Keynote for Innovations 2009

Opening Keynote and India Perspective
This inaugural event is anchored around an opening Keynote Address and a closing India Perspective. The Keynote Address will be given by Dr. Desh Deshpande
	2007 Keynote Dr. Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande
About Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande:
Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande is a globally respected technology entrepreneur and visionary whose ideas have reshaped entire industries. Desh was the first luminary the organizers contacted and he immediately accepted. In fact, Desh is promoting a forum at the Deshpande Center for Innovation at MIT. He is one of the most prolific donors and participant promoting technological innovation worldwide. An excerpt from his bio at Sycamore Networks which he founded and is the Board Chair of reads as below. “ … Led by Dr. Deshpande's vision and direction, Sycamore has helped to create a fundamental paradigm shift in the role and architecture of the optical network – transforming a once static optical infrastructure into an intelligent and dynamic network foundation for the delivery of new services. Sycamore's equipment is currently carrying voice and data traffic in the networks of the world's largest service providers. Dr. Deshpande is also widely respected for his contributions to education and the greater community. Numerous business and industry publications in both the US and his native India have recognized Dr. Deshpande with awards. Dr. Deshpande is frequently invited to deliver keynote addresses at business, technology, education, and government conferences. Dr. Deshpande serves as a member of the MIT Corporation, and his generous donations have made possible MIT's Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation. The Deshpande Center was created to serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting research and collaboration among entrepreneurs, young companies, and MIT students, alumni, and faculty. Prior to co-founding Sycamore Networks, Dr. Deshpande was founder and chairman of Cascade Communications Corp. Between 1991 and 1997, Cascade grew from a one-person startup to a company with $500 million in revenue and 900 employees. In June of 1997, Cascade was acquired by Ascend Communications for $3.7 billion. …”.