OUR TEAM
Meet the team — diverse backgrounds united in the effort to empower the underprivileged
At Samatech, we built our Non-Profit foundation on friendships and a shared passion for bringing change where needed most.
Our culture is flat, open, and collaborative—ideas flow freely here, no matter how ambitious or unconventional. Nothing is too crazy or bold because we believe groundbreaking solutions emerge when creativity is embraced.
We're not just colleagues working together; we're driven by a shared mission to make the world a better place. The voice of every colleague, partner, volunteer, and human working with us to make a change matters and is valued. With every project or program, we have forged long-lasting friendships and relationships. We value that above all.
Our Founders
Samatech Foundation was founded by two childhood friends, Akshat and Keith, who shared a vision for a better India. Instead of just discussing the country’s challenges, they decided to be the change they wished to see. Their mission was to create impactful, technology-driven solutions that address real-world problems.
Joining them on this journey is Vikram, Akshat’s brother and the head of GAIA, a family foundation dedicated to sustainability. As our in-house Earth consultant, Vikram ensures that every initiative we undertake aligns with climate action goals, making our work innovative and environmentally responsible. Our team is driven by a culture of problem-solving, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful change.
Founder & Managing Partner
Akshat Gupta
Akshat Gupta, a graduate of Babson University (USA), is a successful real estate entrepreneur and committed philanthropist living in Mumbai, India. Alongside Keith, he captains our ship with a democratic, inclusive approach, ensuring every voice matters. Akshat actively leads two impactful nonprofits focused on disaster relief, sanitation, and climate change, strategically leveraging his extensive network with business houses and Government, to drive meaningful change.
Founder & Managing Partner
Keith Mascarenhas
Keith, a graduate of the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor, is a seasoned recruiter and a passionate advocate for innovation-driven societal transformation. With over 20 years of experience in both professional and social service, he co-founded the Samatech Foundation to empower communities through technology and sustainability. His work bridges industry expertise with a commitment to meaningful impact, fostering solutions that drive progress and resilience.
Earth Consultant
Vikram Gupta
Vikram Gupta, heading our sister foundation, GAIA CONSERVATION, is our "Earth Consultant," ensuring every step we take aligns with sustainability. A seasoned entrepreneur, he blends business expertise with a deep commitment to the planet. From studying marine ecosystems to volunteering with wildlife efforts, he continually expands his knowledge to drive impactful, eco-conscious solutions. His guidance helps us integrate green practices into everything we do, merging progress with preservation.
Our Core Team
At Samatech Foundation, our core team is the heart of our mission. More than experts, they are changemakers, finance specialists, lawyers, artists, students, and educators—driven by a shared vision of using technology for social impact.
Human interaction is our cornerstone—every project thrives on collaboration, empathy, and purpose. With deep expertise in education, AI, and sanitation, our team ensures that innovation is meaningful, empowering communities and shaping a future where technology serves as a force for good.
Chief Financial Officer
Kavita Patel
Kavita, holding a Master's in Finance Management from Welingkar Institute, brings over 20 years of extensive experience in financial oversight and management. She skillfully handles our financial operations, excelling in crafting detailed, accurate reports and effectively communicating fund utilization to major national and international donors. Kavita ensures complete transparency and accountability, building trust and confidence among all stakeholders
Founder of FLY AI Education
Riaan Gupta
Riaan Gupta, an 8th grader at Ascend International School, is our youngest member and the visionary founder of FLY. Fluent in technology and exceptionally intuitive, Riaan brings an essential understanding of his generation—knowing exactly what motivates, energizes, and engages young minds today. His perspective helps guide FLY’s vision, keeping it authentic, impactful, and inspiring for the leaders of tomorrow.
Chief Legal Head
Vinay Khandelwal
Vinay Khandelwal, our lawyer in the foundation, is a veteran Mumbai-based attorney with over 20 years of experience and a distinguished member of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Specializing in Corporate Law, Real Estate, and Land Acquisition, he holds certifications from institutions such as the Institute of Company Secretaries and IIT Mumbai. Vinay actively contributes to the community through the Rotary Club of Bombay Queen City, Manav Seva Sangh, and Gia Foundation.
Our Work Culture
Human-Centered Impact
Our work is built on human interaction, ensuring that technology serves people, not the other way around. Every initiative is designed to create meaningful, real-world change.
A Foundation of Equals
We operate on a flat hierarchy, where every voice matters and every idea has the power to drive change. Collaboration, respect, and shared leadership define our approach, ensuring that innovation and impact come from all levels of our team
Collaboration for Change
True progress happens when passionate minds come together. We partner with educators, experts, and communities to drive collective action and sustainable impact.
Integrity and Purpose
Every project we undertake is rooted in honesty, ethics, and a commitment to long-term social good. Our team works with dedication to ensure technology remains a force for empowerment.
Chief Administrative Officer
Kalpana Velari
Kalpana, our coordinator, is a Commerce graduate from Mumbai University with over 12 years of administrative experience. Highly organized and efficient, she skillfully manages schedules, meetings, and events, ensuring our operations always run smoothly and effectively.
Head Liason
Anand Suramal
Anand with business graduate with 40 years of experience, specializes in liaising with government bodies and municipalities. His extensive network and expertise ensure seamless interactions with municipal schools and government education departments, facilitating smooth operations for our initiatives
Head Accounts
Shumaila Shaikh
Shumaila, our Head of Accounts, holds a Master's in Accounting with over 15 years of financial management experience. Skilled in budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, she expertly oversees our accounting operations, ensuring fiscal integrity and driving strategies aligned with our goals
Accounts & Reporting VP
Sayali Gaykar
Sayali, our Financial Assistant, holds a Bachelor's in Finance with five years of accounting support experience. They manage daily financial operations, including payroll, invoice handling, and reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in our financial processes
Administration Officer
Divyham Mistry
Divyam, our Administrative Assistant, is a Commerce graduate from Mumbai University with over 12 years of experience. Known as our "Man Friday," he skillfully manages daily challenges, enhances operational efficiency, and is an indispensable asset to our team
Trustee Hamara Footpath Foundation
Bansi Mehta
Bansi, from Hamara Footpath, is leading class planning and coordination for the FLY project, ensuring a structured and impactful learning experience for students. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, she has been a teacher and counselor since 2005. Currently heading the Education Project at Hamara Footpath, she brings her expertise to enhance educational outcomes and guide strategic direction. Her dedication and insight play a crucial role in making AI education accessible and engaging for every child.
Trustee Hamara Footpath Foundation
Reshma Doshi
Reshma, from Hamara Footpath, is leading curriculum development and educational training for the FLY project, ensuring an inclusive and enriching learning environment. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology & Education and 20 years of teaching experience, she serves as Senior Teacher and Project Head at Hamara Footpath. Her expertise in designing impactful curricula and adapting education to diverse student needs makes her an invaluable partner in our mission to bring AI education to underserved communities.
Trustee & Founder Hamara Footpath
Taha Gulamhusein
Taha, from Hamara Footpath, is kindly partnering with us for the FLY project, bringing his dedication and expertise to our mission. With a Bachelor’s in Management Studies and an MBA in Family Business, he also holds a Social Work Diploma from the Tata Institute. At the helm of Hamara Footpath, he leads efforts in outreach and fundraising, while driving impactful initiatives to combat child sexual abuse. His commitment to social change makes him an invaluable ally in our journey to empower young minds through AI education.
Teacher - FLY Pilot Project
Aarti Gohil
With nine years of teaching experience, Aarti has been shaping young minds with dedication. Since 2018, she has served as Admin Head and Lead Teacher at Hamara Footpath, enhancing teaching quality and guiding educational initiatives. Now, as part of the FLY pilot program, she brings her expertise to create meaningful learning experiences for students.
Teacher - FLY Pilot Program
Hiral Chauhan
With a B.Com, MBA in Finance, and B.Ed, Hiral has been teaching since 2016, bringing creativity and expertise into the classroom. She excels at designing engaging lessons and fostering an inclusive learning environment. As a teacher in the FLY pilot program, she is committed to making AI education accessible, interactive, and impactful, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can confidently explore the world of technology.
CSR Consultant & FLY Volunteer
Shahin Dastur
Our CSR consultant, with 18 years in the corporate sector, Shahin has led impactful CSR initiatives, reaching millions in low-income communities. As Head of CSR since 2017, she developed sustainable programs in education, employability, and financial inclusion, partnering with leading nonprofits.
A Columbia University graduate, she has driven social innovation, empowering women and youth through financial literacy. Her belief in community-driven change and expertise in strategic partnerships make her a vital advisor to the FLY project, shaping impactful AI education initiatives.
Head of Sanitation Construction
Hitesh
With over 25 years of experience running his own construction and fit-out company in Mumbai, Hitesh is the backbone of our sanitation projects. After securing permissions, Hitesh and his team takes over and ensure seamless execution with precision and care.
His hands-on approach and deep giving back commitment drive every project, ensuring timely delivery while prioritising quality and impact. With a passion for creating lasting change, Hitesh plays a pivotal role in transforming sanitation infrastructure for underserved communities