Leadership Programme
Design Innovation for Industry Transformation
Overview
As industries navigate rapid technological change, evolving consumer needs, and increasing complexity, design has emerged as a strategic tool—not just for product innovation, but for systemic transformation. This module brings together cutting-edge frameworks, case studies, and applied tools to explore how design thinking, systems design, and human-centered innovation can reshape entire industries.
Spanning topics such as structured innovation processes (e.g., the 7C’s Framework), the integration of AI in creative workflows, gamification, empathy, and strategic design leadership, the sessions are designed for executives and professionals who wish to leverage design not merely as an aesthetic or UX layer, but as a transformative business capability. The programme draws on real-world projects from across sectors—manufacturing, healthcare, mobility, digital services, and public systems—to ground insights in practice.
Programme details
Important Dates & Time
*Dates and Schedules are subject to change
| Duration | Mode | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 8- 10 October, 2025 | In-Campus | INR 75,000/- per participant (Plus GST) |
*For multiple nominations, reach out to our team for special corporate discounts.
Dr. B. K. Chakravarty
Dr. B. K. Chakravarty, the distinguished founding dean of Mahindra University, is a visionary educator and innovator with a rich legacy of accomplishments. Before his role at Mahindra University, Dr. Chakravarty established the Shenoy Innovation Studio at IIT Bombay, a pioneering initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of innovation and design thinking among students and faculty. With a profound commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in education, and his leadership and dedication in driving innovation have left an indelible mark on the field of education and continue to inspire the next generation of innovators at Mahindra University.
In recognition of his commitment to education, creativity, and business, Dr. Chakravarthy received the esteemed Institute Chair Professorship in 2015. His partnerships with governmental organizations and professional associations demonstrate his faith in the transformative potential of design, producing significant products like an arsenic filter for Varanasi and an easy-to-maintain mailbox for India Post.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chakravarthy’s initiatives extend to the establishment of the Design Innovation Center at IIT Bombay in 2014, funded by the Ministry of Education. This centre has played a crucial role in bringing student projects to fruition, resulting in an impressive portfolio of patents and technology transfers with industry partners. Through online courses and video case studies under the Open Design School project, Dr. Chakravarthy’s methodologies have reached a wide student audience, garnering over 150,000 nationwide registrations.
Dr. Chakravarthy’s main areas of interest are product design, innovation, creativity, and design management. He holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Management Studies at IIT Delhi and a master’s in industrial design from IIT Bombay. His experience and passion for education have shaped the next generation of design pioneers at the IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay, where he has taught subjects including design basics, product design, and innovation by design.
Dr. Chaitanya Solanki
Dr. Chaitanya Solanki is an Assistant Professor at the School of Design Innovation, Mahindra University. Chaitanya holds a Ph.D. from IIT Hyderabad and an M.Des from NID Ahmedabad. He is also the author of the book ‘Me or We: Individualism and Collectivism through Six Contemporary Lenses’.
Chaitanya is a game designer and an HCI researcher whose future goal is to investigate empathy for the future of the world. Chaitanya also frequently delves into product design and wearable technology for medical assistance and inclusivity.
Session Topics Covered in the Programme
- Demystifying Design Thinking
- From Form to Future – The Strategic Power of Design in Industrial Evolution
- Framework for Transforming Industries – Lessons from Decades of Design Innovation
- 7C’s of Concern in Design Innovation
- AI as a Thinking Partner in Design Innovation
- Advancements in the Industry through Gamification & Empathy.
Programs Objectives:
- Understanding design as a strategic lever for organizational and industrial transformation
- Applying structured frameworks (e.g., 7C’s of Concern) to tackle complex innovation challenges
- Analyzing how iconic firms have embedded design to create new categories, markets, and behaviours
- Translating design principles into actionable strategies for resilience, scale, and innovation
- Exploring how AI can augment creative thinking and design workflows
- Using empathy and gamification to drive user engagement, learning, and systemic change
Who Should Attend ?
This course is suitable for middle to senior level executives, who habitually need to work with multiple stakeholder groups, internal and external, to achieve their organizations’ objectives.
Leadership category
Currently, the following Leadership Programmes are being offered, with more to be launched in the coming months. Our Programs span across multiple disciplines of management, engineering and law.
Empowering women in leadership
AI Strategy for business and technology leaders
Manager as a Coach
Leading with Purpose
Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Leading Teams for Hi Performance
Leading in a Complex World
Leading Change and Transformation
Leading a Happy and Productive Workplace
Leading & Building a Culture of Innovation
Leadership Retreat
Leadership Competencies for Top Management
Leader as a Coach
Future Leaders Programme for GCCs
Executive Leadership Presence
Establish your Executive Presence with the Power of Storytelling
Enhancing Productivity & Effectiveness
Enhancing Personal & Professional Excellence
Design Innovation for Industry Transformation
Business Storytelling for Leaders
Business Leadership for the 21st Century
Building and Managing High-Performing Teams
Building & Leading a Culture of Innovation
AI Strategy for Senior Leaders
Agile Leadership
Advanced Leadership Programme
Strategic Negotiation
Purpose Driven Leadership
Purpose and Profits
Negotiation Strategies for Collaboration and Conflict Management
