Prof. Nixon Kuruvila, Ph.D

• Deputy Director & Controller of Examinations, Sahrdaya Autonomous University
• Former Principal Sahrdaya Autonomous University ( 8 years 5 months)
• Long-standing Member of the Board of Studies, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.

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Educator | Innovation Strategist | Higher Education Leader

• Deputy Director & Controller of Examinations, Sahrdaya Autonomous University

• Former Principal (8+ years), led NAAC & NBA accreditation and autonomy status

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering; 20+ years in teaching, research & leadership

• Research papers in Wire EDM & digital manufacturing; presented in Australia, Germany, USA

• Key contributor to APJAKTU University curriculum revamp: AI, IoT, Data Science, project-based learning

• Set up ₹1.1 Cr AICTE IDEA Lab & Founder of Sahrdaya TBI (Technology Business Incubator) with KSIDC (Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation)

• Industry collaborator: GE Healthcare, Agappe, Intel, Google, DELL – Centres of Excellence

• Passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and next-gen engineering education

Notable Awards

SADGURU Award – Best Faculty

Presented by the University of Calicut, Kerala Prestigious faculty award recognizing excellence in teaching, mentorship, and educational leadership.

Outstanding Educator & Administrator Award

Conferred by the National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (NFED), India In recognition of exemplary leadership in engineering education, academic innovation, and institutional development.

Academic Excellence Award

Junior Chamber International (JCI), India Recognized by Junior Chamber International for outstanding contributions to academic leadership, educational excellence, and dedication to student development in the higher education sector.

Academic Excellence Recognition

Kodakara Grama Panchayat, Kerala Honoured by the Kodakara Grama Panchayat for consistent academic impact, community engagement, and advancing quality education at the grassroots level.

Academic Contributions

• Over 20 years of academic leadership in engineering education, research, and curriculum innovation

• Board Member, Postgraduate and Research Studies, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (APJAKTU)

• Lead Architect of AI-integrated B.Tech curriculum, emphasizing future technologies and experiential learning

• Founded India’s first rural AICTE IDEA Lab (INR ₹1.1 Cr grant) to advance digital fabrication and prototyping

• Mentored 30+ tech-based startups through the Sahrdaya Technology Business Incubator (TBI)

• Presented research at global institutions including the University of Adelaide, RMIT Melbourne, University of Texas, and World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET)Berlin

• Published and peer-reviewed in reputed international journals and conferences

Major Innovation Leadership

Organised India’s first Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus Fest, fostering early AI adoption and student innovation

Spearheaded KETCON–TEKON 2018, Kerala’s premier technology and innovation festival in partnership with KSCSTE and APJAKTU

Directed the IEDC Summit 2019, recognised as Asia’s largest student startup conclave, engaging 4,300+ young innovators

Open to collaboration in

Global Curriculum Design & Education Policy

Engineering Education Reform & Pedagogical Innovation

Innovation hub setup and startup incubation strategy

Industry–academia partnerships and applied research models

International faculty exchange and EdTech-driven learning

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (2011)

Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

M.Tech
COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (2002)

Visvesvaraya Technological University

B.E
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (1999)

University of Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Resume

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

April 2025 - till date

Deputy Director & Controller of Examinations

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

Jan 2017 -April 2025

Principal

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

2024-till date

Member - Board of Studies Engineering (PG)

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University

2021-2024

Member - Board of Studies (Research)

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University

2016 onwards

Member, Curriculum Review Committee

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University

2012 -2016

Professor & Vice Principal

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

2010-2012

Associate Professor & HOD

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

2008-2010

Senior Lecturer

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

2001-2008

Lecturer

Sahrdaya Autonomous University

1999-2001

Teaching Assistant

PES College of Engineering, Mysore

CURRICULUM THESIS WORKS

Ph.D

Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters on various steel materials in WEDM.

M.Tech

Condition Monitoring in Tyre Industry, Case Studies completed at Apollo Tyres, Thrissur.

B.E

A study on QS –9000(Quality System 9000) done at Automotive Axles Ltd. Mysore.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Member of IEEE ( Membership Number : 100129733)

Life Member of Indian Society of Technical Education (ISTE)

Life member of Institution of Engineers.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Professional performing proficiency in Vocal light Music.

First prize winner for light music (solo) in the State Level youth festival Competition conducted at Alappuzha in 1992 and various other prizes for similar competitions held in Sub District, District and State level Competitions.

I have been actively involved in the music ministry of my parish for over 35 years, serving as the leader of the church choir and contributing to the spiritual and musical life of the community.

Performed as a vocalist on numerous Christian devotional albums and contributed vocal tracks for film songs.

SOCIAL SERVICES RENDERED

Involved in Sahrdayam Housing Initiative (2018-Present) Launched in 2018, this philanthropic project provides homes for underprivileged families. 4 houses were successfully constructed and handed over as of 2025, with the latest completion in 2024 ("Sahrdayam 2024").

Coordinated Yoga and Meditation Programme for the students and Faculty Members.

Coordinated Road safety awareness rally among the public.

Got Mattahur health centre painted.

Involved in Flood Relief Activities in Kerala during 2018, 2019.

Undertook cleaning Mission at KSRTC Thrissur as a part of observing World Environment Day.

Frequently conducted Hospital Cleaning work at Different Locations.

Raised Fund for Renal Problematic Patients as a philanthropist.

Conducted a women day orientation programme.

Organised Blood Donation Camp at Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology

AREAS OF INTEREST

Non Traditional Machining

Non Destructive Testing

Surface Treatment and Finishing

Wire Electro discharge Machining

Internal Combustion Engines

Engineering Design & Drawing

Packages: MS Office

Operating Systems: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Linux, MacOS

AutoCAD, Solid edge

PERSONAL PROFILE

Date of Birth

2nd February, 1976

Marital Status

Married

Religion

Roman Catholic Syrian Christian

Passport Number

C9922169(DOE:16/04/2035)

B-2 Visa Holder (United States)

M0987267

Languages Known

English, Hindi, Malayalam,Tamil,Kannada

Awards

ACHIEVEMENTS ATTAINED

Received Prestigious “SADGURU AWARD” (Excellent faculty award) by the University of Calicut, Kerala, India.

Received the “Outstanding Educator & Administrator Award” from National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (NFED) India, 2025.

“Excellent Faculty Award” of Sahrdaya College of Engineering. The award was granted based on academic excellence for a period of 8 years consecutively.

“Excellent Faculty Award” of Sahrdaya College of Engineering from Mr Raveendranath, Honourable Minister of Higher Education

Received “Academic Excellence Award - 2017” from Junior Chamber International (JCI), India.

Received “Excellent Academician Award” by Kodakara Grama Panchayat, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Certificate of Recognition Awarded to Nixon Kuruvila for serving as Session Chair in oral and technical presentations at ICAMAME 2015: 17th International Conference on Aerospace, Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, Berlin, Germany, in recognition and appreciation of research contributions.

Leadership

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025

Secured a project from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Government of India, worth 1 crore 10 lakhs to establish the AICTE IDEA Lab at Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, aimed at becoming a world-class center for rapid prototyping, digital fabrication, and innovation development and research, based on the proposal presented as a Chief Mentor (January, 2025).

2025

Spearheaded the initiative to establish Sahrdaya College as the first Intel AI Campus in the state, leading strategic collaboration and national-level recognition in AI education (January 2025).

2024

Spearheaded the institution’s transition to Academic Autonomy status from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India, elevating it from an affiliated status (April, 2024).

2023

Organized India’s first Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus Fest at Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology (September, 2023).

2019

Led the “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre Summit 2019”, Asia’s largest student entrepreneurship event, engaging over 4,300 participants and promoting a vibrant startup ecosystem (August, 2019).

2018

Founded Sahrdaya Technology Business Incubator (Sahrdaya TBI) in collaboration with Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, creating a hub for nurturing technology startups and entrepreneurial ventures (November, 2018).

2018

Launched Sahrdaya-Agappe Innovation Hub, fostering academic-industry collaboration to develop cutting-edge solutions in biotechnology and healthcare (November, 2018).

2018

Organized KETCON-TEKON 2018, a State Innovation Festival in partnership with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, showcasing transformative innovations(March, 2018).

2017

Established the GE-SAHRDAYA Centre of Excellence for Healthcare Technologies, the first collaboration of its kind with General Electric in Kerala, advancing innovation in healthcare and research (August, 2017).

GRANTS RECEIVED

Granted an amount of Rs.4,57,000 from Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council under One District One Idea 2022 for the project Cherpu Handicraft Cluster.

Received an amount of Rs. 24,00,000 from Kerala Startup Mission and an amount of Rs. 1,00,000 from South Indian Bank for IEDC Summit 2019.

Received a financial grant of Rs.3,20,000/- from KSCSTE for “Science Popularisation scheme-2019”.

Received an amount of Rs. 7,00,000 from Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment and an amount of Rs. 7,00,000 from APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University for KETCON-TEKON 2018.

Obtained financial grant of Rs.72000/- from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India for attending and presenting a paper in 7th Australian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM7), The University of Adelaide, Australia, December 9–12, 2012.

Instrumental to receive an amount of Rs.15,72,000/- from AICTE under MODROB Scheme.

A financial grant of Rs. 5,00,000/- has been received from AICTE to organize the Conference on “Molecular Tools and Disease Diagnosis.”

Publications

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS AND PAPER PRESENTATIONS

INVITED TALKS / PAPER PRESENTATIONS/CONFERENCES CHAIRED

Presented a paper titled “Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters for HDS material in Wire EDM”, in 7th Australian Congress on Applied Mechanics at The University of Adelaide, Australia, on December 9, 2012.

Presented a paper titled “Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters for HDS material in Wire EDM” in an International Conference on Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, at University of Texas, USA on May 20, 2017.

Presented a paper titled “Parametric Influence and Optimization of Wire EDM on oil hardened non- shrinking steel” in an International Conference on “Aerospace, Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering at Berlin, Germany on May 21, 2015.

Design of Experiments” in a National Conference on Emerging Trends in Mechanical Engineering, BMS College of Engg, Bangalore on August 28, 2008.

Presented a paper titled “Estimation of Surface roughness and Dimensional accuracy using process parameters in Wire cut EDM by Artificial Neural Network”, in an International Symposium on “Measurement and Quality Control” at IIT Madras, on November 22, 2007.

Presented a paper titled “Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters for HDS material in Wire EDM”, in an International Conference on “Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering “FIME - 2010 at National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India on May 20, 2010.

Nixon Kuruvila and Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters for HDS material in Wire EDM ”, International Conference on Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, FIME 2016, University of Texas, USA, May 20 – 22, 2017.

Nixon Kuruvila and Dr. H.V. Ravindra “Parametric Influence and Optimization of Wire EDM on oil hardened non- shrinking steel”, 13th International Conference on Aerospace, Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering, Berlin, Germany, May 21-22, 2015.

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V. Ravindra and Dr. Joe Elambasseril “Optimization and Influence of Process Parameters for HDS material in Wire EDM ”, 7th Australian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM7), The University of Adelaide, Australia, December 9 – 12, 2012.

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Optimization and Influence of Process parameters for Machining Oil Hardened Non Shrinking Steel (OHNS) in WEDM” International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials” Vol.9, No.1, 2012, pp.149 – 172.(SCOPUS indexed)

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Parametric Influence and Optimization of Wire EDM of Hot Die Steel” International Journal of Machining Science & Technology, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2011, pp. 47 -75. (SCI indexed)

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V Ravindra, “Parametric optimization & Influence of control factors on Hot Die Steel in WEDM process” National Conference on Recent trends in Manufacturing Technology (RTMT 2009), Anna University, Chennai, March 6-7,2009, P-12.

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Optimization and influence of process parameters for machining various materials in wire EDM” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences.

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V Ravindra, “Optimization and Influence of Control Factors of Wire Cut EDM Based On Design of Experiments ”National Conference on Emerging Trends in Mechanical Engg.(ETIME 2008), BMS College of Engg., Bangalore, Aug. 28 - 29, 2008, P-67.

Nixon Kuruvila and Dr. H.V. Ravindra,” Parametric optimization & Influence of WEDM process on different materials”, 2nd International & 23rd All India Manufacturing Technology Design and Research Conference IIT Madras, December 15 – 17, 2008, PP 489-494.

Nixon Kuruvila, Manjunatha BB, and Dr.H.V. Ravindra,” Parameter Estimation in WEDM using Taguchi’s Technique”, International Conference on Advances in Manufacturing Engg. (ICAME-2007), Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, October 24 - 26, 2007, P-30.

Nixon Kuruvila and Dr. H.V. Ravindra, “Estimation of Surface roughness and Dimensional accuracy using process parameters in Wire cut EDM by Artificial Neural Network”, International Symposium on Measurement and Quality Control (9th ISMQC), IIT Madras, November 21 – 24, 2007, PP 380-383.

Nixon Kuruvila, Govindaraju Nayak H.C, Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Optimization & Influence of Process Parameters Of WEDM Based on DOE Using Taguchi’s Technique” National Conference on Recent Advances in Design Engineering (RADE 2007) Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, February 22 – 24, 2007, PP 108-111.

Nixon Kuruvila, Dr. H.V.Ravindra, “Study of Electrodes used in wire cut EDM” National Conference on Materials for Critical application by Institution of Engineers at Government Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala, November 3rd 2007, P-58.

Presented a paper “ Parametric optimization & Influence of WEDM process on different materials”, in 2nd International & 23rd All India Manufacturing Technology Design and Research Conference at IIT Madras, on 15 December, 2008.

Presented a paper titled “Parameter Estimation in WEDM using Taguchi’s Technique”, in an International Conference on “Advances in Manufacturing Engineering” at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, on October 25, 2007.

Presented a paper titled “Optimization & Influence of Process Parameters Of WEDM Based on DOE Using Taguchi’s Technique” in a National Conference on “Recent Advances in Design Engineering” at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, on February 22, 2007.

Presented a paper titled “Study of Electrodes used in wire cut EDM” in a National Conference on “Materials for Critical application” by Institution of Engineers at Government Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala, on November 3, 2007.

Chaired International Conference on Aerospace, Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering, Berlin, Germany, May 21-22, 2015.

Delivered Presidential Address for the three Day FDP, “Fundamentals of Project Guidance: Embedded & Signal Processing at Sahrdaya Autonomous University from 4th to 6th July 2018.

Delivered Presidential Address in International Conference on "Perceptions in Biomedical Engineering and Affordable Healthcare Technologies" on 13th to 14th May 2019.

Resource person for various Faculty Development/Orientation Programmes.

Roles

Academic Roles & Institutional Responsibilities

Member of Board of Studies & Syllabus revision committee in APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.

Served as the Institutional Chairman for NAAC and NBA Accreditation, leading strategic planning, documentation, and quality assurance initiatives to ensure continuous academic and institutional improvement.

Member of Staff Selection Committee in Thyagaraja Polytechnic, Thrissur.

Approved Research Guide in APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.

Invited Expert for setting University Examination Question paper in CUSAT (Cochin University for Science & Technology).

The Institutional Coordinator for NAAC & NBA Accreditation.

Chief Organizer of AICTE and University Faculty Development Programs (FDPs).

Chief Organizer of College and University Level Technical Fest Events.

Committee Head for Digitization of College Campus and Transactions.

Chaired TedX Sahrdaya CET 2019 & 2024.

Coordinated “Faculty Bootcamp Workshop” on Design Thinking at Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology.

Coordinated AICTE-sponsored Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) on Pedagogy for Online and Blended Teaching-Learning Process, Foundation Program in ICT for Education, and Information and Communication Technologies in Education for Online Learning.

Instrumental in organizing the Faculty Development Programme on "Vehicle Electrification: Future Mobility Trends," funded by AICTE ATAL.

Academic Mentorship to International Enterprise

Demonstrating a sustained commitment to student and faculty entrepreneurship, I co-founded Flora Extracts LLC—a natural product innovation company headquartered in the United States together with my former student, Mr. Anto Kundukulam. This venture exemplifies how academic mentorship can evolve into a successful and impactful international enterprise.

SHAPING YOUNG MINDS IN CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY

Delivered expert talks to school students, inspiring innovation, future technologies, and creativity from a young age through various sessions across institutions.

Addressed students of Saraswathy Vidyanikethan Central School, Chalakudy, Kerala, on “Innovation and Future Technologies” on June 5, 2023.

Engaged with students of Sacred Heart School, Chalakudy, fostering “Curiosity in Emerging Technologies” on April 4, 2023.

Delivered a session for students and teachers of St. Antony’s Senior Secondary School, Puthenvelikkara on “Creativity and Technological Advancements” on January 4, 2023.

Spoke at the Metaverse Symposium organized by the ICT Academy of Kerala in Cochin, sharing insights on the “future of virtual environments” on October 5, 2022.

Conducted an expert session at St. John’s Public School, Parappukkara, inspiring young minds toward Innovation on September 24, 2022.

Addressed students of Crescent Public School, Chalakudy highlighting the significance of Technology and Creative Thinking on August 16, 2022.

Delivered a session on “Robot Kinematics and dynamics” for the teachers and students of KVUPS school Manakulangara, Thrissur, Kerala state on June 2, 2018.

Addressed students of Crescent Public School, Chalakudy on “Non traditional Machining process” on July 14, 2018.

Delivered a talk on “Generative AI” at K.Karunakaran memorial polytechnic, Kallettumkara, Thrissur on 17 November, 2024.

Delivered expert Talk on “New Education Policy-NEP 2020” at CMI Public School, Chalakudy, Kerala on 23 February, 2025.

Delivered a session for St.John's public School, Parapukkara on “AI in Everyday Life “ on June 23, 2024.