iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology), a top level technology innovation-based startup incubator that conducts international accelerator programmes aimed at getting world class innovation in India, has named Avinash Punekar as its Chief Executive Officer.

According to innovation-based startup, Punekar will lead iCreate's efforts in incubating breakthrough innovators and startups from across India and also from the globe. “Punekar comes with 30 years of experience in leadership roles across technology and operations in both startups and large businesses,” the company said.

Prior to joining iCreate, Punekar has served as CEO of IIT Mandi iHub & HCI Foundation, a not-for-profit company funded by the Government of India to help make India a global leader in the areas of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Brain Computer Interface (BCI) covering the areas of AR/VR, AI, DL/ML, Multisensory systems.

Punekar is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering. His experience ranges from leading global saas companies besides contributing to the National Innovation Foundation and various government platforms.

“We are excited to have Avinash lead the next phase of iCreate's growth. We are confident that Avinash's impressive record in the startup ecosystem from being an entrepreneur, an investor, and an administrator of several prestigious bodies will accelerate our mission of building entrepreneurial capital and a thriving community,” Parag Amin, Chief Mentor and Founding Director, iCreate, said.

While speaking on his appointment, Avinash Punekar, CEO, iCreate, said, “At a time when the world is looking towards India for innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges, I am honoured to join iCreate in their mission of supporting tech innovators achieve scale in delivering breakthrough solutions. I look forward to working with the entire leadership team, stakeholders, and most importantly, the startup ecosystem to synergise our efforts for their benefit.”