Venkat, affectionately called "Shi Mpundu" (father of twin girls) by his old Zambian classmates, heads IBM Quantum India. With a PhD from IIT Delhi and a 26-year tech career, he has earned 34 patents, published 150 research papers, and received the title of IBM Master Inventor. Venkat is dedicated to pushing India to the forefront of quantum computing. He also mentors at IIT Delhi, bridging theory with practical applications. A lifelong local, he has lived 80% of his life within 20 km of his birthplace in Safdarjung, Delhi.