Sustainable Finance in the Digital Era: Leveraging AI, Blockchain and Data Analytics for Smart Financial Systems

Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Arora is an accomplished academician, researcher, and innovation leader currently serving as the Head of B.Tech CSE Cyber Security and Head of the Startup & Incubation Centre at Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology. With significant contributions in the fields of technology, cybersecurity, research, and innovation, Dr. Arora has been actively promoting startup and innovation culture through various national-level initiatives. She was appointed as the Nodal Coordinator by CBSE for promoting Startup & Innovation Culture in schools during 2023–24 and also served as the Coordinator for Principal Exposure Visits organized by CBSE. She is a recognized member of the National Cyber Security Research Council and an Advanced Level Innovation Ambassador. Dr. Arora has also coordinated the National Innovation Startup Policy (NISP) approved by AICTE and played a vital role in mentoring more than 10 startups within PIET and the community. Her achievements include receiving the Young IT Professional Award and Young Researcher Award, along with securing national-level victories in various hackathons and competitions. She coordinated the Trademark Event “Spardha” featuring Ideathon and National Innovation Challenge activities and has been granted a Utility Patent for 20 years in the field of technology. Additionally, she has more than 15 patents granted and published to her credit. Dr. Arora has delivered expert lectures in over 20 workshops, seminars, and FDPs, published 8 Scopus-indexed book chapters, and authored more than 30 research papers in referred journals with an H-index of 10.

Dr. Pooja Gupta is an Associate Professor at the Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology, Samalkha, Haryana. She is a seasoned management professional with over 16 years of academic experience, specializing in Finance, Banking, and Accounting. She earned her Ph.D. from Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, with a research focus on Foreign Investors and the Stock Market. Dr. Gupta has made significant contributions to academic research, with numerous publications in reputed national and international journals, and has actively participated in various conferences and seminars. In addition to her research work, she has served as an editor for more than five academic books and has authored four books in her area of expertise. Her academic and research pursuits reflect a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of finance and management.