Mission​

GFST advances evidence-led policy research and transformative innovation to redefine how societies grow and govern. Our mission is to design, test, and scale sustainable solutions that strengthen human well-being, economic resilience, and institutional effectiveness. By integrating technology, knowledge, and collaboration, we ensure progress that is inclusive, transparent, and enduring, building pathways to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Vision

A world where technology empowers people, governance earns trust, and innovation sustains the planet. GFST envisions a world shaped by cooperation, ethical leadership, and data-informed transformation, enabling every community to participate in and benefit from progress.

Who We Are

The Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST) is an apolitical, non-profit think tank pioneering real-time, data-driven, citizen-aligned governance. Rooted in systems transformation, GFST bridges the gap between policy design and implementation. Through research, advisory, and collaboration, we translate insight into practice, helping governments and institutions build adaptive, transparent, and people-centric systems. We operate at the intersection of governance, technology, and development reimagining how states, markets, and societies converge to deliver impact at scale.

What We Do

GFST builds next-generation governance ecosystems by merging frontier technologies with institutional innovation. We design AI, ML, IoT, and Blockchain-enabled data stacks that power evidence-based policymaking and real-time monitoring. Beyond analysis, we deliver solutions that democratise data, strengthen accountability, and accelerate decision-making. By uberising knowledge creation, GFST makes research and tools openly accessible, enabling governments, innovators, and citizens to co-create scalable, sustainable outcomes.

Our Approach

Guided by the Public–Private–People (P4) framework, GFST unites governments, industry, academia, and communities to co-design transformation strategies. We combine strategic foresight, open collaboration, and DeepTech to re-engineer governance for the future. Anchored in pro bono advisory and knowledge-sharing models, we help developing economies leapfrog traditional barriers. We are not observers of change, we are architects of next-generation governance, ensuring innovation delivers equity and shared prosperity.

We are not just observers of change—we are active architects of tomorrow’s governance infrastructure.

Our Philosophy

Transformation must be just, transparent, and inclusive.

GFST uses DeepTech with purpose, to empower citizens, decentralise expertise, and make governance responsive to people’s aspirations. By linking technology with empathy, we foster systems where innovation builds trust and accountability, ensuring governance evolves at the pace of human progress.

Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

GFST fuses the precision of technology, the creativity of innovation, and the spirit of entrepreneurship to build agile, fair, and future-ready institutions. We cultivate ecosystems where start-ups, academia, and public agencies co-create scalable, high-impact solutions. From AI-driven dashboards to IoT-enabled service delivery, our initiatives translate frontier technology into real-world transformation—making innovation a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.

Strategic Partnerships & Scalable Frameworks

GFST collaborates with governments, multilaterals, and industry to design systemic blueprints for transformation. Our 5-Year Strategy & Action Plan Framework, supported by tools such as the Rapid Survey Methodology and Unified Methodological Protocols (UMP), promotes data-driven interoperability across sectors. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these frameworks create replicable models for developing economies to scale citizen-centred, accountable, and resilient governance.

Meet our Chief Patron

Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

The Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST) was founded in March 2020 by Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu with a clear vision—to drive sustainable transformation across economies and communities. Guided by his belief that innovation and sustainability must progress together, GFST works to enhance well-being, foster resilience, and create inclusive prosperity through evidence-based policy and collaborative innovation. We advance this mission by conducting rigorous policy research, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting innovation ecosystems that convert ideas into impact. As a platform for networking, mentorship, and investment, GFST nurtures entrepreneurs and changemakers, connecting people, resources, and opportunities to accelerate growth. Our focus spans technology in governance, inclusive economic empowerment, infrastructure, and sustainability—unlocking potential and building a resilient, equitable future for all.

Our Expertise

Uberization of Knowledge | Sectoral Growth Labs | AI, DeepTech & GovTech | Real-Time Governance | Social Impact | Data-Driven Implementation | Global Think Tank

GFST is an apolitical, non-profit think tank pioneering real-time, data-driven, citizen-aligned governance. We bridge policy and practice through rigorous research and strategic interventions that drive sustainable transformation. By uberising knowledge, we make insights and tools openly accessible. Leveraging AI, ML, IoT, and Blockchain, we develop digital dashboards and decision-support systems for precise, accountable governance. Guided by our Public–Private–People (P4) model, GFST co-creates technology-driven policy interventions and provides pro bono advisory to help developing economies leapfrog legacy systems.

S.P. Tucker

I.A.S (Retd) & Former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh
Vice Chairman & Director, GFST

A veteran civil servant and visionary reformer, Mr. S.P. Tucker brings over four decades of leadership in public policy, infrastructure, and sustainable governance. As former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, he spearheaded landmark reforms including CMCORE, India’s first real-time governance platform, and the AP Vision 2029 strategy for inclusive growth. At GFST, he drives the principle of convergence, aligning government, industry, academia, and civil society to co-create scalable, technology-enabled solutions. His leadership anchors GFST’s Transformation Conclaves and advisory platforms, promoting cross-sector collaboration and embedding sustainability, equity, and resilience into governance systems. A respected mentor and strategist, Mr. Tucker continues to advise leading institutions on governance innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Cherukuri Kutumba Rao

Director, GFST

An accomplished economist and policy strategist, Mr. Kutumba Rao combines analytical rigour with a strong commitment to inclusive growth. As former Vice Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Planning Board, he contributed extensively to fiscal reform and technology-enabled development. At GFST, he leads thought leadership on digital transformation, MSME empowerment, and health-tech innovation, shaping frameworks that promote equitable, technology-driven growth. His strategic guidance continues to strengthen GFST’s partnerships, enabling scalable and sustainable policy solutions across sectors.

Sanjay Gupta

Chief Executive Officer, GFST

 

A retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and a leading voice in digital governance, Mr. Sanjay Gupta has over 25 years of experience driving technology-led transformation in the public sector. As CEO of GFST, he leads the organisation’s mission to harness emerging technologies for citizen-centric and future-ready governance. He has been instrumental in advancing national dialogues on GovTech and digital public infrastructure, and successfully convened the GovTech Summit 2024, a landmark event that fostered collaboration in digital health, MSME enablement, and real-time governance. Under his leadership, GFST continues to scale innovation ecosystems and strengthen partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, grounded in the belief that technology aligned with public purpose can drive systemic change.

Ram Prasad

Director, Global Strategic Communication

Sridhar Seshadri

Director, Global Foresight & Innovation

Shreeram Iyer

Director, Global Impact

Shakeel Dhada

Associate Director, GovTech, AI & Predictive Analytics

Anand Sharma

Associate Director, GovTech & AI Operations

G.M.V.G.K. Bangaru Raju

GMIS Analyst

SK. Adil Akram

Research Analyst