Dr Mahapatra (32) is chief executive of Photonic Innovation, a University of Otago research spinoff company, which has recently recapitalised with a $1million cash injection.
Photonic has developed unique laser technology to detect potentially hazardous industrial gases in the workplace, and has recently clinched a product distribution deal in New Zealand.
Earlier this week, Photonic secured its first distribution deal in Australia, signing up with Australia’s largest refrigeration service, Gordon Bros.
Dr Mahapatra said yesterday he was looking forward to undertaking the senior executive programme and expected 30 to 40 chief executives from around the world to be on the month-long October course.
"It’s going to be a multicultural experience, with companies from across the world ... Many of them are already multimillion-dollar, multinational companies. We’re a start-up [by comparison]."
He expected much of the teaching content to revolve around the internationalisation of a company and offshore establishment.
"There will be different business models from across the world," Dr Mahapatra said.
The Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships, announced recently by Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, were awarded to 14 people this year.Dr Mahapatra and other recipients attended a dinner with Prime Minister Bill English at Premier House in Wellington on Wednesday night.
The scholarships are aimed at improving the international competitiveness of New Zealand businesses by providing business people access to top international programmes that are unavailable in New Zealand.
The scholarships range from $4000 to $110,000 and are capped at 50% of core expenses.
"The knowledge, connections and experience the executives will gain from attending these courses will enable them to expand their companies and access international markets," Mr Bridges said.
Since 2010, a total of 73 executives from a wide range of sectors, including IT, engineering and manufacturing, have received Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships.
Other recipients: Arthur Shih, Datacom Systems; Blair Hamill, Zespri International; Leah Davey, DSM Nutritional Products New Zealand; Louis Booth, Fonterra; Mark Toner, Vector; Michael Whitehead, Wherescape Software; Neil McGregor, Human Synergistics New Zealand; Peter Floris, The New Zealand Merino Company; Rachel Taulelei, Kono General Partner; Robert Stowell, Synlait Milk; Roger Gray, Air New Zealand; Stuart Tucker, BECA and Benjamin Moceiwai, ANZ Bank.
