As Vice Chancellor of PCET’s Pimpri Chinchwad University, Dr. Sonavane is Member of the Governing Body Council and Chairman of the Board of Management, the Academic Council and the University Research Review Committee.
Academic Transformation & NEP 2020 Implementation
Led the transition towards an NEP 2020-aligned, outcome-based and AI-integrated academic framework, with a flexible Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), practical learning and graduate-attribute development as key priorities. A two-credit Rural Immersion Programme has been introduced in the third year of every programme.
Academic Quality & Accountability Framework
Introduced a structured Academic Quality Framework built on regular classes, 100% syllabus completion, innovative pedagogy, AI-integrated teaching–learning and graduate-attribute development. Institutionalised academic audits, course files, teaching plans, module meetings and systematic ATR monitoring, and introduced the teaching of 30% of the syllabus by industry professionals.
- Programme Manual prepared for every School, with a mechanism for distributing a Student Manual for each programme
- Stanford Alumni Series launched for the School of Management
Emerging & Future-Ready Programmes
Spearheaded programmes and specialisations in Mechatronics, Semiconductor & Quantum Technology, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Cyber Security, Clinical Psychology and Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences, aligning academics with emerging industry needs.
Industry–Academia Integration
Expanded industry engagement through 100+ active MoUs, Centres of Excellence and industry-linked learning, including the Digitech Robotics India Pvt Ltd Centre of Excellence and the QNX Centre of Excellence with Pi Square Technology India.
Research, Innovation & Multidisciplinary Development
Strengthened the R&D ecosystem and multidisciplinary research, including hosting PCU’s first international conference, IM3-2026, which brought together experts and institutions including IITs, BARC, IISc and international universities.
Internationalisation
Strengthened the University’s global academic presence through international partnerships with Japan and South Korea, and established the KOSME Pune Base Camp Center in collaboration with South Korean industry.
Governance & Management Systems
Pimpri Chinchwad University was recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. A structured review and accountability mechanism was established through weekly meetings of Deans, Directors and HoDs, teaching and non-teaching reviews, presentation-based monitoring and time-bound Action Taken Reports.
Student-Centric Employability & Global Exposure
Employability, internships, industry exposure and global learning are integral to the academic model, with Training & Placement credits, internships, live projects, foreign languages and international exposure.
AI-based Student Aspirational Survey
An aspirational survey is conducted every year at registration to understand each student’s career interest in placement, higher education, entrepreneurship, competitive examinations or family business. Each aspiration is supported by weekly club activities and interaction with domain experts.
As Chief Operating Officer — MIT World Peace University (2025)
- New university establishment at MIT-WPU Goa
- Oversaw 1,750+ staff across operations including Admissions, Placement, Alumni, Purchase, HR, Maintenance, IT, ERP, Finance, Transportation, Branding & Marketing, Events and R&D
- Developed the organogram and responsibility portfolio across 14 non-academic departments, with digitisation across their functions
- Policy development for all operations departments, serving 25,000+ students and 1,100 faculty members