Vikas Kumar | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Vikas Kumar | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vikas Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.

 

🎓 Mr. Vikas Kumar is a passionate architectural and urban planning researcher, currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Kharagpur. With a unique academic blend of architecture and city planning, his research integrates sustainable development, indigenous innovation, and human-centered design. He has served as a teaching assistant at both IIT Kharagpur and DCRUST Murthal, mentoring students in design and visualization. His work focuses on “Jugaad” innovation in resource-constrained contexts and its role in inclusive architectural practices. His excellence is not limited to academics—he’s a celebrated sportsperson and national-level award winner, making him a well-rounded and driven personality committed to excellence in all dimensions of life. 🌍🏀📐

👤  Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

📘 Mr. Vikas Kumar’s academic path showcases a deep dedication to built environment studies. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at IIT Kharagpur, with research on sustainable and inclusive architectural strategies through indigenous innovations like Jugaad. He earned his Master’s in City Planning from IIT Kharagpur in 2020, preceded by a Bachelor of Architecture degree from DCRUST, Murthal (Delhi NCR), in 2017. His educational journey began at CBSE institutions in Gurgaon, reflecting a strong foundational background. His Ph.D. thesis, “From Unsystematic to Systematic: Investigating Jugaad as an Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Architecture,” underscores his commitment to contextual, impactful solutions. 🏫📘✍️

💼 Experience

🏗️Mr. Vikas brings hands-on experience from both academia and industry. He interned as an architect at Vastumandala in Gurgaon and later in urban planning at Sky Group, Bangalore. Since 2018, he has served as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Kharagpur, contributing to design studios, visualization, and communication courses. He also served at DCRUST Murthal, teaching computer graphics and building construction. These roles sharpened his skills in spatial thinking, digital tools, and pedagogy. His professional foundation enables him to bridge theory and practice, turning complex architectural ideas into practical solutions for real-world challenges. 🖥️🏙️🎓

🧠 Research Interests

🔬Mr. Vikas Kumar’s research orbits around sustainable architecture, informal innovation, and user-centric design. His key interests include “Jugaad” in architecture, social behavior and built environment, spatial cognition, and ergonomic housing solutions for marginalized communities. He also investigates how children’s cognitive development can be enhanced through spatial design, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusive built environments. His research is multidisciplinary, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, from spatial analysis to ethnographic studies. With a strong emphasis on practicality and resource-conscious design, his work contributes toward achieving sustainable development goals in the built environment. 🏘️📊🔍

🏆 Awards and Achievements

🥇Mr. Vikas Kumar has been honored with numerous academic and sports accolades. He secured All India Rank 201 in the GATE 2018 Architecture and Planning exam. His presentations on bamboo-based housing and Jugaad architecture earned Best Presentation Awards at international conferences in Italy and Malaysia. He is also an accomplished athlete, holding top positions in basketball tournaments, including Inter IIT championships, UDGOSH, and Interhall events at IIT Kharagpur. His leadership as a contingent and team captain reflects his dynamic ability to lead both in academia and athletics. His excellence spans beyond research into co-curricular brilliance. 🏅🎖️🏀

📚 Publication Top Notes

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2025). Exploring Jugaad in architecture. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101469. DOI Link — Cited by 12 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2025). Triggers, Mediators, and Consequences of Jugaad. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 635. Springer Link — Cited by 9 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2024). Sustainability of bamboo panels. International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(5), 39–42. Read here — Cited by 7 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2024). Jugaad in cooling technologies. International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(5), 43–45. Read here — Cited by 5 articles

Kumar, V. (2021). Solid waste management in Varanasi. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 6(3), 48–55. Link — Cited by 10 articles

BENOIE MATHEW | Smart City | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. BENOIE MATHEW – Smart City – Best Researcher Award

University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, India | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

He is a strategic, visionary, and risk-taker with an unmatched track record in conceptualizing and implementing effective ideas and strategies in major projects and companies. His academic journey began with a B.Tech. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the University of Calicut, India, in 1999. This solid technical foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in various high-profile roles. He further enhanced his academic qualifications by pursuing an Executive Programme in Financial Risk & Investment Management from the Indian Institute of Management – Calcutta (IIM-C) in 2012. Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and excellence, Benoie earned his Master’s in Business Administration (Commendation) from the University of Bedfordshire, UK, in 2021. Currently, he is a part-time Ph.D. researcher in Management at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India, focusing on Sustainable Smart City Developments.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

His professional career is marked by his extensive experience and leadership in various high-stakes roles. As of February 2024, he serves as the General Manager at Oman Metal Industries/ENFAB Intl, where he oversees company operations, ensures the delivery of innovative technology solutions, and drives business expansion. His key responsibilities include leadership and management, operational oversight, client relations, financial management, strategic planning, technology and innovation, HSE & quality assurance, human resources, sales and marketing, and risk management.

From March 2022 to January 2024, Benoie held the position of Portfolio Project Manager at North Rumaila – West Qurna. In this role, he strategized gas fields portfolio projects by maximizing operational proficiency and capital efficiency. He developed and managed scope, strategy, project plans, resources, and budget for the full lifecycle of the project, ensuring consistency and best practice methodologies for project delivery. He liaised with contractors, vendors, sub-contractors, and consultants to manage the portfolio of projects through various phases, from concept selection to commissioning and startup.

Contributions and Research Focus on Smart City📚

  • His research focus as a part-time Ph.D. researcher is on Sustainable Smart City Developments. His core competencies include opportunity framing and assurance, portfolio project management, techno-commercial operations, stakeholder management, CAPEX management, front-end development, concept selection, procurement/contract management, cost optimization, and financial risk opportunity. His dedication to advancing sustainable urban development is reflected in his academic and professional pursuits, where he combines theoretical knowledge with practical implementation strategies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His career is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions that highlight his exceptional contributions to project management and sustainable development. Some of his notable awards include:

  • Petroleum Development Oman:
    • Oil South Engineering Silver Award for Capital Efficiency Improvement of Haima West Water-Flood Infill Project, 2021.
    • Oil South Director Award for Aggressive Cost Reduction Drive in Marmul Polymer Phase III project, 2016.
    • Engineering & Operations Director Award for saving millions through capital efficiency design improvements, 2015.
    • Gold winner of PDO’s Chairman’s Award for Excellence for the Flare Recovery Project, 2013.
    • Silver winner of PDO’s Chairman’s Award for Excellence for the Nimr Reed Bed Project, 2011.
  • International Awards for Nimr Reed Bed Project:
    • Oman Green Awards – The Green Habitat Award, 2013.
    • Environmental Award from the Regional Clean Sea Organization, 2012.
    • MEED Quality Awards (National winner) – Sustainable Project of the Year, 2012.
    • Project of the Year at the CWC Global Water: Oil & Gas Awards, 2012.
    • GCC Sustainable Project of the Year at the MEED Quality Awards, 2012.
    • Technology Innovation Award from Frost & Sullivan, 2012.
    • Oman Green Awards – The Green Innovation Award, 2012.
    • Best MENA Oil and Gas HSE Award at the ADIPEC awards, 2012.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

his work has significantly impacted the fields of project management, sustainable development, and smart city planning. His expertise in portfolio project management and his strategic vision have led to the successful completion of numerous high-profile projects, resulting in substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies. His role in the Nimr Reed Bed Project, the first commercial produced water treatment wetland in the world, stands as a testament to his innovative approach and commitment to environmental sustainability.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

    • his legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to drive transformational change in the organizations he serves. His ongoing Ph.D. research on Sustainable Smart City Developments underscores his commitment to creating a better, more sustainable future. As he continues to apply his strategic insights and leadership skills, Benoie is poised to make even greater contributions to the fields of project management and sustainable development. His work not only benefits the organizations he leads but also sets a benchmark for industry best practices.In conclusion, he is a strategic, visionary leader whose academic and professional achievements reflect his dedication to excellence and innovation. His impact on major project implementation, management assignments, and sustainable development initiatives is profound, and his future contributions are eagerly anticipated by the industry and his peers.

Notable Publications