Prof. Kunal Korgaonkar’s journey into the world of computers began with a serendipitous encounter at his father’s workplace, a local bank. At first sight, the machine captured his imagination, setting the stage for a lifelong passion that would shape his destiny.
“Looking at those machines, I wondered what all computers could do in the future. That thought led me to pursue a computer engineering degree at the prestigious Goa College of Engineering, followed by a master’s program at IIT Madras,” Prof. Korgaonkar reminisced. These formative years laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
Subsequently, he embarked on a journey of academic and professional growth, culminating in a Ph.D. from the esteemed University of California, San Diego, known for its exceptional computer science and engineering department. His insatiable curiosity led him to do postdoctoral work at Technion in Haifa, Israel, where he honed his expertise in designing and constructing computer systems, particularly with emerging technologies.
Despite a successful career spanning a decade abroad, Prof. Korgaonkar made a pivotal decision to return to his homeland, driven by a deep-rooted belief in the potential of India. He realized that it wasn’t the people but the institutional and systemic limitations that held India back. He firmly believed in the pursuit of excellence on home soil, guided by his sense of belonging and purpose.
With this conviction, Prof. Korgaonkar embarked on a mission to make a meaningful impact on his community. His current focus lies in the development of low-cost robotic surgery equipment, with the aim of making precision surgery accessible to government hospitals.
He observed that existing robotic surgery equipment, primarily imported, comes with exorbitant price tags. For instance, the renowned Da Vinci system costs a staggering $1.4 million (approximately Rs 7 crore) with an annual maintenance cost of $100,000 (around Rs 80 lakh) and a limited lifespan of five years.
Prof. Korgaonkar’s dedication to innovation and his commitment to serving his people illustrate the incredible potential that can be unlocked when one’s passion converges with a sense of purpose and a desire for positive change. His journey continues to inspire and pave the way for a brighter future in the field of computer engineering and healthcare in India.
Prof. Korgaonkar’s vision is driven by a commitment to make cutting-edge medical technology accessible to a broader spectrum of healthcare facilities. The prohibitive costs of existing robotic surgery systems pose a significant challenge to small and medium-scale hospitals. To overcome this hurdle, he aims to harness the power of machine learning, robotics, and computer systems to reduce the cost of manufacturing or building such systems to under Rs 50 lakh. This endeavor holds the potential to revolutionize surgical procedures, benefiting both surgeons and patients alike.
In his quest to foster innovation and empower local talent, Prof. Korgaonkar has strategically recruited junior research fellows and PhD students from nearby engineering colleges. These individuals will be at the forefront of research and development projects in state-of-the-art laboratories, where interdisciplinary collaboration will drive transformative advancements.
Furthermore, Prof. Korgaonkar’s commitment extends to mentorship and collaboration with students and interns from local educational institutions. By nurturing this talent pool, he aims to cultivate a thriving local ecosystem for deep-tech innovation. This collaborative approach extends beyond academia, as he plans to engage with institutions like Goa Medical College and local private hospitals, envisioning a collective effort to elevate Goa’s presence in the national and international arenas of advanced healthcare technology.
With a clear sense of purpose and dedication, Prof. Korgaonkar’s future aspirations revolve around making meaningful contributions to both India’s and Goa’s success stories. His mission to democratize access to innovative medical technology and cultivate local talent underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing the field of computer engineering and healthcare in the region.
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