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Senior Manager

Summary

Currently leads digital transformation and startup acceleration initiatives for Nasscom's Centre of Excellence, driving AI and IoT solution adoption across diverse industries.

Highlights

Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives across provider, payer, pharma, and MedTech sectors, converting complex challenges into high-impact digital use cases.

Led technical curation and scaled startup-led solutions from Proof-of-Concept to successful enterprise deployment, ensuring robust market integration.

Managed the CoE startup acceleration pipeline, encompassing end-to-end scouting, rigorous evaluation, and essential lab-based validation support.

Designed and scaled the flagship Healthcare Innovation Challenge (HIC), a use-case-driven program that leveraged AI, automation, and digital tools to address critical clinical and operational pain points.

Drove measurable outcomes through expert program management and strategic stakeholder alignment, consistently delivering on innovation objectives.

ThinQbate
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Investment Manager

Summary

Managed strategic startup investments for a Mumbai-based corporate VC firm, focusing on co-developing products and enabling rapid market validation through enterprise partnerships.

Highlights

Sourced and evaluated high-potential startups, aligning investments with sectoral theses to maximize portfolio impact.

Conducted comprehensive product and business due diligence, assessing scalability and market fit for potential investments.

Facilitated strategic investments and deployment opportunities by actively engaging with corporate partners.

Built robust founder, investor, and ecosystem relationships, significantly driving deal flow and fostering collaboration within the startup community.

Supported portfolio companies with expert guidance on growth strategy, performance tracking, and value creation.

Represented the firm at key startup events, investor forums, and CXO summits, enhancing brand visibility and expanding professional network.

Jaarvis Accelerator
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Program Manager

Summary

Managed tech-enabled startup acceleration programs, providing hands-on support in strategy, market research, legal, finance, and product development.

Highlights

Led startup scouting, evaluation, and due diligence processes for accelerator cohorts, ensuring selection of high-potential ventures.

Developed a high-impact mentor network of serial entrepreneurs, domain experts, and growth strategists to provide invaluable guidance to startups.

Fostered investor relations and organized successful pitch sessions with angels and VCs, facilitating critical funding opportunities for startups.

Formed strategic partnerships with accelerators, angel networks, and ecosystem enablers, expanding support infrastructure for startups.

Curated and executed workshops, investor meetups, and hackathons, significantly accelerating startup learning and market exposure.

Defined and consistently tracked startup KPIs with strategists, ensuring data-driven progress and accountability for program participants.

Education

YMCA Institute of Engineering, Faridabad (now J C Bose University of Science & Technology)

Bachelor

Engineering

Skills

Innovation & Strategy

High-potential AI/DeepTech startup identification, Enterprise Innovation goals alignment, Product excellence, Validation, Co-creation, Emerging tech understanding, Product-market fit, Scalability potential, Innovation quotient enhancement, Thought leadership.

Program & Project Management

End-to-end innovation program management, Startup scouting, Scaling startups, Lab/technical support, KPI tracking, Actionable outcomes, Program management, Stakeholder alignment, Measurable outcomes.

Ecosystem Development & Partnerships

Startup incubator/accelerator operational leadership, Mentor network building, Investor relations, Pitch sessions, Strategic partnerships, Ecosystem enablers, Demo days, Innovation forums, Hackathons.

Digital Transformation & AI/IoT Solutions

AI adoption, IoT solutions, Digital transformation initiatives, Digital use cases (Healthcare, Pharma, MedTech, Manufacturing), Technical curation, Enterprise deployment.

Due Diligence & Investment

Startup evaluation, Due diligence (product/business), Sectoral investment thesis alignment, Strategic investments, Deployment opportunities, Deal flow, Portfolio company support (growth strategy, performance tracking, value creation).