Vinay Venkatraman

Vinay Venkatraman is a prominent figure in the fields of design, innovation, and technology. He is the founder and CEO of Leapcraft, a design-driven innovation consultancy based in Denmark.12 Leapcraft specializes in big data-driven innovation and IoT product development, particularly focusing on environmental sensor platforms.34

Career Highlights

Educational Background: Venkatraman is trained as a product and interaction designer, having studied in India and Italy.1

Professional Experience:

• Co-founded the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID) in 200612
• Initiated the Big Data Viz academy in collaboration with the Danish Design Center in 20131
• Consults for large global companies on innovation and design strategy1
• Has shaped product strategies for companies like Nokia, Intel, Novo Nordisk, Maersk Line, Lufthansa Technik, and Philips Lighting1

Areas of Expertise

Venkatraman's work spans various domains:

• Tangible user interfaces
• Service design
• Sustainable economic development using emerging technologies
• Big data visualization
• IoT and environmental sensor platforms

He is particularly passionate about incubating new technology ideas and finding innovative models for sustainable socio-economic development using appropriate technologies.1

Academic Contributions

Venkatraman has taught courses at several institutions:

• Copenhagen Business School
• IUAV University in Venice
• IT University in Copenhagen1

Global Impact

Venkatraman initiated a global research track called Frugal Digital, aimed at empowering small businesses through innovation based on simple and inexpensive technologies.1 He is also a frequent speaker at international platforms like TED, where he discusses innovation, user-centered methods, and design for social change.1

Vinay Venkatraman's work has gained recognition in the design world, with his projects being exhibited at events like the Salone del Mobile in Milan and featured in leading design magazines such as Wallpaper, Wired, and Domus.1