Dr. V.I. Lakshmanan is a globally recognized scientist, innovator, and educator in sustainable development, with over 40 years of experience in technology commercialization across industry, academia, and international organizations, including the UN. He was born in India but has been based in Canada since 1974. He has held senior roles at Noranda, Eldorado Nuclear, ORTECH, and founded Process Research ORTECH, a global leader in sustainable process technologies. He is a former Chair and founding member of Canada India Foundation (2013–2015), Dr. Lakshmanan is also President of Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Canada. He mentors entrepreneurs, serves on multiple advisory boards, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canada and the community.