US University names centre after entrepreneur Anil Sharma

Spread the news

Chandigarh-born entrepreneur honoured as George Mason University names innovation centre after him and his wife

Chandigarh, August 23

In a significant achievement for Chandigarh, city-born entrepreneur and Mohali-based 22nd Century Technologies CEO Anil Sharma, along with his wife Anupama Sharma, has been honoured by George Mason University, which has named its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship the “Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

The recognition by the leading public research university in Virginia marks a major milestone in Sharma’s entrepreneurial journey, which began in Chandigarh and later expanded to the global technology sector.

George Mason University is known for its work in innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, public policy and research. The newly named centre will bring together students, faculty, entrepreneurs and business partners to promote innovation, new ideas and entrepreneurial leadership.

Sharma, an alumnus of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, began his professional career with the National Informatics Center (NIC) in Chandigarh. From 1989 to 1997, he served as a District Informatics Officer and Systems Analyst.

He became Chandigarh’s first District Informatics Officer and played a key role in establishing the NIC district office and introducing information technology systems across government departments. His work with government departments in Punjab and Chandigarh contributed to the growth of technology-enabled governance in the region.

Over the years, Sharma transformed his technology-driven experience into a global business venture in the United States. As CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, he has built the company into a technology and professional services enterprise serving government and commercial organisations.

In another major milestone, Sharma led the acquisition of British Telecom Federal, the US government-contracting arm of the British Telecom Group.

Born into a modest family and raised with six siblings, Sharma’s journey reflects the role of education, perseverance and ambition in achieving professional success. From beginning his career in Chandigarh’s public-sector technology ecosystem to leading a major US acquisition, his journey has now been recognised through the naming of a university centre.

Speaking about the recognition, Sharma said building a business taught him that success is never an individual achievement. He said people provide opportunities, offer support and guidance, while communities create the conditions for growth.

Sharma added that once an individual achieves success, it becomes their responsibility to create opportunities for others as well.