Dr. Bhujanga Rao Vepakomma
PhD(Engineering), PhD(Management), DSc(h.c.), FNAE, FNA
Former Distinguished Scientist and Former Director General, DRDO (Rank of spl. Secretary) and Former ISRO Chair Professor took over as the Chairman, KFRC with effect from October 01, 2021.
Contribution to India’s Defence
Dr. Rao played an important role in the development of advanced underwater weapon systems like naval stealth systems, heavy-weight torpedo, light-weight torpedo, wire-guided torpedo, mareech decoy, underwater mines,underwater ranges at Goa in enhancing our defence capability. Dr Rao’s joint patent, the Infrared signature suppression device has been fitted on board 48 ships. This device provides protection from infra red missile attack.
Dr. Rao played an important role in the development of advanced underwater weapon systems like naval stealth systems, heavy-weight torpedo, light-weight torpedo, wire-guided torpedo, mareech decoy, underwater mines,underwater ranges at Goa in enhancing our defence capability. Dr Rao’s joint patent, the Infrared signature suppression device has been fitted on board 48 ships. This device provides protection from infra red missile attack.
Contribution to industry
Dr. Rao founded the Condition Monitoring Society of India (CMSI), a non-profit organisation, in 2003 to empower industries and foster growth.Condition monitoring is considered a gateway and backbone to Industry 4.0. To disseminate its importance and promote best practices, CMSI organises annual national and international conferences, student seminars, and industry interactions across the country.
Advancing Inclusive Healthcare Through Biomedical Innovation
Dr. Rao has made significant contributions to accessible healthcare through indigenous biomedical innovation and assistive technologies. As Chief Designer of India’s first cochlear implant prosthesis, he advanced hearing restoration. He established India’s first interpreter-enabled telemedicine centre for deaf patients at KFRC. He also spearheaded DRIISTI, an AI-based smart vision glasses initiative empowering visually impaired individuals through navigation assistance, object and face recognition, and text-to-speech technology.
Dr. Rao’s Honours
National and international recognition through prestigious awards for innovation, self-reliance, and excellence in design, research, and development.
NIAS
National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) is a premier institute in India engaged in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research in natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.
Dr. Bhujanga Rao is a visiting Professor from 15 September 2020 to till date (*Indian Space Research Organisation).
KIMS Hospital, secunderabad
Dr. Rao is presently Chairman
KIMS Foundation & Research Centre
The KIMS Foundation and Research Centre (KFRC) mission is to promote Science and Technology in all areas of healthcare and undertake scientific work of national and international importance addressing diverse medical needs of the society. It provides outreach and support to the community and disseminates knowledge gained through research for the betterment of society. The KFRC vision is to be recognised as a leader in developing innovative medical therapies and reducing the cost of healthcare.