Ketan Deshpande

Nineteen years ago, FUEL began as a small idea: that a young person's future should not depend on their pin code. Today, that journey reaches a milestone I could not have imagined in 2007. I am honoured to take charge as **Founding Vice Chancellor (Designate), FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University (FSU)** — established under Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2026, and now formally notified to commence. FSU is built for a single purpose: to make skills, entrepreneurship and employability the core of higher education, not an add-on to it. Industry-linked schools, first-generation learners, scholarships for students from farming families, and a curriculum designed with employers from day one. My gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra, our 90+ CSR partners, the FUEL team, and every student who trusted us before there was a university to point to.The work now begins. #FUEL #FUELSkillTechUniversity #SkillDevelopment #HigherEducation #Employability

Selected for the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence — the UK Government’s flagship fellowship for India, with a legacy of over two decades. The fellowship is hosted at the University of Oxford within the Department of Politics and International Relations, and runs for 12 weeks  as an intensive residential programme for 12 carefully chosen mid-career professionals from diverse sectors across India, selected through a highly competitive three-stage process . The programme covers global economic integration, science and technology policy, governance, and leadership practice, culminating in the development and presentation of a public policy plan . Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Focus of my fellowship: bringing global best practices in leadership and policy back to FUEL’s skilling mission and FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University, to strengthen world-class, inclusive education for India’s youth.

Professor of Practice for Faculty of Commerce and Management in area of CSR and Skill Development.

• Co-opted as a Member of the Governing Body of Maharashtra Education Society, contributing to strategic educational initiatives. • Engaged in discussions to uphold the legacy of Maharashtra Education Society, a pioneer in Indian education since 1860.

• Launched FUEL's book at Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune in 2007, marking a significant milestone for the organization. • Initiated the first CSR project in Assam with HDFC Bank in 2015, showcasing commitment to social responsibility. • Received the prestigious Champions of Change award from Niti Aayog in 2017, recognized by the Prime Minister of India for impactful work.

Ketan Deshpande completed his MBA in Marketing from SCMHRD, Symbiosis International University. He was awarded the prestigious Dr. D.C. Pavate Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, a distinction granted to only a select few exceptional Indian scholars. As a Visiting Fellow at Judge Business School, Cambridge, he conducted research on CSR strategies and their impact on education and skilling models.

• Founded and led Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL) to empower underserved youth through education and career counseling. • Established partnerships with 76+ corporates and MNCs, impacting over 1 million beneficiaries positively. • Scaled FUEL to provide career counseling to over 10 lakh students and future skills training to 2.93 lakh youth and 2900 scholarships provided.

As Founder and Chairman of FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives), I lead a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to empowering first-generation learners through innovative Skilltech programs and strategic CSR partnerships. We bridge the education-to-employment gap, driving sustainable social impact across India. Empowered over 1.2 million youth across 17 states through career counseling, mentoring, skill development, and scholarships. Cultivated 78+ strategic CSR partnerships with leading corporates, securing significant funding for FUEL initiatives. Established FUEL College, India’s first CSR-powered management institution providing 100% scholarships to low-income students. Championed the development of FUEL Skilltech & Entrepreneurship University, focused on delivering future-ready skills to first-generation learners.

Managing Trustee of Friends Union For Energising Lives (FUEL)

Conducted advanced research on CSR-driven skilling programs, applying SROI and RBV frameworks to enhance employability and align initiatives with sustainable development goals. Achievements: Led research analyzing CSR skilling programs’ impact on employability and community development using SROI and RBV frameworks. Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to align CSR efforts with sustainable development goals.

Contributed to curriculum design and quality assurance for management education, ensuring academic programs remained industry relevant and forward-looking. Achievements: Contributed to curriculum development and academic policy decisions ensuring relevance and quality in management education

• Collaborated with successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals to create a vibrant platform for networking and relationship building • Organized events and workshops to facilitate interactions between entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors, fostering a supportive ecosystem for growth and innovation.

https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/honorary/ He was awarded the prestigious Dr. D.C. Pavate Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, a distinction granted to only a select few exceptional Indian scholars. As a Visiting Fellow at Judge Business School, Cambridge, he conducted research on CSR strategies and their impact on education and skilling models.