DR. PRASHANT S HUMNABAD WON MOST PROMISING ACADEMICIAN AWARD IN THE FIELD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Mechanical Engineering INDIA

Dr. Prashant S. Humnabad is an accomplished academician and researcher with over 18 years of teaching and research experience, along with two years of professional exposure in the IT industry. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Robotics & AI (Mechanical Engineering) at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bangalore (since September 2023).

Previously, he has held positions as Assistant Professor (2013–2023) and Lecturer (2008–2013) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the same institution. His career began as a Software Test Engineer at Telecon Valley Ltd., Bangalore (2006–2008), where he gained industry insights before fully transitioning into academia.

His professional objective is to integrate emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT, and machine learning into engineering education and research, thereby fostering innovation and skill development.

Research Grants & Projects

Dr. Humnabad has successfully secured and contributed to multiple prestigious research grants, including:

  • AICTE–IDEA Lab (₹90 lakh, PI, ongoing)

  • SIEMENS Advanced Analysis Lab (₹15.68 lakh, PI, ongoing)

  • DST–FIST Centre for Robot Programming, Automation & Simulation (₹91.44 lakh, PI, under review)

  • AI-Based Platform for Cardiovascular Disease Detection (₹48.7 lakh, PI, submitted)

  • AI & IoT-based Solar Monitoring System (₹49.15 lakh, Co-PI, submitted)

  • Development of Robotic Companion for Early Childhood (₹49.15 lakh, Co-PI, submitted)

  • DST–SATHI Grant (₹7.45 crore, PI, redirected to new scheme)

In addition, he has completed several AICTE, VGST, and institutional-level projects, including funded conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs.

Research Contributions & Publications

Dr. Humnabad has made significant contributions to research in advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI in healthcare, and IoT applications. His academic output includes:

  • 15+ peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as Elsevier’s Materials Today Proceedings, Migration Letters (Q2 journal), Goya Journal, JMMF, and IJMPERD.

  • Best Paper Award at SME 2025, NITTE, Karnataka.

  • 2 Patents filed and published in the fields of AI-assisted wear behavior evaluation and IoT-based irrigation systems.

  • 30+ conferences and programs organized, including AICTE–ATAL FDPs, RAMEAF conferences, and industry-academia workshops.

His research emphasizes sustainable technologies, Industry 4.0 applications, robotics, welding technologies, and AI-driven innovation.

Professional Engagements & Industry Collaboration

  • Research Consultant at Rankify Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (AI-driven personalized medicine project).

  • Advisory Board Member at Rufouss Global ERP & Digital Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, contributing expertise in SAP test consulting.

  • Vice-President, Institution Innovation Council (IIC), 2024–25 at Sir MVIT, actively driving innovation activities, project funding, and IPR awareness.

  • Involved in 40+ FDPs, training programs, and workshops as participant, organizer, or resource person.

Leadership & Administrative Roles

Dr. Humnabad has played an instrumental role in academic leadership, including:

  • Vice-President – Institution Innovation Council (2024–25).

  • Member – Research & Development Cell, PAC Committee, IPR Advisory Committee.

  • Department Coordinator – NAAC & NBA Accreditation.

  • Coordinator – Skill Development Cell (ERP, Foreign Languages, Six-Sigma).

  • Innovation Activity Coordinator – fostering PoC/idea competitions and startup culture.

Recognition & Awards

  • Best Paper Award (2025) – International Conference SME 2025, Karnataka.

  • Recognized for his contributions in faculty training, industry collaborations, research leadership, and innovation initiatives.

Eligibility for Most Promising Academician Award

With nearly two decades of academic service, proven leadership in research and innovation, substantial funded projects (over ₹11 crore worth), two patents, numerous publications, and pioneering roles in AI, robotics, and IoT applications, Dr. Prashant S. Humnabad exemplifies the qualities of a visionary academic leader.

His blend of teaching excellence, funded research, patent contributions, and strong industry-academia linkages makes him highly eligible for the Most Promising Academician Award in Scientific Laurels. This honor would recognize his outstanding achievements and his potential to further revolutionize engineering education and research in India.