A 1980 graduate of the Chemical Engineering department, Mr. Sunil Kulkarni is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in production, projects, technical services, and training. He retired as GM-Production at MCF Limited in 2017 and currently serves as Head-Process Engineering at ICONS Engineering Services, Hyderabad. ICONS specializes in detailed engineering and project management for petrochemical industries across India, the Gulf, Japan, and other global markets. His distinguished career has been marked by significant contributions to the chemical engineering sector, shaping industry best practices and technological advancements.

Mr. Rahm Shastry, a 1980 graduate of the Electronics & Communication Engineering department, is a highly accomplished executive with a proven track record in leading companies to profitability and successful exits. He has held leadership positions as CEO & President across various organizations and is currently the Co-founder and CEO of DriveU. With expertise in startups, turnarounds, strategic planning, product development, and international business, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of multiple ventures. Known for his analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, Mr. Shastry continues to drive innovation and success in the business landscape.

Prof. K. S. Babunarayan, a 1981 Civil Engineering graduate from NITK Surathkal, is a distinguished academician and researcher, currently serving as a Professor in the Civil Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal. With a Ph.D. from NITK, he has made significant contributions to civil engineering through teaching, research, and consultancy. He has delivered special lectures at Kagoshima University, Japan, and served as a technical consultant and advisor to organizations like The ACC Help Center and Birla Super. His exemplary work has earned him numerous accolades, including the B. R. Samaga Civil Engineer Award (2007), ACC Cement’s Outstanding Constructor Award (2016), ACCE(I) Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), and Eminent Engineer Award (2011). He also holds the distinction of being a GJEC Visiting Professor at Kumamoto University, Japan. Through his dedication and expertise, Prof. Babunarayan continues to inspire students, researchers, and professionals in the field of civil engineering.

Prof. Gopal Mugeraya, a 1982 graduate of the Chemical Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a renowned academic, researcher, and administrator, currently serving as Professor and Director at NIT Goa. With expertise in industrial pollution control and solid waste management, he has published over 75 research papers in national and international journals and has guided more than 35 industry-oriented projects at the PG level and 9 Ph.D. scholars. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the Hindustan Dorr-Oliver National Award (2000) by IIChE and the World Environment Day–Parisara Award (2001) by the Government of Karnataka, he has also been awarded the Biotechnology Overseas Associateship Award (2004) by DBT, Government of India, and underwent advanced training at the University of California, Riverside, USA. Additionally, he was deputed as a Visiting Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, in 2003. Prof. Mugeraya is a life member of ISTE, IIChE, IAEM, ECSI, and the Biosensors and Bioremediation Society of India, contributing significantly to research and academic excellence in environmental engineering.

Prof. M.B. Saidutta, a 1981 graduate of the Chemical Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a distinguished academic and researcher with over 25 years of teaching and research experience. He has served in key leadership roles at NITK, including Dean of Alumni Affairs and Institutional Relations and Dean (Academic). A life member of the Indian Society for Technical Education and the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), he has significantly contributed to the field of chemical engineering. He has also served as Honorary Secretary of IIChE, Mangalore Regional Center (1995-96, 2000-2002), playing a vital role in fostering industry-academia collaboration and professional development in the field.

Mr. R. K. Murthy, a 1981 graduate from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a seasoned electrical engineer with over four decades of experience in power systems, project execution, and operations & maintenance. His career spans multiple prestigious organizations, including Best & Crompton Engg, English Electric, SCECO (KSA), Reliance Industries, Suzlon, and Continuum Wind Energy, where he has held key roles in power evacuation, hydro and wind energy projects, and electrical system protection. He served as Vice President (Power Evacuation) at Continuum Wind Energy, Mumbai, and has made significant contributions to India's renewable energy sector. His extensive expertise in testing, commissioning, operations, and project execution has positioned him as a distinguished leader in the power and energy industry.

Mr. Yunusmiya S Jamadar, a 1982 graduate of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a distinguished entrepreneur and industry leader in electrical panel manufacturing and industrial electrical projects. As the Managing Partner of Yash Industrial Control, he has successfully executed projects for various Karnataka and Central Government organizations, NPCIL projects, KPCL projects, and major industries such as JSW Cement, Hindalco Industries Ltd., and Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. His contributions extend beyond industry, as he serves as a Planning & Committee Member of Rani Chennamma University, Belagavi, and is a member of the Indian Institute of Engineers. Passionate about education and skill development, he has been actively collaborating with engineering colleges by supporting academic projects free of cost and providing free industrial training for electrical engineering students until they secure professional employment. His dedication to both industry and academia has made a significant impact on the engineering community.

Mr. Balakrishna Puttur, a 1982 graduate of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a seasoned professional and Director of Cabinet Systems and Controls Pvt. Ltd. With a career spanning decades, he has previously served as Senior Manager at Shree Pre Coated Steels Ltd., Pune, and Senior Electrical Engineer at West Coast Paper Mills Ltd., Dandeli. A pioneer in industrial automation and control systems, he has received recognition from Welspun Corp Ltd., Anjar, along with a cash award of ₹5 lakh for his outstanding work in developing the JCO forming press. He has indigenously developed Edge Guide, Center Guide, and Weld Hole Detectors for steel industries, supplying over 1,500 systems worldwide. His expertise in automation and hydraulics played a pivotal role in the successful design and implementation of the world's largest L-SAW pipe forming press at Welspun Anjar, capable of producing 60-inch diameter, 50 mm thick, 18-meter-long X70 grade MS pipes in under five minutes. His contributions have significantly advanced manufacturing efficiency in the steel industry on a global scale.

Mr. Kaniappan P, a 1982 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a distinguished leader in the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. He has played a pivotal role in WABCO India Ltd., serving as Managing Director, Executive Director, and Vice President. Under his leadership, WABCO India Ltd. has achieved remarkable growth, establishing itself as a leading provider of electronic braking, stability, suspension, and transmission control systems for heavy-duty commercial trucks, trailers, and buses. His contributions have earned numerous awards and industry recognitions, reflecting his expertise in technology-driven innovations and business excellence.

Mr. Basavaraj Ullagaddi, a 1981 graduate from the Mechanical Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, is a successful entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in technology, venture capital, and startups. He served as Project Engineer/Manager at Henrob Corporation, now part of Atlas Copco, before establishing himself as the President of UNish Corporation, USA, a technology-driven enterprise operating in both the USA and India. With over 20 years as Managing Director at Stevens Creek Ventures, USA, he has played a pivotal role in venture capital investments. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member & Advisor at DriveU and is an active investor in startups across the USA and India, contributing to innovation and business growth globally.

Mr. Kambali, a 1984 graduate of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, had an illustrious career in the Ministry of Defence, retiring as Additional General Manager (equivalent to Joint Secretary, Govt. of India) on August 31, 2019. Throughout his tenure, he held key positions at the Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project, Trichy, and Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, Nagpur, contributing significantly to India's defense and aerospace sectors. His notable achievements include establishing a state-of-the-art ₹150 crore special aluminum alloy manufacturing facility at Ordnance Factory Nagpur, making India self-reliant in high-strength aluminum alloys for defense and ISRO. He also played a pivotal role in the production of 250 kg aluminum alloy extrusion for the BrahMos launcher (SU-30 MKI), a first in the country.

Mr. Shankar Prakash, a 1984 graduate of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, has carved a unique path in both the corporate and media sectors. An engineer and MBA, he has been active for over 28 years in management, marketing, and broadcasting, serving as a TV newsreader, moderator, and radio presenter. With an extensive portfolio of over 8000 voiceovers in seven languages, he holds the distinction of being the first Indian to serve as a cricket commentator in both English and a regional language Kannada during a Cricket World Cup in 2011 in English on radio and 2015 in Kannada on television. His remarkable career includes representing All India Radio under the Government of India as an English commentator in four consecutive Olympics in Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio. This feat also makes him the first ever and only Kannadiga to commentate live from the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Governor’s Award, Chief Minister’s Award, Best Anchor, Best Sports Commentator, Kempegowda Award, and Chatrapati Shivaji Award.

Dr. Navneet Garg, a 1986 graduate of the Civil Engineering Department at NITK Surathkal, has made significant contributions in the field of research and development for the US Government. Currently serving as a Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration, he has also worked as a Senior Project Manager at Galaxy Scientific Corporation. His expertise in airfield pavement research has earned him the prestigious 2018 Transportation and Development Institute Airfield Pavement Practitioner Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Beyond his professional achievements, he is actively involved in mentoring high school and college students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. Through EduContests, he provides scholarships to support students in achieving their academic and professional aspirations.