Faruk Kazi - Director RDC

Professional Overview

Faruk Kazi is an accomplished engineering professional with extensive experience in the energy and utility sectors. He currently serves as the Director of the Research, Development and Consultancy (RDC) division at the University of Mumbai, where he oversees key research initiatives and industry partnerships. Additionally, Kazi holds concurrent roles as a Visiting Faculty at IIT Mandi and as a Consultant for USAID's South Asia Regional Energy Partnership and Tata Consulting Engineers Limited's Smartgrid & WAMs practice.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Director, Research, Development and Consultancy (RDC) - University of Mumbai (2024-04-01 to Present)

Responsible for spearheading the University's research agenda, fostering industry collaborations, and driving innovation in energy and utility-related domains.

Leads a team of researchers and faculty to conceptualize and execute cutting-edge projects in areas such as smart grid technologies, renewable energy systems, and power grid modernization.

Secures funding from government agencies, international organizations, and private sector partners to support the University's research endeavors.

Visiting Faculty - IIT Mandi (2024-04-01 to Present)

Delivers guest lectures and seminars, sharing industry insights and best practices with the next generation of engineering professionals.

Contributes to curriculum development and research initiatives at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus.

Consultant - USAID South Asia Regional Energy Partnership - RTI International (2022-01-01 to Present)

Provides expert advisory services to the USAID-funded initiative, leveraging his deep understanding of energy infrastructure and policy challenges in the South Asian region.

Collaborates with regional stakeholders to identify and implement sustainable energy solutions that drive economic growth and improve energy access.

Consultant - Smartgrid & WAMs - Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (2018-08-01 to Present)

Advises the firm's clients on the design, implementation, and optimization of smart grid technologies and wide-area monitoring systems.

Contributes to the development of innovative solutions that enhance grid reliability, efficiency, and resilience.

Career Progression

Professor of Electrical Engineering - VEERMATA JIJABAI TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE (2011-06-01 to Present)

Excelled in various academic roles, including serving as the Dean of Research, Development and Consultancy from 2018 to 2024.

Spearheaded the establishment of the DST Incubator at the institute, fostering entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.

Recognized for his contributions to research and innovation, with a strong track record of securing external research grants and industry projects.

Visiting Research Fellow - Tufts University (2016-02-01 to 2016-03-01)

Collaborated with leading researchers at Tufts University to explore advanced grid modernization techniques and their applications in the Indian context.

Shared expertise and gained valuable insights that informed his subsequent work in the energy and utility sectors.

Senior Research Fellow - Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (2009-11-01 to 2010-04-01)

Conducted cutting-edge research on power system stability and control, contributing to the development of innovative solutions.

Strengthened collaborative ties between the IIT Bombay and industry partners, facilitating knowledge transfer and real-world application of research outcomes.

Visiting Research Scholar - EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) (2007-02-01 to 2007-12-01)

Engaged in research activities at the prestigious EPFL, exploring emerging trends in renewable energy integration and smart grid technologies.

Expanded his international network and gained exposure to global best practices in the energy sector.

Academic Background

Faruk Kazi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where he specialized in power system dynamics and control. His research work has been recognized through numerous awards and publications in top-tier international journals and conferences.