Mr. Mahesh Pratapneni ( 30th Batch )

Mr. Mahesh Pratapneni (Peema) is the founder and Managing Director of Emerge Life Sciences, and over the last decade, has focused on driving core innovation from India, leveraging genomics and data science. MedGenome has done path-breaking research and is the leading provider of genetic testing in India. During the Covid-19 pandemic, MedGenome stepped up to provide testing services nationwide and was a finalist in the Covid-19 Healthcare Innovation category at the ET Startup Awards 2020. In addition, Mahesh has initiated the GenomeAsia 100K project to bridge the 'Gap'- the underrepresentation of Indian and Asian populations in DNA research insights and findings. During the early part of his career, Mahesh spent a decade leading growth, solutioning and business development for Calsoft Labs, a Chennai-based software development firm founded by Sam Santhosh, another IIMC alumnus. In the brief interlude between the software and life sciences, he also experienced the 2008 financial crisis firsthand as the Chief Efficiency Officer at IndyMac Bank. Through varied experiences spanning 25 years, Mahesh has built credibility and respect for his forthright feedback and his insightful advice, as well as a network of friends and colleagues who have contributed to his success.