Guruduth Banavar, PhD

Viome, Inc

Dr. Guruduth Banavar is driven to develop and apply deep technology innovations to solve major problems that humanity faces, especially in health and education.  He is known for his work on IBM Watson AI, Smarter Cities, Services Innovation, Mobile Computing, and Distributed Systems.

Guru is currently building the AI engine at Viome, Inc, a company that uses uses advanced microbiology & biochemistry to understand your molecular functions, applies AI & ML technologies to create a high-resolution model of your individual biology, and uses concepts from modern medical science to recommend food and supplements personalized for you.  Until April 2017, he was a global Vice President at IBM leading Watson AI research, and a member of CEO Ginni Rometty's top executive team.

Guru has built a range of advanced technologies and delivered solutions in multiple industries throughout his career. He has published extensively, and holds more than 25 US patents.  Guru is a recognized thought leader who has spoken on the Nobel, Aspen, and Milken stages, and most recently, delivered the 2017 Turing Lecture. His awards include the Leadership in Technology Management Award from PICMET in 2017, and a National Innovation Award from the President of India in 2009. He has served on NY Governor Cuomo’s commission for NY state resiliency, and was an elected member of the IBM Academy of Technology.  Guru has published extensively, and holds more than 25 US patents.  His work has been featured in major international media including the New York Times, Economist, Wall Street Journal, BBC, and NPR.