Dr. Himanshu Pandya is a renowned academic leader, currently serving as the Co-Chairman of the Policy on Seaweed Value Chain Development in India under the NITI Aayog, Government of India. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University for two consecutive terms (2017-2023). His visionary leadership has been pivotal in transforming Gujarat University into a globally recognized institution, emphasizing innovation, research excellence, and international collaborations. During his tenure, the university launched numerous digital initiatives, introduced new academic programs, and forged strategic international partnerships, significantly enhancing its global presence and reputation.

Beyond his role at the university, Dr. Pandya holds key national positions. He serves as the Chairman of the i-HUB, a government initiative that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation in Gujarat. His role as Chief Mentor and Founder Director of i-HUB has been pivotal in creating a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups in the state.

Dr. Pandya has founded multiple centers of excellence, including the DRDO-Centre of Excellence on Cyber Security, Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE-2.0), and SAMRIDH Accelerator under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. He has also established key institutions such as the Institute of Defence Studies and Research (IDSR) and the Gujarat University Start-up and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC). His contributions have significantly advanced Gujarat University’s role in entrepreneurship, research, and innovation, solidifying its status as a hub for higher education.