Arup Acharya is a technology leader with extensive experience in emerging technologies and innovation, currently serving as Vice President of Emerging Technologies & Innovation at Prudential Financial since 2024. Previously, Arup held the position of Head of Research & Innovation/CTO for Digital Software & Solutions at Tata Consulting Services from 2021 to 2024, where responsibilities included creating technology strategies, managing global teams, and driving R&D in AI/ML. Prior to TCS, Arup worked at IBM Watson Research for nearly two decades, contributing to significant projects in blockchain, cognitive computing, and communications technologies. Arup has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University and began a career in research and development at NEC Computers and Communications Research Labs. Arup holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and a PhD in Computer Science from Rutgers University.