Leadership

Chairman’s Message

Chairman

Innovation has been the defining thread of my journey—from building technology enterprises that scaled globally to supporting initiatives that create enduring societal value. With the establishment of SKAN, we have applied that same spirit of disciplined entrepreneurship to one of humanity’s most urgent frontiers: ageing and neurological health.

Across my years at Wipro, MindTree, and Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, I have observed how bold vision, strong governance, and committed teams can transform promising ideas into institutions of lasting impact. When we founded SKAN Research Trust in April 2021, our aspiration was clear: to build a world-class research ecosystem dedicated to understanding ageing and neurological disorders through deep science and global collaboration.

Our mission—“Transforming The Future of Medicine. Impacting Millions of Lives.”— is not simply an aspiration; it is a responsibility. Advances in stem cells, gut microbiome research, molecular biology, and bioinformatics are redefining the possibilities of modern medicine. By fostering interdisciplinary research and integrating translational pathways, SKAN seeks to bridge discovery science with real-world clinical impact.

Collaboration lies at the heart of scientific progress. We are proud to partner with leading global institutions including University of Cambridge, Quadram Institute of Biosciences, and Wellcome Sanger Institute. In India, our consortium includes Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Narayana Health, NIMHANS, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, and S-VYASA. Together, we are building a collaborative model that combines global scientific excellence with India’s growing research capability.

In parallel, initiatives such as Happiest Health and Ashirvadam reflect our broader commitment to healthcare access, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Being included in Forbes Asia Top 15 Philanthropists in 2022 was an honour—but the true measure of success lies in the lives improved through collective effort.

Science demands rigor, patience, and humility. As we look to the future, SKAN will continue to invest in talent, infrastructure, and partnerships that accelerate discovery while upholding the highest standards of ethics and governance. I invite researchers, clinicians, collaborators, and supporters to join us in advancing knowledge that not only extends lifespan, but enhances healthspan and human dignity.

The future of medicine will be shaped by those willing to think long-term, act responsibly, and collaborate globally. At SKAN, we are committed to doing precisely that.

Chairman
Mr.Ashok Soota
SKAN Research Trust