Frontiers in Architecting Materials of Intelligent Electronics
Welcome
Founder & Chair | Printed Intelligence | Indian Subcontinent |
Member | National Printed Intelligence Mission ( NPIM )
Director | Printed Intelligence | Institute of National Importance | GOI
Founder and Principal | i4 Technologies
About Me
Know Me More
Dr.Umer Salim
A visionary technocrat, innovation strategist and ecosystem architect dedicated to advancing the future of Printed Intelligence, Flexible and Hybrid Electronics, Education 5.0 and Industry 5.0. His work is focused on building globally connected innovation ecosystems that integrate education, research, entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing and policy to create sustainable economic and societal impact.
His professional journey began within India's pioneering space research ecosystem at the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), where he was mentored by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. This formative experience instilled in him a lifelong commitment to scientific excellence, nation-building, technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
As the Founder of i4 Technologies, established in 2007, Dr. Salim has built a cross-border innovation platform spanning India, the GCC and Europe, including i4 Technologies Oy in Tampere, Finland. Over nearly two decades, he has led initiatives focused on emerging technologies, advanced materials, photonics, electromagnetic systems, intelligent electronics and sustainable innovation frameworks designed to address complex global challenges.
His contributions include:
• Advancing Printed Intelligence as a next-generation, low-carbon technology platform for intelligent and sustainable products.
• Research and development in photonics, electromagnetic systems and advanced electronics since 2002.
• Development of flexible and energy-efficient lighting technologies and intelligent electronic systems.
• Creation of cognitive-based digital learning frameworks that adapt to human capability, learning behavior future workforce requirements.
• Designing innovation models that seamlessly connect education, research, entrepreneurship, industry and government.
Dr. Salim is widely recognized as the architect of the National Printed Intelligence Mission (NPIM), a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Printed Intelligence and intelligent electronics as foundational technologies for future industrial transformation. The mission seeks to bridge skill gaps, accelerate innovation, support advanced manufacturing and create globally competitive talent pipelines through innovation-driven education and industry collaboration.
He also conceived the India Mission Interface (IMI), a collaborative framework that integrates education, research, incubation, manufacturing, commercialization, investment and policy into a unified ecosystem. Through this model, he promotes Education 5.0 as the enabling foundation for Industry 5.0, emphasizing human-centric innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing.
Recognizing that innovation is increasingly global, Dr. Salim actively develops strategic international partnerships connecting India with leading innovation ecosystems worldwide. He has been instrumental in conceptualizing collaborative initiatives such as the India–Finland Printed Intelligence Corridor, fostering joint research, academic exchange, startup acceleration, technology transfer, pilot manufacturing and industrial cooperation in emerging technology domains.
His professional interests span:
• Printed Intelligence and Flexible Hybrid Electronics
• Advanced Materials and Smart Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Connected Technologies
• Education 5.0 and Workforce Transformation
• Deep-Tech Commercialization and Innovation Ecosystems
• Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy Models
• Startup Development and Technology Entrepreneurship
• International Technology Diplomacy and Cross-Border Innovation
Throughout his career, Dr. Salim has worked closely with universities, research institutions, industry associations, government agencies, investors, startups and multinational organizations to translate emerging technologies into scalable solutions that generate economic value and societal benefit.
As a speaker, mentor and strategic advisor, he advocates for the creation of future-ready innovation ecosystems that empower talent, strengthen industrial competitiveness and accelerate sustainable development. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that technological advancement must be aligned with human development, environmental responsibility and inclusive growth.
From Rocket Science to Printed Intelligence
The story of Dr. Umer Salim is one of curiosity, vision and purpose-driven innovation.
Growing up in Kerala, close to the birthplace of India's space ambitions, he was exposed early to a culture of scientific exploration. At the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, under the guidance of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he learned a principle that would shape his future: technology must ultimately serve humanity.
While the world accelerated toward digital transformation, Dr. Salim began exploring a broader question:
What if intelligence itself could be embedded into materials, products and everyday environments?
This question led him toward the emerging field of Printed Intelligence—a convergence of electronics, advanced materials, human interaction, artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing.
Over the following decades, he steadily built the foundations required to realize this vision:
• Research teams focused on photonics, electromagnetic systems and intelligent electronics.
• Technologies spanning flexible lighting, printed electronics and smart materials.
• Educational platforms designed around human cognition, creativity and lifelong learning.
• International collaborations connecting India, the GCC and Europe through innovation and technology partnerships.
His work ultimately evolved into a broader mission: creating ecosystems rather than isolated technologies.
Through the National Printed Intelligence Mission (NPIM) and related global initiatives, Dr. Salim seeks to connect education, research, entrepreneurship, industry and government into a collaborative framework capable of accelerating innovation and industrial transformation.
His vision is ambitious yet practical:
To build intelligent, sustainable and human-centric systems that empower industries, strengthen economies and improve quality of life on a global scale.
Today, Dr. Umer Salim stands at the intersection of science, innovation, policy and industrial development—helping shape a future where technology is not only advanced, but accessible, meaningful, scalable and designed to create lasting impact for generations to come.
Leadership in Printed Intelligence
Developed an intellectual property titled : System and Method for Dynamic and Adaptive Skill Alignment Using Printed Intelligence-Based Sensing Technologies. The work presents a printed intelligence-enabled hybrid hardware-software system for dynamically aligning human skills with evolving industrial requirements through real-time sensing, intelligent processing, and adaptive feedback. It supports the advancement of human-centric Education 5.0 and Industry 5.0 ecosystems through scalable and technology-driven skill development.
Dr. Salim leads multinational scientific teams focused on advancing Printed Intelligence, an interdisciplinary field combining printed electronics, smart materials, and intelligent systems.
The Founding Vision of CITIS
The Centre for Integrated Technologically Innovative Solutions (CITIS) owes its existence to Dr.Umer Salim, a visionary individual who was the driving force behind its creation. Conceived as his brainchild, CITIS was established with a clear and purposeful vision: to become a catalyst for logical learning by leveraging diverse skill sets. The aim was to facilitate the registration of knowledge in long-term memory, enabling effective recall even after prolonged periods. This foundational goal set the stage for CITIS’s innovative direction.
Innovative Platform and Methodology
CITIS developed a specialized platform dedicated to the launch and introduction of the IMM S/W, a software solution designed to revolutionize learning. This software uniquely integrated cognitive learning methodologies with advanced artificial intelligence, drawing upon the principles of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZoPD). Through this approach, CITIS meticulously balanced the quotient factor for each learner, taking into account their intellect, will, and cognitive effect. By addressing these critical elements, the platform aimed to optimize personalized learning experiences and outcomes.
Core Initiatives & Platforms
i4 Technologies
Founded by Dr. Salim, i4 Technologies is focused on next-generation industrial transformation through Education 5.0, a proprietary framework that aligns human development with Industry 5.0 paradigms.
Key focus areas include:
• Printed Intelligence ecosystems
• Human-machine collaboration
• Sustainable and low-carbon technologies
• Integrated innovation platforms (PIETE – Printed Intelligence Emerging Technology Ecosystem)
National Printed Intelligence Mission (NPIM)
Dr. Salim conceptualized the National Printed Intelligence Mission (NPIM) as a global interface platform for intelligent electronics and innovation-led urban systems.
The initiative aims to:
• Bridge Education 5.0 and Industry 5.0
• Address skill mismatches through IP-driven frameworks
• Establish India as a leader in intelligent electronics and advanced materials
Government & Institutional Engagement
Dr. Salim is actively involved in multiple government-linked initiatives:
• Leads a state-backed SPV in India, established through a cabinet-level mandate
• Director of Printed Intelligence at a national institute of importance under a government portfolio.
• Engaged in similar multi-state and national-level projects
• Associated with projects across education, electronics, and energy sectors under Government of India entities
His earlier public service includes participation in a cabinet committee representing a central university during the tenure of late Shri. Viswanath Pratap Singh the then Prime Minister of India.
- Address:
- Email:connect@umersalim.com
- Contact Number:+91 9447738008
20 Years
P.I Experience
15 Years
P.I R&D Integration
10
Honours / Acclamation
Milestones
Milestones along the Journey
Key Milestones & Technological Contributions
• Advanced R&D (since 2002): Led research in photonics and electromagnetic communication systems inspired by principles of Albert Einstein
• Education 5.0 Framework: Contributed to transitioning innovation ecosystems toward Industry 5.0 through EU-linked knowledge transfer
• Printed Electronics Innovation (UAE): Developed energy-efficient Printed Electronics Lamp Sheet Technology
• Educational Technology: Led a 14-member PhD team to develop Interactive Multimedia (IMM) learning systems based on cognitive science and ZoPD principles, deployed across multiple Indian states
• Flexible Lighting Systems: Established a pilot production facility for Energy Saving Flexible Lamps (ESFL) in the UAE, with applications in:
o Medical imaging
o Advertising displays
o Ambient lighting systems
• Advanced Visualization Systems (2007): Built image blending and control room solutions deployed in power infrastructure facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Entrepreneurial Vision
Dr. Salim is committed to building a globally competitive electronics ecosystem in India, with a focus on scalable, cost-efficient manufacturing.
Strategic focus areas:
• Thin-film and flexible lighting technologies
• Intelligent security and privacy films
• Printed electronics for defence and internal security
• Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem development
A key upcoming initiative includes the School of Printed Intelligence (SPI) under the NPIM framework, expected to generate 50,000–100,000 skilled jobs across industries.
Global Expansion & Strategic Collaboration
After more than a decade of R&D and incubation, Dr. Salim expanded operations internationally through collaboration with Finnish innovation stakeholders.
This led to the establishment of i4 Technologies Oy in Tampere, a globally recognized hub for deep-tech innovation. The Finnish entity serves as a strategic anchor for:
• Global research and development
• Cross-border knowledge exchange
• Scaling Education 5.0 initiatives internationally
Corporate Evolution
UAE Phase
• Founded in 2007 at Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
• Established pilot production for advanced lighting technologies
• Transitioned operations to Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSOA) as a high-tech enterprise
European Expansion
• Formation of i4 Technologies Oy in Finland
• Integration into EU innovation ecosystems
• Positioning as a global platform for Education 5.0 and Printed Intelligence
Vision for Sustainability & Global Impact
Dr. Salim advocates for Printed Intelligence as a transformative, low-carbon technology platform capable of addressing global environmental and industrial challenges.
His long-term vision focuses on:
• Sustainable industrial ecosystems
• Inclusive innovation models
• Integration of academia, industry, and governance
• Bridging global knowledge economies with local development priorities
Summary
Dr. Umer Salim represents a rare blend of scientific depth, policy alignment and entrepreneurial vision. His work in Printed Intelligence and Education 5.0 positions him at the intersection of next-generation technology, sustainable development and global collaboration.
Contact
Get in Touch