Co-creating climate solutions for India's diverse cities
We bring researchers, policymakers, industry, and communities together to address climate challenges no single sector can solve alone
Our Story
The University of Toronto India Foundation, based in Mumbai, serves as a dynamic bridge connecting the University of Toronto with India’s academic institutions, innovators, non-profits, social enterprises, and governments.
Funded through the support of the Tata Trusts, UTIF champions transformative research and entrepreneurship projects that address urban and peri-urban challenges by charting actionable solutions for the future.
Building solutions that transcend boundaries.
Our mission
UTIF cultivates partnerships between the University of Toronto and India, bringing together research, innovation, and impact. Rooted in collaboration, we work alongside Indian partners to co-create solutions that strengthen infrastructure and build community resilience. Working together with our partners, we seek high-impact solutions to build more sustainable Indian cities of all sizes.
Meet the team
Gauravi is responsible for overseeing the foundation’s activities and providing strategic vision to help forge equitable partnerships between the University of Toronto and the Indian ecosystem. Her interest lies in understanding how complex international systems interact, and how they can be leveraged to build sustainable global communities. She has spent over a decade in India, Canada and Singapore launching new initiatives by developing collaborative partnerships between academia, civil society and the public sector. She holds a Master's degree in Social Justice in Education, with a collaborative specialization in Comparative International and Development education from OISE, at the University of Toronto and a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and in Communication from the University at Buffalo.
Shruta holds over a decade of experience in designing and implementing social and bio-behavioral research studies and initiatives for marginalized urban populations within the intersections of public health and human rights. Shruta holds a M.Sc. Medicine (HIV/STIs) from The University of Sydney and has co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications through her career span. As Associate Director - Research & Collaboration at the University of Toronto India Foundation, her work centers around catalyzing partnerships; seeding research programs; strengthening evidence generation; and planning capacity building initiatives on sustainable urban development. Within this role, she aims to work closely with diverse research partners from within the Indian and U of T ecosystems to strengthen research capacities; facilitate knowledge exchange; and build data-backed evidence on vital issues aligned with the global sustainable development goals.
Rajat leads the Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF), where he focuses on scaling early-stage climate ventures by fostering cross-border partnerships between Indian entrepreneurs and Canadian academic and innovation ecosystem resources. With over 12 years of experience in climate, media, education, and entrepreneurship support, Rajat has worked across sectors to accelerate sustainability and entrepreneurial growth. In the past, Rajat has led initiatives that supported 150+ sustainability leaders, helped hundreds transition to green jobs, and created 40+ new climate companies tackling challenges in waste, energy, food security, and mobility. At UTIF, he drives efforts to foster collaborations between startups, academia, government bodies, and ecosystem enablers to build scalable solutions for urban and peri-urban India.
Pragya Sharma leads communications at the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF). From social media and newsletters to the website, thought leadership, and content strategy, she shapes how UTIF's research and entrepreneurship initiatives reach the people and partners who matter most. With a background in marketing communications rooted in journalism and public relations, Pragya has a storyteller's instinct for turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. She spent close to three years in digital communications at MSL India (Publicis Groupe) and holds an MSc in International Marketing Management from the University of Leeds. Her work lives at the intersection of communications, social development, and innovation.
Akshita is a skilled Administrative Assistant with over 10 years of experience in administrative and client relations roles. Currently with the University of Toronto India Foundation, she excels in managing logistics, streamlining operations, and overseeing financial processes with precision. Further, she supports the team with vendor management, onward fiscal granting, and general procurement. Akshita's professional journey spans roles in corporate and mental health sectors and holds expertise in scheduling, budgeting, and handling financial transactions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce.
Kaviya Shree, joined as Program Coordinator to support the research and entrepreneurship initiatives at the University of Toronto India Foundation . Kaviya is passionate about fostering innovation and sustainable development. She brings over four years of experience in research, analysis, project coordination, and strategic problem-solving, with a strong focus on urban development, climate research, and waste management. She has collaborated with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful solutions in these areas. She holds a Master’s in Urban Management from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, specializing in sustainable urban development, policy analysis, and urban systems, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from MEASI Academy of Architecture, Anna University, Chennai. Kaviya currently resides in Mumbai.
Gauravi is responsible for overseeing the foundation’s activities and providing strategic vision to help forge equitable partnerships between the University of Toronto and the Indian ecosystem. Her interest lies in understanding how complex international systems interact, and how they can be leveraged to build sustainable global communities. She has spent over a decade in India, Canada and Singapore launching new initiatives by developing collaborative partnerships between academia, civil society and the public sector. She holds a Master's degree in Social Justice in Education, with a collaborative specialization in Comparative International and Development education from OISE, at the University of Toronto and a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and in Communication from the University at Buffalo.
Shruta holds over a decade of experience in designing and implementing social and bio-behavioral research studies and initiatives for marginalized urban populations within the intersections of public health and human rights. Shruta holds a M.Sc. Medicine (HIV/STIs) from The University of Sydney and has co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications through her career span. As Associate Director - Research & Collaboration at the University of Toronto India Foundation, her work centers around catalyzing partnerships; seeding research programs; strengthening evidence generation; and planning capacity building initiatives on sustainable urban development. Within this role, she aims to work closely with diverse research partners from within the Indian and U of T ecosystems to strengthen research capacities; facilitate knowledge exchange; and build data-backed evidence on vital issues aligned with the global sustainable development goals.
Rajat leads the Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF), where he focuses on scaling early-stage climate ventures by fostering cross-border partnerships between Indian entrepreneurs and Canadian academic and innovation ecosystem resources. With over 12 years of experience in climate, media, education, and entrepreneurship support, Rajat has worked across sectors to accelerate sustainability and entrepreneurial growth. In the past, Rajat has led initiatives that supported 150+ sustainability leaders, helped hundreds transition to green jobs, and created 40+ new climate companies tackling challenges in waste, energy, food security, and mobility. At UTIF, he drives efforts to foster collaborations between startups, academia, government bodies, and ecosystem enablers to build scalable solutions for urban and peri-urban India.
Pragya Sharma leads communications at the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF). From social media and newsletters to the website, thought leadership, and content strategy, she shapes how UTIF's research and entrepreneurship initiatives reach the people and partners who matter most. With a background in marketing communications rooted in journalism and public relations, Pragya has a storyteller's instinct for turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. She spent close to three years in digital communications at MSL India (Publicis Groupe) and holds an MSc in International Marketing Management from the University of Leeds. Her work lives at the intersection of communications, social development, and innovation.
Akshita is a skilled Administrative Assistant with over 10 years of experience in administrative and client relations roles. Currently with the University of Toronto India Foundation, she excels in managing logistics, streamlining operations, and overseeing financial processes with precision. Further, she supports the team with vendor management, onward fiscal granting, and general procurement. Akshita's professional journey spans roles in corporate and mental health sectors and holds expertise in scheduling, budgeting, and handling financial transactions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce.
Kaviya Shree, joined as Program Coordinator to support the research and entrepreneurship initiatives at the University of Toronto India Foundation . Kaviya is passionate about fostering innovation and sustainable development. She brings over four years of experience in research, analysis, project coordination, and strategic problem-solving, with a strong focus on urban development, climate research, and waste management. She has collaborated with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful solutions in these areas. She holds a Master’s in Urban Management from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, specializing in sustainable urban development, policy analysis, and urban systems, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from MEASI Academy of Architecture, Anna University, Chennai. Kaviya currently resides in Mumbai.
Poyni Bhatt brings four decades of experience navigating the worlds of industry, academia, and entrepreneurship; helping shape India's innovation ecosystem along the way. A qualified legal and compliance expert turned startup enabler, Poyni has spent nearly two decades in manufacturing and finance, heading secretarial, legal, and compliance functions; managing IPOs and fundraising, M&A and engaging with Indian regulators before she joined academia. A founding member of Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay’s technology business incubator, where she nurtured 220+ startups, enabling funding opportunities, and facilitated international collaborations with Taiwan, Switzerland, and the EU. She is a sought-after speaker, a jury member at entrepreneurship forums and serves on multiple government committees on innovation and advises incubators across India.
Aditya Thakore is a Senior Associate at Veritas Legal, Advocates & Solicitors, where he specializes in M&A and private equity transactions, bringing a deep understanding of corporate and transactional law. He has advised clients on a variety of domestic and cross-border transactions in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and retail sectors. His expertise also spans advising on statutory compliance, due diligence, and regulatory disclosures requirements. Aditya holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Ethics, Society & Law and Environmental Studies (Double Major) from the University of Toronto. He later pursued his LLB from Government Law College, University of Mumbai, and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor in England & Wales.
Sriram Iyer is a seasoned leader in banking and finance with two decades of experience shaping international banking, corporate governance, and strategic growth. He extensively contributed to expanding ICICI Bank’s global footprint, leading its International Banking Group, serving as President & CEO of ICICI Bank Canada. Most recently, he was the Board Chair of both ICICI Bank’s Canada and UK subsidiaries. Sriram was named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™ in 2008, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and was honoured as Corporate Executive of the Year by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Sriram also served on the Board of Toronto Global and the Conference Board of Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from NIT and an MBA from the IIM, Bangalore.
Gauravi Lobo
Country Head
Gauravi oversees the foundation’s activities and provides strategic vision to forge equitable partnerships between the University of Toronto and the Indian ecosystem. She is passionate about understanding how complex international systems interact and how they can be leveraged to build sustainable global communities. She has spent over a decade in India, Canada, and Singapore launching new initiatives by developing collaborative partnerships between academia, civil society, and the public sector.
She holds a Master’s degree in Social Justice in Education, with a collaborative specialization in Comparative, International, and Development Education from OISE at the University of Toronto, and a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication from the University at Buffalo.
Shruta Rawat
Research and Education Manager
Shruta has over a decade of experience designing and implementing social and bio-behavioral research studies and initiatives for marginalized urban populations at the intersection of public health and human rights. She holds an M.Sc. in Medicine (HIV/STIs) from The University of Sydney and has co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications throughout her career.
As Research and Education Manager at the University of Toronto India Foundation, she focuses on catalyzing partnerships, seeding research programs, strengthening evidence generation, and planning capacity-building initiatives on sustainable urban development. In this role, she collaborates with research partners across India and the U of T ecosystem to enhance research capacities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and build data-backed evidence on critical issues aligned with global sustainable development goals.
Mohan Loganathan
Entrepreneurship Center Manager
Mohan brings over a decade of experience in the Indian entrepreneurship ecosystem and leads the entrepreneurship vertical at the University of Toronto India Foundation. His work focuses on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. With a strong background in program design, Mohan has developed initiatives that help startups transform ideas into market-ready solutions. He specializes in creating partnerships that bridge global institutions, innovators, and public bodies, driving impactful collaborations to address challenges in sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
Mohan holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering (India) and a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy from Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany.
Akshita Gosai
Administrative Assistant
Akshita is a skilled administrative professional with over 10 years of experience in administrative and client relations roles. At the University of Toronto India Foundation, she excels in managing logistics, streamlining operations, and overseeing financial processes with precision. She also supports the team with vendor management, fiscal grants, and general procurement.
Her professional experience spans corporate and mental health sectors, with expertise in scheduling, budgeting, and financial transactions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce.
Poyni Bhatt
Board Member
Poyni Bhatt brings four decades of experience navigating the worlds of industry, academia, and
entrepreneurship; helping shape India's innovation ecosystem along the way. A qualified legal
and compliance expert turned startup enabler, Poyni has spent nearly two decades in
manufacturing and finance, heading secretarial, legal, and compliance functions; managing
IPOs and fundraising, M&A and engaging with Indian regulators before she joined academia.
A founding member of Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay’s
technology business incubator, where she nurtured 220+ startups, enabling funding
opportunities, and facilitated international collaborations with Taiwan, Switzerland, and the EU.
She is a sought-after speaker, a jury member at entrepreneurship forums and serves on
multiple government committees on innovation and advises incubators across India.
Shruta Rawat
Research and Education Manager
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Mohan Loganathan
Entrepreneurship Center Manager
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Akshita Gosai
Administrative Assistant
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About The University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, and is Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and innovation. U of T is renowned for its groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and global impact.
The University of Toronto has long-standing, multi-faceted engagement with India, which includes research partnerships, engagement with Indian industry, and a strong Indian student and alumni base. With over 2,200 Indian students, a diverse network of alumni across India, and nearly 1,000 research co-publications with Indian institutions in the last five years, U of T continues to strengthen its ties with India across education, research, and innovation.
The U of T India Foundation collaborates with the University of Toronto’s Office of the Vice-President, International and School of Cities, as well as globally-engaged researchers and thought-leaders from across the University in developing and undertaking many of its initiatives with Indian partners.
Our Partnership with Tata Trusts
UTIF is funded through the support of the Tata Trusts, with the goal of supporting more sustainable Indian urban and peri-urban regions across India. We proudly acknowledge the Trusts’ support of our work.
Disclosures
Annual Returns
Get in touch with us
If you’re interested in collaborating with us, or just want to learn more about us, drop us a ‘hey’ and we’ll get back to you!
- Ministry of New, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, IN
- contactus@uoftindiafoundation.com