Akash Kulgod grew up in a family of 11 doctors and a rotating case of dogs in Belgaum, before studying Cognitive Science with Highest Honors at UC Berkeley. He has performed research in 8 labs across 5 countries, and is the first author of three publications and one patent on canine cognitive neuroscience. He is a 2x Emergent Ventures India grantee and a 2025 Foresight Institute Fellow. Outside of Dognosis, Akash cheerleads a rural Karnataka STEM talent-search program - Pratbha Poshak - and an affordable companion animal hospital Soulmates Healthcare. He enjoys coffee, reading, writing, and running.

Fueled by a passion for humans and dogs, Itamar is a versatile expert in canine behavior and detection work. With four years of experience in the elite Israeli K9 unit (Oketz), Itamar honed his skills in high-pressure environments. He later became the first employee at a groundbreaking disease detection dog start-up in Israel. His unique expertise is central to Dognosis’ mission of advancing human-canine partnerships for early cancer detection.

Rishi holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Ashoka University and a Master’s in Public Policy from National Law School Bangalore. As a proven builder and scaler of organisations, he brings a truly interdisciplinary skill set. Driven by Dognosis' ambitious mission to save millions of lives through early cancer detection, he focuses on business development, forging external partnerships, and optimising internal processes. Outside of work, Rishi is a pro ultimate frisbee player, having represented Karnataka and competed internationally. A music connoisseur, he enjoys everything from Carnatic classical to Western pop and dabbles in multiple instruments himself.

Abhijit studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at NIT Goa, where he worked on Spiking Neural Networks and completed an internship at Jio focused on computer vision. At Dognosis, he applies his expertise in computational neuroscience and AI, diving into DevOps when needed. With a passion for learning and problem-solving, Abhijit enjoys understanding how things work. A true dog lover, he spends his free time bonding with dogs and playing with them. He's also into sports (especially football), hiking, and making every activity a bit more fun. Recently, he’s become fascinated by cars, with a particular obsession for JDMs.

Aswin is a passionate tech enthusiast who loves pushing the boundaries of robotics and AI. With experience in UAV avionics, robotic automation, and AI-driven sensing technologies, he has worked on projects ranging from autonomous drones to canine behavior analysis. Aswin has contributed to multiple research publications and has expertise in ROS, computer vision, and embedded systems. Beyond work, he enjoys tinkering with electronics, exploring new AI trends, and building creative projects.

Sadhu is passionate about data and believes it’s the key to unlocking the mysteries of our complex world, especially the brain. With five years of experience working on brain computation, first at the Brain Mind Institute (EPFL) and then at the Albeanu Lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Sadhu brings deep expertise to Dognosis. He integrates data (EEG, IMU, Vision, etc.) with complex mathematical models to build multi-model classification systems and explores canine and mammalian olfaction in the brain. Outside of work, Sadhu stays fit, practices MMA, and seeks mindfulness and balance. He’s also into football, video games, and techno.

Shivam specializes in Micro and Nano Electro-Mechanical Systems, electronics, and applied physics, with experience in digital twin technology and simulation. He has worked with the European Research Council, DRDO, IIT Delhi, and L&T Technology Services. Passionate about breaking norms and pushing technological boundaries, he thrives on turning sci-fi concepts into real-world innovations. Outside of work, he enjoys trekking, camping, photography, dance, and design. Fun fact: he once shattered his leg on a trampoline.

Subha holds a master’s in Industrial Biotechnology and a PhD in animal behavior and neuroethology from NCBS, focusing on collective behavior. From bacteria to orangutans, her work spans across diverse organisms, fueling her curiosity for all scales of life. At Dognosis, she combines her passion for animal behavior, problem-solving, and cutting-edge AI to decode scent profiles as early disease indicators. She thrives on untangling biology’s complexities and building systems that answer tough questions. Outside work, she’s a trained vocalist, art enthusiast, and lover of remote places, music, and philosophical musings.

Thiru is an electronics aficionado with expertise in embedded systems and IoT. With a workshop full of snacks and tea, he brews innovative ideas that turn concepts into reality. Over the years, Thiru has contributed to multiple startups and worked on projects across India, the US, the UK, and Dubai, collaborating with institutions like NIRT-ICMR, Dubai Airport Authorities, Alpha Data, and top universities. Known for his belief that “laughter is the best voltage,” he brings energy and fun to the team. Outside of circuitry, Thiru enjoys spirited debates—especially on the merits of pineapple on pizza. His motto: “Innovate, laugh, and always keep the sparks flying!”

Vishnu is a design-driven problem solver with 6+ years of experience in R&D, robotics, and automated systems. He specializes in taking products from prototype to mass production, managing the entire development lifecycle, and enjoys developing products from Zero to One. He thrives in environments that foster creativity and imagination, always shying away from the mundane. In his spare time, he enjoys business reads, football, and meaningful conversations. An avid traveler, he seeks adventure to escape the urban hustle and find tranquility.

With 15 years of diverse healthcare experience, Dr. Minal Dakhave leads regulatory approvals, clinical research, and go-to-market strategies at Dognosis. Previously, she spent a decade heading molecular diagnostics at Mylab Discovery Solutions, playing a key role in India’s first COVID-19 RT-PCR test. A nominee for the Padma Award and holder of five patents, she’s a recognized innovator. Beyond science, Minal is a lifelong animal lover, avid reader, and traveler. Her passion for innovation and compassion for animals drive her work at Dognosis.

With a Master’s in Pharmacology, Sahana was part of Dognosis before it even existed! As Chief Clinical Coordinator, she bridges communication between study sites and sponsors, handles site visits, maintains documentation, trains CRCs, and oversees QA/QC. Her motto: “Everything is learnable and doable; we just need patience.” Outside work, Sahana is a serial hobbyist—designing diaries, stickers, custom products, and dog outfits. A foodie and nature photographer, she loves exploring new cuisines and capturing nature’s beauty. Impulsive trips, rock climbing, and uncovering the truth about “haunted” spots keep her adventurous spirit alive. She thrives on Dognosis’ positive energy and is grateful to see the company grow from the ground up, working alongside the true superheroes—our dogs.

Akash is proactive and adaptable, he has a passion for learning. Team-oriented and driven, he is eager to contribute to Dognosis’ growth while developing his expertise in the clinical field.

Anjum holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with a strong foundation in oncology and patient care. During her internship, she gained hands-on experience shadowing oncologists and working as a physician assistant. At Dognosis, she focuses on clinical research, driven by a passion for bridging scientific advancements with patient care. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, skincare, and exploring fashion, bringing creativity and balance to her life.

By day, Dasmen is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dognosis, driving cutting-edge cancer screening projects with the potential to change lives. By night, he’s on the piano, channeling creativity through music. With a Grade 3 certification from Trinity College London, his passion for melody keeps him grounded while fueling his innovative approach to research. Whether advancing science or playing a soulful tune, Dasmen is all about making an impact—one discovery and one note at a time.

Richard (Sonu) is a specialist in aggression rehabilitation, animal behavior, and personal protection dog training. With expertise in PSA and KNPV-style decoying, he has worked extensively in high-performance canine training. Now, he’s bringing his skills to medical detection, passionately learning and adapting from the experts around him. Beyond work, Richard is an adventure sports enthusiast and an aspiring pilot, always seeking new challenges. His dedication to understanding and training dogs continues to drive his work at Dognosis.