Past-Chair, Canada India Foundation
Vice-Chairman & CEO, Process Research ORTECH
President, Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation
V. I. LAKSHMANAN, M.Sc., PhD., C. Eng., M.I.M.M., M.R.I.C., F.C.A.E., FCIM
Dr. V.I. Lakshmanan is an internationally renowned teacher, scientist and innovator in the area of sustainable development. He has more than 40 years of hands-on experience in technology commercialization and skills development initiatives with both private and public sectors including the United Nations. He has successfully guided process technologies from concept through development and demonstration to commercialization for resource, energy and chemical industries. He has liberally shared his knowledge and experience through seminars, conferences and professional development courses. His industry insight has enabled him to identify both opportunities and talent and bring them together.
Born and educated in India, Dr. Lakshmanan moved to Canada in 1974 after serving as Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, UK. His corporate experience includes positions at Noranda, Eldorado Nuclear, ORTECH Corporation and Process Research ORTECH, the last of which he founded and guided to become a global leader in sustainable process technologies through its laboratory and pilot plant. He has extensive client contacts and relationships at senior levels with major international corporations, as well as academic and government sectors globally.
Dr. Lakshmanan is an Adjunct Professor within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto, and is a member of several private and public sector advisory committees on natural resources, recycling technologies and waste management. He is an active mentor of new entrepreneurs. Dr. Lakshmanan was one of the founding members of Canada India Foundation and served as its Chair during 2013-2015.
Dr. Lakshmanan has been actively involved in serving the community for many years. He was one of the Founders of Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Canada, an affiliate of the Sringeri Sarada Peetham, founded by Adi Sankara. He currently serves as President of SVBF Canada. In recognition of his service to his profession, community and Canada, he was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.