Dr. Vijaya Chandru is an academic entrepreneur who has led deep tech innovation in India for over 25 years. With a PhD in Operations Research from MIT, his work spans AI, optimization, and computational biology. He co-founded companies in computing, algorithmic trading, genomics, and CRISPR based biotech. A professor at IISc, Purdue, NCBS, and Harvard, he is recognized globally for contributions to computer science and life sciences. Honored by AAAS and the World Economic Forum, he also leads major public health initiatives, including a mission to eliminate rare disease neglect by 2030.