Deepanwita Chattopadhyay

Deepanwita Chattopadhyay is a prominent figure in the Indian innovation ecosystem, currently serving as the Chairman and CEO of IKP Knowledge Park, which she has led since 2015. She is instrumental in developing India’s first Life Science Research Park located in Hyderabad, a significant milestone for the country’s biotechnology sector. Under her leadership, IKP Knowledge Park has nurtured over 1,400 startups and innovation projects, particularly in life sciences and technology.12

Career Background

Chattopadhyay's career began in academia as an engineering faculty member at BITS, Pilani, followed by a role as a freelance science writer. In 1994, she transitioned to the telecom sector with ICICI Bank, where she advised on regulatory policies and market strategies. She joined IKP Knowledge Park as CEO in 2001 and has since played a crucial role in its evolution into a leading incubator for startups.123

Achievements and Contributions

• Awards: Chattopadhyay has received several accolades, including the FICCI FLO Influential Women Award in 2021 and recognition as one of the "Top Women Achievers of the Year" by AsiaOne Business Magazine in 2018.12
• Initiatives: She pioneered the IKP EDEN project, which focuses on hardware product incubation and entrepreneurship.2 Additionally, she has been involved in various health-related initiatives, including partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to tackle public health challenges.2
• Board Memberships: Chattopadhyay holds several influential positions, including being a director on the boards of IKP Trust and Suven Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and serving as Treasurer of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).14

Education

Chattopadhyay holds degrees from prestigious institutions:

• Master's Degree from the Department of Radio Physics & Electronics.
• Bachelor's Degree in Physics from Presidency College.
• Further studies in Microelectronics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.1

Deepanwita Chattopadhyay's leadership at IKP Knowledge Park exemplifies her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups in India’s burgeoning life sciences sector.