In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and digital transformation, few leaders stand out as prominently as Dr. Saurabh Katiyar. Recognized among Asia’s “Top 10 Technology Leaders” for 2025, Dr. Katiyar’s exceptional journey spans over 29 years of driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and delivering transformative results across diverse sectors.
As the Director at Charoen Pokphand Group, he has played a pivotal role in establishing $5 billion worth of tech-enabled businesses and advancing strategic research and development initiatives. His deep expertise and forward-thinking approach have positioned him as a driving force behind the technological evolution in Asia.
Dr. Katiyar’s leadership is characterized by his strong focus on deep-tech areas, including Industry 4.0, Fin-Tech, Health-Tech, and Smart-City solutions. Under his guidance, the organizations he has worked with have achieved remarkable operational efficiency and groundbreaking innovation. By developing and executing strategic initiatives, he has successfully increased operational efficiency by 30% and boosted revenue by 25% over a span of three years. His commitment to digital transformation has not only enhanced customer experiences but also streamlined processes, leading to a 40% reduction in turnaround time.
One of Dr. Katiyar’s key strengths lies in his ability to manage large-scale financial operations with precision and strategic insight. He has consistently met and exceeded financial targets while optimizing resource allocation to drive profitability. His work across multiple sectors — including Retail-Tech, Agri-Tech, Telecom-Tech, Clean-Tech, and Space-Tech — has resulted in innovative solutions that address industry-specific challenges, demonstrating his versatility and vision in shaping the future of technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Katiyar has been celebrated for his exceptional performance and innovative contributions. Honored among the “Top 10 Tech Leaders from Asia” in 2024, he has consistently received top ratings for his work, reflecting his ability to deliver results that exceed expectations. His expertise in program management has ensured that 95% of projects under his supervision were delivered on time and within budget, aligning perfectly with organizational goals and strategic directions.
Beyond his technical acumen, Dr. Katiyar is known for his ability to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and driving initiatives that lead to substantial business growth. His global exposure, having worked across countries like Thailand, Australia, the UK, China, Singapore, and Malaysia, has enriched his perspective and enabled him to navigate complex compliance landscapes with ease. His expertise in regulatory standards such as GDPR, PDPA, and HIPAA has ensured successful audits and adherence to international compliance norms.
As a visionary technology leader, Dr. Saurabh Katiyar continues to push the boundaries of innovation and strategic excellence. His legacy of fostering groundbreaking advancements and his relentless pursuit of transformative solutions make him an inspiring figure in the tech industry, shaping the future of digital transformation across Asia and beyond.
Driving Innovation and Digital Excellence at Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation
Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and True Corporation have established themselves as leaders in technological innovation and digital transformation in Southeast Asia. Since June 2019, Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has played a pivotal role as Director of R&D and Technology Head for Digital, AI, Robotics, and Sensing Technology. Under his leadership, the group has driven the creation of $5 billion in tech-enabled businesses and launched 14 high-impact R&D projects. By establishing four Advisory Councils, he has strengthened the group’s innovation framework, aligning advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing with CP Group’s long-term strategic vision for sustainability and efficiency from 2024 to 2028.
The digital transformation initiatives led by Dr. Katiyar have reshaped CP Group’s operations across 11 diverse business units. He implemented a robust governance structure with clearly defined performance indicators, driving improvements in cybersecurity, next-generation technology, user experience, and AI-driven analytics and automation. These efforts have delivered tangible results, including a 70% migration of services to cloud platforms, leading to annual savings of $50 million. His strategic focus on optimization also enabled the company to achieve a 13% reduction in global energy consumption through AI-powered techniques, reinforcing CP Group’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
Innovation and collaboration have been at the core of CP Group’s success, with Dr. Katiyar fostering a thriving ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and strategic partners. He has analyzed over 5,000 startups, engaging more than 200 in collaborative initiatives that have enriched the group’s innovation pipeline. His leadership has driven exceptional growth in intellectual property, with patent filings rising by 41.2% in 2021, 48.8% in 2022, and 52.2% in 2023 across 91 R&D centers. Through strategic technology vision and forward-thinking initiatives, Dr. Katiyar has positioned CP Group and True Corporation at the forefront of technological advancement in the region.
Strategic Leadership and Enterprise Architecture Excellence at NTT and DXC
At NTT (formerly Dimension Data) in Thailand, Dr. Saurabh Katiyar served as the Regional Enterprise Architect Manager from May to July 2015, delivering exceptional consulting services across the Financial Services, Healthcare, and Automotive sectors. His expertise in enterprise architecture consulting enabled clients to align their technology investments with business objectives, optimizing operational efficiencies. One of his most remarkable achievements was securing a $75,000 enterprise architecture strategy consulting contract with Honda Motors Thailand in just one month—marking the fastest presales process closure in the organization. Through his strategic frameworks, Dr. Katiyar played a vital role in improving client project implementations and driving tangible business impact.
During his tenure at DXC (formerly Computer Science Corporation) in the USA from September 2007 to March 2010, Dr. Katiyar held the position of Senior Architect and Solution Architect Manager. He spearheaded high-impact IT projects for Fortune 50 clients across sectors like Manufacturing, Aerospace, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Banking, and Government. His leadership in post-merger integration projects for CSC and Covansys ensured seamless system consolidations and enhanced service delivery. Notably, he directed a $20 billion technology transformation for a leading Fortune 50 company and achieved annual cost savings of $70 million for a major Asian bank through a complete redesign of business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies.
Dr. Katiyar’s ability to develop and implement robust enterprise architecture solutions consistently resulted in enhanced operational workflows and improved collaboration across diverse business units. By designing comprehensive IT strategies and data integration frameworks, he streamlined complex system integrations, facilitating effective post-merger operations. His strategic vision and technical acumen have established him as a transformative leader, driving innovation and efficiency in every role he undertakes.
Driving Excellence and Innovation at Dell Technologies and Accenture
At Dell Technologies, India, and APAC, Dr. Saurabh Katiyar served as an Enterprise Technologist and Senior Systems Consultant from March 2006 to September 2007. In this role, he led a team of 8-12 Account Managers within the Enterprise Solutions division, where he played a crucial role in solution seeding, architecture, sizing, and bid proposals. His ability to engage and influence business decision-makers resulted in the successful presentation and defense of innovative technology solutions. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious title of Enterprise Consultant of the Year for Asia Pacific and Japan (FY06) by surpassing APAC business targets and achieving 105% of set goals.
In his brief but impactful stint at Accenture Inc., India, and the USA from March to August 2006, Dr. Katiyar served as Program Manager for Platform Engineering on the global Avanade Project—a collaboration between Accenture and Microsoft. He led a global development team of 54 members, ensuring efficient management of Visual Studio bug fixes and 24/7 operations. Under his leadership, the team maintained exceptional KPI ticket management standards and consistently delivered high-quality service.
Dr. Katiyar’s ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and manage high-impact projects with efficiency and innovation made him a vital contributor to both organizations. His strategic vision and operational excellence ensured successful project execution and high levels of customer satisfaction, reinforcing his reputation as a results-driven technology leader.
Academia Engagements
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has established extensive collaborations with global academic institutions and research organizations, driving innovation and advancing cutting-edge technologies. His partnerships span some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and King’s College London.
Dr. Katiyar also works closely with leading Asian institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS), A-Star, and Enterprise Singapore, contributing to research and innovation initiatives in deep tech and advanced scientific exploration. Through these engagements, Dr. Katiyar has fostered spinoffs and collaborative research in fields like AI, material science, and sustainable technologies, creating opportunities for global knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary development.
In Thailand, Dr. Katiyar represents the CTO Office, collaborating with government institutions and the educational ecosystem to promote innovation and align with the nation’s Industry 4.0 vision, sustainability goals, and carbon neutrality targets. He works closely with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), PMU-B (a government research and funding agency), and ENTEC NSTDA (the National Energy Technology Center of Thailand). His efforts have driven joint research projects in alternative energy, waste-to-energy systems, green hydrogen research, charging infrastructure, smart farm and factory automation, and new battery chemistries like lithium metal, lithium-sulfur, and solid-state batteries.
Dr. Katiyar has also built strong partnerships with leading Thai universities, including Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Thonburi (KMITT), Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University, and Khon Kaen University. Through these collaborations, he actively contributes to research projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives, promoting technological advancement and sustainable development across the region. His engagement with academia reflects his commitment to nurturing innovation ecosystems and building global networks for scientific and technological progress.
Engagement with Embassy and Government Bodies
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has played a crucial role in building international collaborations and strengthening bilateral ties through his engagements with various embassies and government bodies. His efforts focus on promoting startup ecosystems, reviewing investment opportunities, and establishing strategic partnerships.
Over the years, he has worked closely with the trade missions of several embassies, including those of Israel, Japan, the UK, Finland, India, the Netherlands, and China. A notable example of his contributions is the collaboration with the Japan Embassy and JETRO at the ROCK Thailand event, where he facilitated discussions around innovation and cross-border business opportunities. His ability to connect diverse stakeholders and foster mutually beneficial collaborations has been instrumental in creating global opportunities for startups and established businesses alike.
Tech-Talk and Speaker Sessions
As a thought leader and subject matter expert, Dr. Saurabh Katiyar is a highly sought-after speaker at prestigious national and international forums. His insights on technology, business strategy, and innovation have made a significant impact on global audiences. In the coming months, he will be speaking on “Omni-Channel and Artificial Intelligence in Retail” at the Asia Retail and Martech Forum 2025 in Singapore, addressing the evolving retail landscape through the lens of AI-driven transformation. He has also been invited to the FutureCIO Thailand Conference 2025 in Bangkok, where he will share his expertise on the role of digital innovation in shaping the future of businesses.
Dr. Katiyar’s influence extends beyond corporate discussions; his role as the Chairman of the HR & Worktech Thailand Summit 2024 underscores his leadership in shaping conversations around workplace culture and the future of HR technology. At this event, he will moderate a panel on breaking down barriers to cultural transformation and speak on the latest disruptions in HR tech trends. His participation in the 2nd Asia ESG-Procurement & Supply Chain Forum 2024 further reflects his commitment to sustainability, where he will discuss how data can drive smarter supply chain decisions.
Through these engagements, Dr. Katiyar continues to push the boundaries of innovation and inspire industry leaders to embrace transformative change. His vision and expertise make him an influential voice in the global dialogue on technology, sustainability, and business strategy.
Functional Expertise
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar brings a robust portfolio of technical skills, making him a driving force behind digital transformation and innovation. His deep expertise spans across Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Analytics, alongside proficiency in Cloud Computing and Enterprise Architecture (TOGAF). He has led complex cybersecurity initiatives, spearheaded agile product development, and driven research and development (R&D) projects with a focus on compliance and regulatory standards. His strategic approach to pre-sales consulting and operations management ensures efficiency and innovation at every stage.
Managerial Excellence
With a proven track record in stakeholder management and strategic planning, Dr. Katiyar excels in aligning technological initiatives with business objectives. He has demonstrated exceptional skills in vendor management, P&L oversight, and budgeting, consistently achieving operational savings and optimizing resources. His ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and maintain high governance standards has played a pivotal role in delivering large-scale, high-impact programs.
Visionary Leadership
Dr. Katiyar’s leadership style is rooted in building trust, leading by example, and inspiring teams toward a shared vision. His strategic thinking and creative problem-solving capabilities drive innovation and effective decision-making. With strong communication and negotiation skills, he adeptly resolves conflicts and ensures team motivation and high performance. His ability to cultivate a collaborative and results-driven environment makes him a transformative leader in the global tech landscape.
Thought Leadership Through Publications and Research
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has made significant contributions to the academic and scientific community through his extensive research and publications on advanced technologies. His work primarily focuses on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, digital genomics, and material science. By publishing and reviewing cutting-edge studies in these fields, he has helped shape the discourse on how AI-driven innovations can solve real-world challenges and advance scientific knowledge.
Mentoring and Academic Engagement
Beyond research, Dr. Katiyar is deeply invested in shaping future leaders and innovators. He has delivered impactful lectures at esteemed institutions such as the Asia Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Institute of Management Technology (IMT). His mentorship extends to guiding research scholars, providing thesis supervision, and fostering academic excellence. His commitment to education and knowledge-sharing has empowered students to pursue innovative research and practical applications of advanced technologies.
Book Writing and Publications
A passion for sharing knowledge and insights is evident through notable contributions to the literary and digital space. The international EdTech book “Sone Ki Chidiya Ko Jagao – Awaken the Golden Bird”, co-authored and available on Amazon, is a remarkable work that explores transformative educational ideas. In addition to this, regular technology blogs on www.saurabhnotes.com showcase a deep understanding of emerging tech trends, providing readers with valuable perspectives and innovative solutions.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
A strong commitment to social welfare shines through dedicated support for underprivileged students in Thailand. Sathyasaith School in Lopburi, established in 1992 under the guidance of spiritual guru Satya Sai Baba, nurtures human values, character development, love, peace, and harmony. Furthering this vision, generous donations have helped build the first multi-purpose building and library at a government village school in Lopburi Province, creating a lasting impact on education and community growth.
Global Influence Through Tech Talks and Conferences
As a recognized thought leader, Dr. Katiyar has been a prominent speaker at more than 40 international conferences and summits. His expertise has been showcased at prestigious platforms like the United Nations (UN), Techsauce, Future Energy Asia, and various CEO and CIO summits. Through these sessions, he has shared insights on digital transformation, AI adoption, and the future of emerging technologies, influencing global strategies and inspiring industry leaders worldwide.
Global Advisory Roles
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar’s influence extends beyond corporate leadership into impactful global advisory positions. As an International Advisor to the Brain Behavior Research Foundation (BBRFI), he contributes his expertise to pioneering advancements in neuroscience and behavioral research. His insights help shape innovative approaches and foster scientific progress in understanding brain health and behavior.
Affiliations with Prestigious Scientific Societies
Dr. Katiyar is an active member of several distinguished scientific communities, reflecting his deep engagement with cutting-edge research and technology. He holds memberships with globally recognized organizations like IEEE®, SelectScience®, the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and the Blockchain Council. Through these affiliations, he stays at the forefront of technological evolution and scientific discovery.
Mentorship and Startup Advisory
As a trusted advisor to several innovative startups, Dr. Katiyar plays a crucial role in guiding spinoffs focused on Industry 4.0 and healthcare. His strategic mentorship helps these emerging companies harness advanced technologies, drive innovation, and scale their operations effectively. His commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent underscores his vision for creating a future shaped by transformative ideas and sustainable growth.
Advanced Academic Background
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar’s impressive educational journey reflects his deep commitment to continuous learning and technological advancement. He holds an M.Sc. in Information Technology from Punjab Technical University and an MBA in Information Systems & Operations from the Institute of Management Technology, India. Further expanding his expertise, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science with a focus on AI and Machine Learning from the Indian Institute of Skill Development, equipping him with strong analytical and technical skills.
Specialized Doctoral and Research Credentials
Dr. Katiyar’s passion for innovation and research led him to pursue two Ph.D. degrees. He earned a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the State University of California, USA, and another Ph.D. from the University of Mysore, India, where his research focused on applying digital AI deep-tech to promote healthy eating. His academic pursuits are complemented by specialized knowledge in healthcare technologies, with an AI for Healthcare certification from the prestigious Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Additionally, he explored advanced scientific principles through a course on Quantum Mechanics for Scientists from Stanford University’s School of Engineering under Prof. David Miller.
Professional Certifications and Technical Expertise
Dr. Katiyar’s extensive list of professional certifications further underscores his multidisciplinary expertise. He holds qualifications in cutting-edge technologies and frameworks, including Future Labs, ChatGPT, Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models (LLM), and Bioinformatics. He is certified in globally recognized standards like TOGAF and ITIL Level 3 and has technical accreditations in AWS, Azure, MCSE, and MCDBA. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is evident through his certifications in Sustainability, NetZero, LEEDS, ESG, and SDG, highlighting his holistic approach to technology and business leadership.
Industry Recognition and Leadership Honors
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has been celebrated as one of the “10 Best Tech Leaders from Asia 2024” by the prestigious CIO Magazine. This acknowledgment reflects his transformative impact on the technology landscape, his visionary leadership, and his role in driving innovative solutions across industries.
Global Media Spotlight
In April 2024, Dr. Katiyar was featured in a cover story by Tradefloc International Business Magazine. The in-depth feature highlighted his remarkable contributions to digital transformation, his expertise in advanced technologies, and his strategic leadership that continues to shape global tech ecosystems.
Entrepreneurial & Advisory Leadership
Dr. Saurabh Katiyar has played a crucial role in shaping innovative ventures and advisory initiatives across healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. As the Founder Director and CTO/Advisor (Honorary) at AGATH Healthcare P Limited, India, he has supported the organization’s mission to promote holistic therapeutic pathways rooted in traditional and complementary Indian medicine.
Collaborating closely with his wife, Dr. Alka Gupta — a WHO Expert and Advisor to the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India — he has facilitated clinical trials and established strategic partnerships with national and international universities, research organizations, and global experts. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing integrative healthcare practices through research and collaboration.
In his role as the International CTO/Advisor for the Brain Behavior Research Foundation of India (BBRFI), Dr. Katiyar has contributed extensively to the organization’s mission of ensuring ‘Mental Health and Well-Being for All.’ As an autonomous national research body promoted by the Government of India, BBRFI has touched over 1 million lives through expert-led sessions, community outreach, and therapeutic services.
Dr. Katiyar’s expertise in clinical and counselling psychology, along with his efforts in connecting global neurological research and developing brain-computer interface (BCI) tools, has enhanced the foundation’s impact. His involvement has also supported therapy and counseling for diverse groups, including geriatric populations, LGBTQ individuals, and specially-abled children.
Beyond healthcare, Dr. Katiyar has been a key figure in promoting entrepreneurship and skill development. As an International Mentor/Advisor for Startup Buddy and the Atal Incubation Cell, Government of India, he has guided early-stage startups, particularly those aimed at uplifting economically weaker sections of society. By connecting industry advisors and mentoring teams, he has supported innovative pitches and provided technology innovation guidelines, helping startups align with government initiatives and scale their impact.
Additionally, his advisory role at Bringle Edu-Tech has driven efforts to bridge education and skill gaps in India, particularly for tribal and remote communities. Through the establishment of the Academy e-Metaverse and Digital Twin initiatives, he has empowered youth with digital education tools, promoting sustainable growth and professional development.
Distinguished Academic Honor
In recognition of his exceptional expertise and contributions to research and innovation, Dr. Katiyar was conferred with the Special Guest of Honor and the Honoris Causa Doctoral Award by the Commonwealth Vocational University, South Africa, in August 2019. This prestigious honorary doctorate acknowledges his influence in advancing education, technology, and scientific thought on an international scale.
A Journey of Inner Growth
Dr. Katiyar’s spiritual journey reflects his deep commitment to self-discovery and inner peace. In 1987, he was initiated into the practice of Kriya Yoga through the Prayagraj Kriya Yoga Foundation, India, under the guidance of Yogi Satyam. This ancient meditation technique became a cornerstone of his spiritual life.
In 2006, Dr. Katiyar became a founding member of Patanjali Yogpeeth, India, working alongside Swami Ramdev to promote yoga and Ayurveda globally. Over the years, he has received blessings from spiritual leaders like Swami Ramdev, ISKCON preachers, and Senior Thai Monk Venerable Phra Dr. Anilman Thammasakiyo (SAKYA), enriching his spiritual path.
In 2007, he received his second initiation into Kriya Yoga through the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) of India. He also attended the Kriya Yoga Bangkok Regional Spiritual Meditation Retreat at the Garden of Gospel Peace, Thailand, strengthening his practice and connection with the global spiritual community.
Dr. Katiyar’s dedication to spiritual growth continues to inspire those around him to embrace self-discovery and inner harmony.
A Message to the Youth from Dr. Katiyar
You are the architects of tomorrow, the torchbearers of change, and the hope of a brighter future. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the race for success — but remember, true success lies not just in achievements but in the values you uphold and the lives you touch.
Never stop learning. Knowledge is your greatest strength, and curiosity your most powerful tool. Embrace challenges, for they shape your character. Failures will come — but let them be your stepping stones, not your roadblocks.
Be fearless in your dreams and disciplined in your efforts. Hard work, integrity, and compassion will take you further than shortcuts ever will. As you grow, never forget the importance of humility and gratitude.
Above all, believe in yourself. You have within you the power to inspire, create, and transform the world. Stand tall, stay true to your values, and always strive for excellence.
The future awaits you — make it extraordinary.
