Meet Our Renewable Energy Team
Kusum has always been passionate about renewable energy, nature, and technology, which has guided her choices and time in academia and the energy industry. With over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector, she has developed a strong foundation for technical innovation within a renewable energy company.
Holding a BSc in Chemistry and an MSc in Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems & Environment from the prestigious University of Strathclyde in the UK, Kusum began her career in engineering consulting and project management firms as a Sustainability Engineer, focusing on low carbon and energy efficiency projects. She further enhanced her expertise by obtaining a degree in Global Energy Management from Strathclyde Business School, accredited by the Energy Institute in London. This education deepened her understanding of energy markets, economics, and business structures. Her work at organizations such as the Office of Gas & Electricity Markets (Ofgem), Scottish Environmental Technology Network (SETN), and the Centre for Energy Policy (CEP) inspired her visionary leadership in founding a successful renewable energy company that exemplifies the synergy of technological and academic research with a commitment to sustainability.
In the early stages of her career, Kusum’s collaboration with the pioneering program in Scotland, ‘Women in Renewable Energy Scotland’ (WiRES), was instrumental in advancing her professional goals. Her participation in the Conservative Science and Technology Forum at the House of Commons, where she discussed the future of tidal energy in the UK—an event chaired by John Stevenson MP and Rt Hon Claire Perry MP—motivated her to explore the political sciences domain further. This experience allowed her to integrate her existing applied skills into her ongoing interdisciplinary doctoral research in energy policies.
Kusum's narrative embodies the transformative power of education, innovation, and visionary leadership. She draws inspiration from her esteemed father, Mr. Ashok Kumar Vishwakarma, a successful businessman known for his sharp business acumen and unwavering dedication to his work. It is from him that AK Urja Synergie Pvt. Ltd. derives its prefix 'AK,' showcasing their commitment to excellence. With a team of dedicated members sharing her vision, Kusum continues to advance her solar energy expertise and drive impactful change in the renewable energy sector.
Pritam, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Pritam's journey with a BTech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from SRM Institute of Science and Technology to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and international academia showcases his proficiency in tackling complex engineering challenges. His most notable professional engagement was at ISRO, where he worked as a Project Engineer on a groundbreaking project focused on developing an experimental rover. This role highlighted his capability to apply electrical engineering principles to real-world projects, including those with a focus on renewable energy solutions.
Pritam pursued a Master's in Electrical Power Engineering from the esteemed Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in Russia and later earned another master's degree from Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany. These international experiences enriched his knowledge base and provided him with a diverse perspective on engineering solutions, including solar energy expertise. His contributions extend beyond technical achievements, as he actively participated in projects ranging from designing high-voltage power transmission lines with minimized environmental impact to creating efficient DC-to-DC converters for photovoltaic applications.
These endeavors reflect his commitment to sustainable technology and engineering solutions that positively impact the world. As CTO, Pritam’s strategic importance will be critical in equipping our team members to deliver value to clients while powering the future.
Santosh A Vishwakarma, Managing Director (MD)
Santosh is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with over 12 years of complex machining experience in the industry, particularly in the renewable energy sector. He has held extensive roles as Chief Operations Officer and Director at Proficient Industries India Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading manufacturers of Dished Ends, Expansion Bellow, and Industrial Metal cones that are widely used in all types of power plants (Hydro-Thermal-Nuclear), refineries, and the Defence industry.
He has effectively led several challenging projects within the business, contributing significantly to maximizing the performance of Proficient Industries Pvt Ltd., to date. With a considerable profile in the Mechanical Engineering industry, he has a demonstrated history of delivering exceptional quality work to high-profile clients like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Thermax, and Alfa Laval. His solar energy expertise further enhances his contributions to the industry.
Santosh is a versatile and hardworking strategist, highly skilled at understanding emerging technologies. He possesses the ability to define, manage, develop, and deliver innovative solutions. As a Director and Partner at AKUS, he leverages his strong business acumen and expertise in the engineering industry, ensuring that his team members are equipped to deploy his extensive commercial, organizational, and project management experience to deliver outstanding results for clients.