RVEI INCUBATION
Foundation
Welcome to RVEI Innovation Foundation (RVEI IF), where ideas find direction and innovation comes to life. A vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, research and collaboration, RVEI IF empowers students, faculty and innovators to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions. With expert mentorship, incubation support and strong industry connections, it is a space where creativity is nurtured, possibilities are explored and the next generation of changemakers begins their journey.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To drive socio-economic change by fostering start-ups that build sustainable and scalable businesses.
Mission
To empower aspiring entrepreneurs to transform groundbreaking ideas into viable commercial enterprises.
Leveraging 8+ decades of Legacy
RV Educational Institutions (RVEI) is one of India’s most respected multidisciplinary education ecosystems, with a legacy spanning engineering, management, architecture, design, law, health sciences and allied professional education. Driven by a culture of innovation, the institution blends academic excellence with industry collaboration, experiential learning, applied research, interdisciplinary problem-solving and emerging technologies to prepare the next generation of changemakers.
Building on this legacy, RVEI Incubation Foundation empowers future-ready innovators, deep-tech ventures, social enterprises and scalable startups to transform bold ideas into meaningful impact. By nurturing entrepreneurship within a vibrant academic ecosystem, we support solutions that address pressing National and Global challenges—building a better tomorrow for all.
meet our leaders
Mr. D.P. Nagaraj
Director, RVEI IF
Some leaders build institutions, and some build possibilities. Mr. D.P. Nagaraj has consistently done both by bringing together entrepreneurial vision and a deep commitment to education.
As the Honorary Joint Secretary of RVEI and the Pro-Chancellor of RV University, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of one of India’s most respected educational ecosystems. His leadership is guided by the belief that education must extend beyond academic achievement to nurture curiosity, character and the confidence to lead in an ever-evolving world. By encouraging meaningful collaboration between academia and industry, he has helped strengthen learning environments that are both future-focused and socially relevant.
His vision continues to inspire the growth of institutions that empower students to think critically, innovate responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society. Through his stewardship, the RVEI legacy continues to evolve, remaining firmly rooted in its founding values while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.
Mr. Nikhil A Murthy
Director, RVEI IF
As the Assistant Secretary of RVEI and Director of RV University, he oversees the strategic management of academic and administrative functions across one of India’s most respected educational ecosystems. He is committed to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds while fostering an environment where academic excellence, holistic development and innovation go hand in hand. His leadership reflects RVEI’s enduring pursuit of educational excellence and future-ready learning.
Before joining RVEI, he had built a distinguished career in finance, advisory and consulting. A qualified Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, he brings over 15 years of experience across leading organisations and entrepreneurial ventures. By combining financial acumen, strategic vision and a deep commitment to social impact, he continues to strengthen RVEI’s legacy while preparing the next generation of thinkers, leaders and changemakers.
Mr. Nikhil A Murthy
Director, RVEI IF
An entrepreneur at heart and a passionate advocate for corporate social responsibility, Mr. Nikhil A. Murthy believes that institutions must create opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. This philosophy continues to shape his leadership at RVEI.
As the Assistant Secretary of RVEI and Director of RV University, he oversees the strategic management of academic and administrative functions across one of India’s most respected educational ecosystems. He is committed to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds while fostering an environment where academic excellence, holistic development and innovation go hand in hand. His leadership reflects RVEI’s enduring pursuit of educational excellence and future-ready learning.
Before joining RVEI, he had built a distinguished career in finance, advisory and consulting. A qualified Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, he brings over 15 years of experience across leading organisations and entrepreneurial ventures. By combining financial acumen, strategic vision and a deep commitment to social impact, he continues to strengthen RVEI’s legacy while preparing the next generation of thinkers, leaders and changemakers.
Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan
Incubation Architect, RVEI IF
Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan has spent over two decades shaping India’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, helping transform promising ideas into impactful ventures. As the Incubation Architect of the RVEI Incubation Foundation, she is at the forefront of building an ecosystem where research and entrepreneurship thrive together.
An incubation and startup evangelist, she has dedicated her career to nurturing technologies that contribute to a better tomorrow. Her leadership journey includes serving as the CEO of the IIITB Innovation Centre and the CEO of the DERBI Foundation, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening startup ecosystems and fostering industry-academia collaboration. A Charter Member of TiE Bangalore and a member of the ISBA Governing Board, she brings invaluable insight into the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation and incubation to growth and scale.
Beyond institution building, she is a mentor who empowers founders with strategic guidance, helping them refine business models, forge meaningful partnerships and navigate the complexities of the startup ecosystem. Through her work at RVEI, she continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to innovate with purpose and confidence.
Mr. M.N. Vidyashankar
Chairman of Advisory Board, RVEI IF
He is widely recognised for driving monumental growth in India’s Information Technology, Biotechnology and Electronics/ESDM corridors. This is reflected in his previous tenure as the President of the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) and his role at the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC).
He serves on the governing boards of premier academic and technology institutions, bringing an unmatched understanding of commercialising university research into viable market innovations.
Mr. M.N. Vidyashankar
Chairman, RVEI Incubation Foundation
Mr. M.N. Vidyashankar is a distinguished retired IAS officer with over 30 years of leadership in public administration, culminating his government career as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka.
He is widely recognised for driving monumental growth in India’s Information Technology, Biotechnology and Electronics/ESDM corridors. This is reflected in his previous tenure as the President of the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) and his role at the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC).
He serves on the governing boards of premier academic and technology institutions, bringing an unmatched understanding of commercialising university research into viable market innovations. He holds advanced degrees from the Delhi School of Economics and Harvard University, and acts as a vital bridge connecting startups with state policy, corporate enterprise networks and global investment channels.
Our Philosophy
Bharat Tech
We champion technology built for and by India.
Sustainable Future
Enterprise Sustainability
Sovereign Capability
RVEI-IF backs founders who are building genuine and durable indigenous capability with a competitive advantage.
our partners
