Shantanu Naidu

Shantanu Naidu
File:Shantanu Naidu Portrait.jpg
Born	1993 Pune, Maharashtra, India
Alma mater	Savitribai Phule Pune University Cornell University
Occupation	Social Entrepreneur, Business Executive
Notable works	Goodfellows, Motopaws, "I Came Upon a Lighthouse"

Shantanu Naidu (born 1993) is an Indian social entrepreneur and business executive, recognized for his innovative social initiatives and his close association with industrialist Ratan Tata.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pune, Maharashtra, Naidu completed his initial education in mechanical engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He later pursued an MBA from Cornell University, where he further honed his business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.

Professional Journey

Naidu's career took a significant turn when he joined Tata Elxsi as a design engineer. It was during this time that he conceptualized Motopaws, a initiative to reduce road accidents involving stray animals.

Collaboration with Ratan Tata

Naidu's innovative work caught the attention of Ratan Tata, leading to a mentorship that evolved into a close professional relationship. He currently serves as a General Manager in Tata's office, contributing to various philanthropic and business initiatives.

Social Entrepreneurship

Goodfellows

In 2022, Naidu launched Goodfellows, a unique startup addressing elderly loneliness. The platform connects senior citizens with young companions, fostering intergenerational bonds and providing emotional support.

Motopaws

Motopaws, Naidu's first major initiative, provides reflective collars for stray dogs to increase their visibility at night, significantly reducing road accidents involving these animals.

Literary Contribution

Naidu authored "I Came Upon a Lighthouse" in 2021, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his relationship with Ratan Tata and the valuable life lessons he gleaned from the industrialist.

Impact and Recognition

Shantanu Naidu's work has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to social issues. His initiatives have not only addressed pressing societal concerns but have also inspired a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs in India.