Dr. Hemant Kumar is a distinguished alumnus from the First Batch (2001–03) and an academic specialising in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP). He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Central University of Gujarat.

His research focuses on the intersection of innovation, development and social science, with particular attention to grassroots and informal-sector innovations, frugal innovation, innovation policy in the Global South, gender and STEM, and agricultural innovation systems.

He earned his Ph.D. in Science, Technology and Society from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His academic contributions include teaching, research supervision and publications on grassroots innovation, sustainability and social equity.