Umesh obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of Mumbai in 1998. Umesh has over twenty years of experience developing plasma technologies to improve the tribological properties of metals and alloys used in industrial tools and components used in various industry sectors. In 2005, encouraged by the opportunity to enter the surface engineering business in India, he and his friend Jimmy Chheda founded Surface Modification Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (SMTPL), catering to the biomedical, automotive, pharmaceutical, and decorative industries. Umesh’s focus on innovation and his passion for constantly venturing into the unchartered territory of surface engineering has been a critical differentiator for SMTPL in its growth. Under his leadership, SMTPL has grown into diversified industrial sectors, offering surface engineering solutions ranging from tribological plasma coating-related equipment to creating industrial awareness and adopting new technologies and failure analysis. Constant interactions with academic institutions and converting academic knowledge into industrial solutions are the essential elements that can be attributed to the company’s consistent growth.