Our Team

Nitin Narang

Founder

Nitin Narang, a seasoned Political Consultant, entrepreneur, and Investor founded the Ideaz Factory in the year 2013. His wisdom and knowledge has far shined, for he has strategized major state elections and invested in over 20 companies across different sectors. Besides he is also the President of All India Chess Federation and the founder of Future Shift Labs.

Sagar Vishnoi

Co-Founder

Sagar Vishnoi, Co-Founder of Future Shift Labs, is a global expert at the intersection of AI, policy, and politics. With 12 years of experience in political communications strategy, he holds executive education from Columbia Business School and ISB, Mohali. A UN-awarded expert and member of the Coalition for Responsible Evolution of AI, he advises the Apolitical Foundation. His insights on technology and governance have appeared in BBC, Wired, MIT Tech Review, and leading Indian media. A TEDx speaker, he has addressed 40+ global forums, advocating for ethical AI and its role in shaping democracy responsibly.

Aastha Naresh Kohli

Head of Communications

Aastha Naresh Kohli is a communications and advocacy expert with over nine years of experience in media relations, public relations, and brand marketing. With a postgraduate qualification in Broadcast Journalism from IIMC and a Master of Law from NLU Himachal Pradesh, she specializes in law and policy communication. She has worked with top technology firms like Facebook and Deloitte, managing strategic communications. A columnist for Financial Express, Moneycontrol, and legal journals, she crafts compelling narratives on legal and policy issues. Her expertise spans think tanks and corporate sectors, driving impactful storytelling and advocacy in the legal and technology domains.

Alisha Butala

Research Consultant

Alisha, an education professional with an MBA and a Master’s in Public Policy from King’s College London, has over four years of experience working with the Education Ministries of Delhi and Maharashtra. She played a key role in India’s largest mentorship program, Desh Ke Mentor, and helped establish the Delhi Board of School Education. With expertise in social-emotional learning, curriculum development, and data analysis, she designs evidence-based, sustainable education reforms. Passionate about policy analysis and innovative learning, Alisha is committed to driving impactful changes in the public sector and fostering meaningful educational transformation across India.

Parishrut Jassal

AI Governance Researcher & Advisor

Mr. Parishrut Jassal is the founder of GovernAI, dedicated to ethical AI development and global AI governance. Previously, he served as Deputy Advisor at NIEPA, Ministry of Education, India, leading AI policy collaborations with UNESCO and Asia-Pacific nations. He is part of Team India at ForHumanity, USA, supporting independent AI audits, and has contributed to ethical AI research at the Centre for AI & Digital Policy. As a Facilitator for the AI Governance Fellowship at Equiano Institute, he mentors emerging AI leaders. His doctoral research explores AI governance for fostering sustainable peace (SDG16) on a global scale.

Pranav Dwivedi

Consultant

Pranav is a serial entrepreneur and social impact leader driving transformative change through technology. He has led high-impact initiatives, including digitizing food distribution for millions in Uttar Pradesh. His work spans diverse sectors, from empowering startups to advocating for responsible AI policies. A recognized global leader, Pranav is passionate about creating a more equitable and sustainable world through the innovative use of technology.

Anhaietaa Puri

Partnership Manager

Anhaietaa is passionate about creating a real impact in the policy landscape. A public policy and industry engagement professional, she started her journey in 2019, curating and driving nationwide campaigns for Facebook, ByteDance, and UNDP. She later pivoted into public policy for emerging technologies, focusing on India’s drone ecosystem. Experienced in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives, she has worked closely with governments and global organisations to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation, helping emerging industries thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Bhairabi Kashyap Deka

Communication Associate

Bhairabi specializes in cybersecurity policies, cognitive warfare strategies, and non-state actors in cyberspace. She has worked with leading think tanks like the Observer Research Foundation, researching cyber threats, grey zone tactics, and AI governance. She has engaged in global stakeholder dialogues, including discussions with UN officials and policymakers. With experience in grassroots policy initiatives at Gunvatta Gurukul, Quality Council of India, she has contributed to rural governance. Holding a master’s in International Relations from Pondicherry University, she is passionate about security studies and emerging technologies. At Future Shift Labs, she focuses on strategic communications, research, and AI cybersecurity policy.

Abir Mahanta

Multimedia Designer

Abir Mahanta is a tech-savvy creative professional with 6+ years of experience in graphic design, delivering impactful work for 150+ clients, media houses, companies, and governments. Currently studying Computer Science with a specialization in Cyber Security, he bridges design and technology with precision and passion. From securing digital landscapes to crafting compelling visuals, Abir thrives on innovation, continuous learning, and creating meaningful impact across industries.

Sunanda R. Marak

Senior Geopolitical Analyst

Sunanda R. Marak is a Ph.D. scholar in European Studies at JNU, New Delhi. She holds a double Master’s degree in International Relations& History. Her research delves into the EU’s cross-border cooperation policies, particularly focussing on Nordic-Baltic cooperation. Her academic interest & experience also extend to South Asia, SE Asia, and China. Professionally, Sunanda brings a diverse portfolio of experience, from teaching to working as a research analyst with prominent national & international think tanks. At FSL, she is currently a Senior Geopolitical Analyst & engages in exploring digital governance, AI policies, and international cooperation.

Aşkım Ezo Barol

Research Associate

Aşkım is a communication specialist with a Master’s in International Political Communication and a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences. As a Chevening Scholar, she has expertise in strategic communication and political campaigning. Her experience is based on research, policy, and global politics, focusing on international elections and cross-cultural communication. Passionate about leveraging communication for impact and cultural diplomacy. She has worked on international projects as a youth worker in KA1 and KA2 European Union Projects related to governance, sustainability, and technology. She has also participated in volunteer work under the European Voluntary Projects framework as part of a refugee studies project in Tunisia.

Visiting Fellows

Damar Juniarto

Visiting Fellow

Damar is a prominent advocate for digital rights and media integrity, with over ten years of experience championing online freedom throughout Southeast Asia. As the former Executive Director of SAFEnet and a current consultant to the UN AI Advisory Body, he has played a key role in influencing global discussions on disinformation, democracy, and digital governance. His work continues to drive policy change and raise awareness on the importance of protecting digital spaces worldwide

Levan Gurgenidze

Visiting Fellow

Levan is an experienced and accomplished campaign manager with a strong focus on data-driven strategies and effective country branding. With a proven track record, he has successfully managed numerous high-impact campaigns both in the United States and across various international markets. Levan specializes in using predictive modeling techniques and advanced digital engagement tools to optimize campaign performance. His innovative approach and global perspective make him a valuable asset in the realm of political strategy and public outreach.

Dr. Christopher Nehring

Visiting Fellow

Dr. Christopher Nehring is a researcher, analyst, and media expert focused on disinformation. He currently serves as Director of Intelligence at the Cyber Intelligence Institute in Frankfurt, Germany. He has lectured on intelligence and media at Sofia University and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Previously, he was a senior analyst at the Institute for Global Analysis in Sofia. Since 2017, he has also worked as a journalist and editor for outlets like Deutsche Welle, Spiegel, and Tagesspiegel.

Mateusz Labuz

Visiting Fellow

Mateusz Łabuz is a researcher at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg and a PhD candidate at Chemnitz University of Technology. A former career diplomat with Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his work explores synthetic media, deepfakes, cognitive warfare, and social resilience. He lectures on cybersecurity, AI, and disinformation, and has published research on deepfake regulation under the EU AI Act at universities in Cracow and beyond.