Praful Kumar

Strategic Technology & Program Management Leader | AI Architect

Strategic Technology & Program Management Leader with 18.7+ years of experience driving enterprise-scale digital transformation across Backend, Mobile, QA, UI/UX, Infrastructure, and InfoSec domains. Proven expertise in Agentic AI, Prompt Engineering, cloud-native architecture, and modernizing development workflows using Cursor and Antigravity. Hands-on with Docker, AWS, Azure, GoLang, Node.js, and Python. As a Program Manager, successfully led multi-disciplinary teams through full SDLC ensuring stakeholder alignment and measurable business outcomes. Achieved ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 certifications.
Advanced AI Features
Python AWS SageMaker Next.js React Native TensorFlow YOLOv8
Professional Experience
Tech Head
Jan 2025 - Present
IWServices (Project: Skai.ai)
Leading the development of Skai.ai - AI & Machine Learning platform for skincare analysis.
  • Agentic AI & Prompting:
    • Prompt Engineering: Developing complex prompt templates and chain-of-thought workflows for multi-modal AI agents.
    • AI Coding Assistants: Leveraging Cursor and Antigravity to accelerate development cycles and maintain code quality.
    • Agentic Workflows: Designing autonomous AI agents for skincare diagnostics and personalized recommendation loops.
  • AI & Computer Vision:
    • DeepFace Framework: Core facial analysis engine (age regression, gender, emotion) using customized pre-trained Keras/TensorFlow models.
    • Google AI (MediaPipe): Implemented 468-point 3D Face Mesh for precise skin feature isolation and geometry mapping.
    • OpenCV Image Processing: Preprocessing pipeline handling normalization, HSV color space conversion, and adaptive thresholding.
  • Backend Infrastructure:
    • FastAPI (Python 3.11+): High-performance async API framework with automatic OpenAPI documentation.
    • Database: MySQL 8.0 utilizing JSON columns for flexible metadata; SQLAlchemy ORM for robust type safety.
    • Docker: Containerized services ensuring consistent environments and isolation across development and production.
  • Frontend Strategy:
    • Next.js 14 & TypeScript: Component-driven Atomic design using Tailwind CSS, Recharts (Dataviz), and Framer Motion (Animation).
    • Responsive First: Fluid layouts adapting seamlessly from mobile devices to large desktops.
  • Mobile Application:
    • React Native & Expo: Cross-platform development sharing 60% of code; rapid workflow with OTA updates.
Python TensorFlow Keras MediaPipe FastAPI Next.js 14 React Native Expo MySQL Docker
Tech Head / Program Manager
Jun 2023 – Jan 2025
i-XL Technology
  • Led a multidisciplinary team of 40+, including Android developers, backend, and infra teams.
  • Directed the development of Android applications and finance SaaS modules.
  • Managed data verification (CIBIL, CRIF) and engineered scalable cloud solutions on AWS/Oracle Cloud.
  • Achieved ISO 9001 & 27001 certifications and executed extensive DR activities.
Go React Native PWA Laravel FastAPI Kafka Django Jira Microservices Fintech Node.js Angular 7
General Manager - Technology
Nov 2020 – June 2023
Grab a Grub (Reliance Group)
  • Led development for Last-mile logistics app used by 55,000 riders across India.
  • Managed end-to-end delivery of Mobile (Android) and web platforms processing 500k+ orders/day.
Python Django MongoDB Laravel FastAPI Kafka PWA Jira Node.js Microservices Migration Angular 7
Engineering Manager
Aug 2019 – Nov 2020
BusinessLeaders
  • Managed e-commerce/lead management domains (Rev: $780M).
  • Directed AWS cloud operations, code audits, and product development.
PHP Magento AngularJS AWS MongoDB
Senior Project Manager
May 2017 – Aug 2019
Bhejo Pvt Ltd
  • Owned lifecycle for products like iBhejo, PPOBOX (Global Parcel Forwarding).
  • Managed mobile app strategies and eCommerce platforms (Magento, OpenCart).
Laravel Python FastAPI Kafka CodeIgniter Slack Microservices Fintech Node.js Angular 7
Lead Engineer
Aug 2012 – April 2017
Squeakee Media Pvt. Ltd
  • Built OffersOn Android Application: Developed map-based search engine app from scratch.
  • Designed search algorithms using SOLR and built Squeakee SaaS platform.
Android PHP SOLR AWS Magento
Team Leader
Jan 2009 – Aug 2012
JustDial Ltd
Managed 12 developers, overseeing the implementation of business logic in the bidding module (similar to an ERP system) for Just Dial’s extensive customer database. Streamlined operational processes, reducing turnaround time. The ERP solution serves over 5,000 employees and millions of customers, enabling seamless information sharing. Migrated existing Foxpro application into PHP.
  • Key Modules Developed:
    • Multi-City Contract: Specialized contracts for multiple city listings.
    • Remote City Contract: Facilitates listings for remote areas.
    • National Listing Contracts: PAN India visibility for listings.
  • Key Achievements:
    • Optimized business logic, reducing operational time.
    • Scaled the platform to handle large datasets.
    • Managed complex data migration across 400+ servers.
PHP MySQL JavaScript Ubuntu
Sr Software Developer
Mar 2008 – Dec 2008
Webodrome Arise Technologies
During my tenure, designed and implemented key software components for the organization’s Web Process Management software, contributing significantly to its development. Actively involved in both the low-level design and development phases of various projects, and facilitated communication between management and the software team to ensure smooth execution. Played a key role in the recruitment process, identifying and hiring new developers to strengthen the team.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Developed web applications using PHP5, Perl, MySQL, PostgreSQL, HTML, and JavaScript.
    • Contributed to projects using PHP tools like WordPress, Joomla, and OSCommerce.
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Enhanced SEO practices, improving project visibility and search rankings.
    • Spearheaded crucial PayPal and CCAvenue integrations, boosting the e-commerce capabilities of web applications.
    • Assisted in database administration, ensuring efficient data management on Linux platforms.
PHP5 Perl MySQL PostgreSQL WordPress Joomla
Software Developer
Mar 2007 – Mar 2008
Mutants Technology
  • Role & Responsibilities:
    • Designed and implemented various software components within the company’s Web process management software.
    • Contributed to both the low-level design and development phases of projects.
    • Liaised between management and the development team to ensure clear communication.
    • Presented software plans, frameworks, and architectural solutions to management for approval.
    • Developed web applications using PHP4/PHP5, Perl, MySQL, HTML, and JavaScript.
PHP4/5 Perl MySQL HTML JavaScript