Noida:  Smart Identity Devices Pvt. Ltd. (Smart ID), the pioneer in providing Biometrics, Smart Cards and Information Communication Technology solutions, today announced the appointment of Mahendra Pratap as the Chief Technical Officer. He has joined Smart ID’s strong and broad based management team at the company’s corporate office at Noida. Mahendra Pratap is a thought leader in Financial Inclusion domain, especially for Terminal/MicroATM related technology. At Smart ID, Mahendra Pratap will specifically address the pivotal role technology plays in Financial Inclusion space.

In his new role, Mahendra Pratap will be responsible for developing new and emerging capabilities, using the latest information technologies to enhance all Smart ID’s Information Communication Technology lines of business. He will also be in charge of the company’s technology strategy, industry relations and standardization efforts, and overall product portfolio coordination.

Managing Director, Smart ID, Nirmal Prakash said, “I am thrilled that MP brings his huge talent and vision to us. He has received global recognition for his success in strengthening banking system. Now, his tremendous experience and skills will crucially define the future of our Financial Inclusion business.”

Accepting the appointment, Mahendra Pratap said, “It is a great honor for me to have this opportunity to work with Smart ID to contribute to the very important mission of the Government in changing the country.”

A B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, Mahendra Pratap brings with him more than 39 years of pioneering industry experience. Before Joining Smart ID, he was the President – iMFAST and Chief Advisor – Embedded Systems at Integra Micro Systems (P) Ltd. He was also the co-founder and Executive Director at HCL Ltd., and was the person behind many innovations. With his vision to forecast the technology market, he led many innovations towards commercialization. He took up an active role in starting various R&D projects. He also led many product adaptations and enhancements in products designed abroad to suite Indian environmental conditions such as power and temperature.

iMFAST, Integra’s award winning innovation was conceptualized, designed and developed by Mr. Pratap. iMFAST is an end – to – end solution for enabling branchless banking, especially at the rural areas of the country. For this concept, Mahendra Pratap received Gold Medal from Lokheed Martin under its India Innovation Growth Programme in 2007. iMFAST also received the most innovative application award in Vertical Domain by GSMA in 2007.The concept has been also widely appreciated by Former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Dr. C Rangarajan, V Liladhar and Usha Thorat, Deputy Governors RBI and CMDs of several banks. Various State Governors, Chief Ministers and other officials have seen and liked the device. This innovation is currently being used by 13 national banks all over the country.