Veezhinathan Kamakoti
| Veezhinathan Kamakoti | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1968 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| 🎓 Alma mater | IIT Madras (PhD), IISc (Post-doc) |
| 💼 Occupation | Computer Scientist, Academic Administrator |
| Known for | SHAKTI Microprocessor, RISC-V Architecture |
| Office | Director of IIT Madras |
| 👶 Children | 1 daughter (Bharathi) |
| 👴 👵 Parent(s) |
|
| 🏅 Awards | Padma Shri (2026) |
Veezhinathan Kamakoti (born 1968) is a distinguished Indian computer scientist and the current Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.[1] In January 2026, he was named a recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his exceptional contributions to Science and Engineering.[2] He is renowned for leading the development of SHAKTI, India’s first indigenous open-source microprocessor, and for his strategic role in advancing national self-reliance in semiconductor technology.
Academic Background and Formative Years
Born in Chennai, Kamakoti's upbringing was deeply influenced by his father, N. Veezhinathan, a respected Indian logician, Vedantic scholar, and professor of Sanskrit.[3] Guided by his father’s belief in the cultural richness of rural India, Kamakoti spent his early childhood with his grandparents in the villages of Mudikondan and Vishnupuram.
Kamakoti earned his Bachelor of Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering and subsequently completed his Master of Science (by research) and Ph.D. at IIT Madras in 1992 and 1995, respectively. Between 1995 and 1997, he held post-doctoral positions at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai.
Professional Trajectory and Institutional Leadership
Kamakoti’s career began in the private sector as a Senior Design Engineer at ATI Research Silicon Valley Pvt Ltd. In 2001, he transitioned to academia by joining IIT Madras as an assistant professor, a choice driven by a personal vow to serve his nation and guided by the spiritual counsel of the Acharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.[4]
As Director of IIT Madras, he has spearheaded several landmark initiatives:
- Global Presence: He oversaw the establishment of the first international IIT campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Healthcare and Technology: He facilitated the launch of a medical school and a pioneering BS program in Medical Science and Engineering.[5]
- Cultural Research: Under his leadership, the institute partnered with music maestro Ilaiyaraaja to create a research center focused on decoding the scientific and mathematical structures of melody and rhythm.
Technological Contributions and National Impact
As the lead investigator of the SHAKTI project, Kamakoti directed the development of India's first indigenous microprocessor based on the RISC-V architecture. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was designed to foster domestic semiconductor capabilities.[6] The project has catalyzed deep-tech companies such as InCore and Mindgrove Technologies.
Public Service and Governance
Kamakoti contributes to national security and corporate governance through various high-level roles:
- National Security: He is a member of the National Security Advisory Board, collaborating with national leadership on strategic matters of technological sovereignty.[7]
- Corporate Oversight: He has served as an Independent Director on the board of City Union Bank since 2011.
- Financial Markets: He is a member of the Standing Technical Committee of the National Stock Exchange.
Personal Life and Philosophy
A trained Carnatic violinist, Kamakoti developed a unique cognitive technique of mapping complex mathematical formulas to musical rhythms. In adherence to a spiritual directive and a lifelong vow to serve his country, he does not hold a passport.[3] His daughter, Bharathi, is a highly trained Carnatic vocalist.
Awards and Distinctions
- Padma Shri (2026)
- Elected Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) (2024)
- Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship (2020)
- IESA Techno Visionary Award (2018)
- IBM Faculty Award (2016)
- DRDO Academic Excellence Award (2013) presented by the Prime Minister
- IITM Young Faculty Recognition Award (YFRA) (2007)
- ACCS Life-time Achievement Award
- VASVIK Industrial Research Award
References
- ↑ "Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan takes over as Director, IIT Madras". IIT Madras. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ↑ "Padma Awards 2026 announced". The Hindu. 25 January 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 V., Sriram (20 September 2018). "Veezhinathan, quintessential philosopher". The Hindu.
- ↑ "Obit; Prof. N. Veezhinathan, well known Sanskrit scholar". Mylapore Times. 11 June 2024.
- ↑ "IIT Madras launches India's first medical sciences course for engineers". The Times of India. 2023.
- ↑ "Shakti: India's first indigenous microprocessor". IIT Madras. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ↑ "National Security Advisory Board Members". Government of India. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
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