With each passing month, “Wisdom from the Frontlines” opens a small but meaningful window into the minds of individuals who are quietly advancing the frontiers of their industries. These conversations are not just about milestones—they are about mindset, resilience, and the unseen work that fuels visible impact.
In this edition, we are privileged to feature Ajeesh G Mannadiar, CEO and Co-founder of Vipus Advanced Materials, a green field initiative powered by Zoho Corp. With an extraordinary career rooted in aerospace, defense, and advanced materials, Ajeesh exemplifies what it means to lead with both technical depth and visionary clarity. From leading large-scale engineering teams to pioneering applications for defence and space, his story offers a masterclass in turning deep technical insight into high-impact business outcomes.
In this Q&A, he opens up about the challenges of green field innovation, the future of composites in India, lessons in operational leadership, and why building teams and ecosystems is as critical as building products. His insights are a goldmine for young engineers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders navigating complex industries.
Read on for a deep dive into the mindset of a builder, thinker, and changemaker who is shaping the future—one advanced material at a time.
Education & Early Inspirations
1. Can you share a bit about your educational journey? What sparked your interest in Investigation of CNF reinforced polymers for long term nuclear waste disposal?
My foundation began with a BTech from VTU, which gave you a strong grasp of core engineering principles. This was followed by an MTech in Integrated Design and Manufacturing from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, where my exposure to materials in design likely deepened my appreciation for how critical they are in solving complex industrial challenges.. My PhD in Material Science marks a turning point where my interest matured into a research-driven focus. The investigation of CNF (Carbon Nanofiber) reinforced polymers for long-term nuclear waste disposal seems to have been sparked by both scientific curiosity and a desire to contribute to real-world, high-stakes problems— particularly those in defense and energy where durability, safety, and performance under extreme conditions are crucial.
2. Looking back, were there any key mentors or moments during your college days that significantly influenced your career path?
At the heart of my journey has always been my father, Mr. M. Govindankutty. He has been much more than a parent—he has been my mentor, my role model, and my greatest source of strength. His guidance, resilience, and unwavering belief in my potential laid the foundation for every milestone I’ve achieved. The values he instilled in me continue to anchor my decisions, both in academia and in my entrepreneurial ventures. Today, On this journey of entrepreneurship, my biggest mentor is none other than Tony G Thomas. His humility and ability to remain grounded in any situation is something which I wish to achieve at some point of my career.
PhD & Research Journey
3. What were some of the key breakthroughs or turning points during your PhD in materials science, and how did you navigate the challenges and stay motivated throughout that demanding journey?
The journey was far from easy. Working on nano-reinforcements meant constantly battling dispersion issues, equipment limitations, and even skepticism about scalability. But what kept me going was the purpose behind the research—solving a real-world, high-stakes problem.
From Research to Entrepreneurship
4. Was there a defining moment or insight when you realized there was a market opportunity for Composite in aerospace and defense industry?
I had no such moments like that, My dad and his colleagues were pioneers in Composite materials and having grown in that environment I was always fascinated with the areas pertaining to composite materials. However, When I finished my Phd in Composite Materials and when I landed into my corporate job at Honeywell, then I realized this material and technology is here to stay and grow further
5. What message did you share with the young graduates, and what advice would you give to students aspiring to lead in tech-driven industries?
To the young graduates, I share a simple but powerful message: be curious, stay grounded, and build with purpose.
Work Experience & Professional Growth
6. You've had valuable experiences in both academic and industry settings—how have those early roles helped shape the leadership style you bring to your work today?
My experiences in academia taught me patience, clarity in communication, and the importance of continuous learning, while industry roles at L&T Defense, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace instilled a results-driven, systems-thinking mindset. Together, they shaped a leadership style that balances technical depth with practical execution.
Passion for Aerospace & Composite Materials
7. What drew you specifically towards composite materials, and how do you see their role evolving in aerospace and defense sectors in the next decade?
Composites have been in my blood as I grew up only seeing that all my life. As far as the market is concerned, its going to be more prominent in the years ahead. Also there seems to be a lot of emphasis in Thermoplastic Composites. Certainly we are eager to work on those areas. We are keen to work on greener materials.
Entrepreneurship & Building from Scratch
8. As a budding tech entrepreneur, what early risks or tough decisions have shaped your view of entrepreneurial spirit in India today?
One of the toughest early decisions was leaving a stable corporate path to build something from scratch in a high-risk, capital-intensive domain like advanced materials. Securing funding, assembling the right team, and convincing stakeholders to believe in a long-term vision were big challenges. I personally thank the Zoho team and Verdant Team to have kept their faith on me for this big opportunity.
9. When building your team, what skills or qualities do you personally look for that really stand out to you?
When building my team, the quality I value most—above all else—is attitude. In a startup environment, where challenges are dynamic and resources are limited, it's the right mindset that truly makes the difference. We look for individuals who are curious, adaptable, willing to take ownership, and open to learning. Skills can always be developed over time, but a positive, committed attitude is what drives growth—for both the individual and the company.
Personal
10. As a CEO and a father, how do you manage your time between work and family—and is there a space or routine that helps you stay grounded amidst it all?
Balancing life as a CEO and a father is no easy task, but it’s also the most rewarding part of my journey. What keeps me grounded is the unwavering support of my wife, Greeshma MS, whose strength, patience, and constant encouragement make everything possible—even during my most demanding days. And my son, Sabarinath A, brings an energy and joy into our lives that instantly resets my mindset, no matter how hectic things get. We make it a point to spend quality time together, even in small ways—dinner chats, weekend playtime, or just sharing a laugh after a long day. That space with them is my true anchor. Their love and understanding fuel my drive, and remind me why I do ?what I do.