About the Faculty
Prof. Venkatesh K. P. Rao is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, where he leads the Micro Nano Bio Engineering Laboratory. His research is centered on advanced MEMS systems, semiconductor packaging reliability, and mechanobiology, with a strong emphasis on multiphysics modeling, microfabrication, and experimental validation. He has made significant contributions to the design and development of indigenous MEMS gyroscopes for defense applications, including tri-axis capacitive devices and vibrating ring gyroscopes, aimed at enabling reliable navigation in GPS-denied environments. His work also extends to predictive modeling of chiplets and high-density packaging, as well as the development of lab-on-chip and flexible sensing technologies for biomedical diagnostics, particularly in cancer mechanobiology. Through interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, biological sciences, and industry, he continues to drive translational research aligned with national priorities and emerging global technological needs.
Prof. Rao has received several recognitions for his contributions to research and innovation, including the prestigious JC Bose Memorial Award for his impactful work in the mechanobiology of cancer, presented at an international conference on biomaterials and healthcare. His research outputs have been widely disseminated through reputed journals and international conferences, and he actively contributes to the academic community as an Associate Editor of Microsystem Technologies (Springer) and as an Editorial Board Member of BMC Biomedical Engineering (Springer). He has also played key leadership roles in national initiatives, including serving as Chairman of the IEEE MEMS Training Nodal Centre for North India and leading semiconductor consortium activities. His projects have attracted funding from premier agencies such as DRDO, SERB, and ICMR, reflecting both the scientific merit and strategic relevance of his work. Through these achievements, Prof. Rao continues to contribute to advancing cutting-edge research, mentoring students, and strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.
