Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts | 11–17 August 2026
Dr. Umesh Neelakantan, a distinguished academic leader, management educator and corporate trainer with over 31 years of experience across academia and industry, will be featured among eminent global educators, thought leaders and professionals at the Skills Live Show × Harvard 2026, organised in association with the Global Economic Forum (GEF) in the United States from 11th to 17th August 2026.
The international programme brings together prominent personalities from education, business, technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, leadership and social impact, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, global networking and meaningful international collaboration.
Dr. Neelakantan currently serves as Director, Nirmala School of Business, Nirmala Institutions, Chalakudy, Kerala. An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), he holds a Ph.D. in Management from Periyar Maniammai University, along with postgraduate qualifications in Management and Hospital & Healthcare Management.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Neelakantan has held several significant academic and institutional leadership positions, including President of BlueCrest University, Liberia, and Principal and Director of DC School of Management and Technology, Vagamon. His areas of expertise include Marketing, Human Resources, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Organisational Development and Case-Based Learning.
His acclaimed management case, “The Business of RBK: A Role to be Understood,” received national recognition and continues to be referenced in management education. Through research, publications, curriculum development, faculty training and academic leadership, he has made significant contributions to strengthening higher education and management learning.
At the Harvard programme, Dr. Neelakantan is an esteemed panel member for “AI for All – Building Impact, Inclusion & Leadership.” The discussion focuses on how artificial intelligence can create meaningful impact while promoting inclusion, responsible leadership and wider access to emerging technologies.
The programme features several distinguished international personalities, including Prof. Dr. Parin Somani, CEO of LOSD; Baron Alec Stern, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Ellen Mannaert, humanitarian investor and entrepreneur; Cllr Tushar Kumar, Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood; and Dr. Hari Krishna Maram, Chairman of the Global Economic Forum and AI Evangelist.
The AI-focused sessions also bring together distinguished experts including Dr. Nirmala Joshi, Dr. Sri Valli Chekuri, Suchetha Raj, Dr. Da Thejeswari, Dr. Rajkumar Marotrao Kolhe, Dr. Prerana Rajkumar Kolhe and Prof. (Dr.) Sandhya Tiwari, representing diverse fields of academia, healthcare, entrepreneurship, law and education.
Global Economic Forum
The Global Economic Forum (GEF) is an international platform dedicated to connecting leaders and institutions across academia, education, technology, business, government and society. Through global conferences, leadership initiatives and recognition programmes, GEF promotes international dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas that can contribute to economic and social development.
Dr. Neelakantan’s participation at the GEF-associated Harvard programme reflects the Forum’s commitment to bringing accomplished academic leaders into global conversations surrounding artificial intelligence, education, leadership, innovation and inclusive development.
A Historic Harvard Setting
The programme takes place against the backdrop of Harvard University, one of the world’s most historic and respected centres of higher learning. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its nearly four-century history has been associated with influential scholarship, research, innovation and the development of leaders across disciplines.
Harvard’s historic legacy and global academic reputation provide a significant setting for an international programme focused on education, leadership, innovation and future-ready skills. (harvard.edu)
Beyond his academic career, Dr. Neelakantan is a Heartfulness Spiritual Trainer with more than two decades of experience and serves as Director of Koumudi Grameena Netralaya, contributing to rural healthcare and community-oriented initiatives.
His contributions have earned several recognitions, including the Dewang Mehta Educational Leadership Award, the Inspiring Educational Hero Award 2025, and accreditation as a Management Teacher by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
His presence at Harvard represents another important milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to education, leadership, professional development and social impact. It also highlights the growing role of Indian academic leaders in shaping international conversations around the future of education and artificial intelligence.
The Skills Live Show × Harvard 2026 therefore provides Dr. Umesh Neelakantan with an important international platform to share his experience, engage with global experts and contribute to discussions on how education and leadership can evolve in an increasingly AI-driven world.
For more information about the Global Economic Forum Contact:
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