Iraj Rajesh Sheth : Pioneering Sustainable Additive Manufacturing
Iraj Rajesh Sheth
Director
The uncommon ability to blend technical rigour with a deep sensitivity to customer needs became the defining strength behind a manufacturing vision that prioritises purpose over production volume.
This rare blend of emotional force, precision-directed thought and problem-solving rigor formed the basis of a new type of manufacturing ecosystem, one that was created not only to make parts but to find meaning to effectively and sustainably solve problems.
This philosophy is what defines Nirmitsu Design Labs, which was co-founded and is headed by Iraj Rajesh Sheth, whose practice challenges the notion of what engineering leadership means today.
Iraj’s professional journey began with practical training in mechanical labor and a solid engineering attitude. His career started with Mechanical Engineering studies at Strathclyde, where a solid training in design, analysis and application sharpened an industry-oriented point of view.
His problem-solving and teamworking skills were enhanced because of exposure to a variety of peers, international engineering, and multidisciplinary projects.
Diverse experiences over the years through the various mechanical projects led to Iraj developing clarity, resilience and dedication to transform ideas into practical outcomes.
These principles eventually led to the establishment of Nirmitsu Design Labs, which is a firm focused on developing additive manufacturing where sustainability is at the core. Under Iraj’s leadership, Nirmitsu leads innovation in state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies, undertaking a customer-centric approach to designing solutions.
The larger vision is to make India a global center for high-tech green manufacturing. We are honored to feature an exclusive interview with Iraj, offering reflections on his academic journey at the University of Strathclyde, professional life and insights on leadership.
What have been the most transformative learning
experiences during your time at University of Strathclyde?
Studying Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde taught me to think critically and justify every design decision. The program’s strong balance of theoretical grounding and practical application helped me develop an industry-oriented mindset.
Collaborating with peers from diverse and often more experienced backgrounds broadened my perspective, while the university’s collaborative environment strengthened my problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
How has the university helped you to further your passion in entrepreneurship and sharpen your business acumen?
The University of Strathclyde fostered innovation through research-led learning and project-based modules. The exposure to design thinking and real-world engineering challenges showed me how ideas can be transformed into commercially viable solutions. This experience directly influenced my decision to start Nirmitsu Design Labs and approach manufacturing with a balance of technical depth and customer-centric thinking.
How did the university provide global exposure and help you build diverse networks?
The university hosted career events featuring industry leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, and Ansys, providing valuable exposure to global practices.
Collaborating with international students on projects provided me with a broad, universal approach to engineering, enhanced my adaptability, and allowed me to build meaningful professional networks that continue to influence my approach to innovation and operational decisions today.
How did it instill a spirit of responsibility and a habit of contributing towards the betterment of society?
Strathclyde’s strong emphasis on responsible engineering shaped my belief that technology should serve society, not just drive efficiency.
At Nirmitsu, this philosophy guides our efforts to reduce material waste, enable rapid prototyping for small manufacturers, and promote sustainable production methods. I view engineering as a discipline with long-term societal impact.
What inspired you to build this company and pursue design and manu facturing in the 3D printing space?
Studying Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde taught me to think critically and justify every design decision. The program’s strong balance of theoretical grounding and practical application helped me develop an industry-oriented mindset.
Collaborating with peers from diverse and often more experienced backgrounds broadened my perspective, while the university’s collaborative environment strengthened my problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Innovation succeeds when passion drives your motive
How has the university helped you to further your passion in entrepreneurship and sharpen your business acumen?
The University of Strathclyde fostered innovation through research-led learning and project-based modules. The exposure to design thinking and real-world engineering challenges showed me how ideas can be transformed into commercially viable solutions. This experience directly influenced my decision to start Nirmitsu Design Labs and approach manufacturing with a balance of technical depth and customer-centric thinking.
How did the university provide global exposure and help you build diverse networks?
The university hosted career events featuring industry leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, and Ansys, providing valuable exposure to global practices.
Collaborating with international students on projects provided me with a broad, universal approach to engineering, enhanced my adaptability, and allowed me to build meaningful professional networks that continue to influence my approach to innovation and operational decisions today.
How did it instill a spirit of responsibility and a habit of contributing towards the betterment of society?
Strathclyde’s strong emphasis on responsible engineering shaped my belief that technology should serve society, not just drive efficiency.
At Nirmitsu, this philosophy guides our efforts to reduce material waste, enable rapid prototyping for small manufacturers, and promote sustainable production methods. I view engineering as a discipline with long-term societal impact.
What inspired you to build this company and pursue design and manu facturing in the 3D printing space?
My interest in manufacturing and technology began early, inspired by shows such as How It’s Made, eventually led me to study mechanical engineering. I got introduced to 3D printing during my time at Strathclyde, where I used it extensively for my engineering project.
By redesigning lab equipment and reducing its cost by nearly 100 times using 3D printing, I realized its potential as a powerful manufacturing process. This experience convinced me to explore additive manufacturing further and ultimately inspired me to build Nirmitsu Design Labs.
What is the next chapter you look forward to embarking on your professional journey?
I aim to scale Nirmitsu Design Labs into one of India’s leading industrial additives manufacturing setups, focusing on expanding production capabilities, advancing material research, and delivering high-precision, rapid manufacturing solutions across industries like aerospace, medical, and industrial tooling. I am particularly interested in leveraging emerging 3D printing technologies to re-engineer specialized components, exploring diverse methods from prototyping to end-use production, while also experimenting with applications in lifestyle and architecture.
What advice would you like to share with budding industry leaders?
My advice is: stay curious, be consistent, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin, because it’ll never be the ideal condition. Focus on fundamentals, under stand customer needs, and build with purpose. Innovation succeeds when passion drives your motive.
Iraj Rajesh Sheth, Director, Nirmitsu Design Labs
Iraj’s leadership is driving a new era of sustainable additive manufacturing in India. With a foundation in rigorous mechanical engineering and a customer centric design philosophy, he is advancing high precision, eco-conscious 3D-printing solutions for modern industries.
•Hobbies: Fine art, Animation, watching films, swimming
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian coastal, South Indian, Mughlai cuisine
•Favorite Book: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
•Favorite Travel Destination: Spain
Awards & Recognition:
•Recognised locally for advancing industrial additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and end-use production capabilities in Goa.
•Featured in Business Goa-Starting Young series.
By redesigning lab equipment and reducing its cost by nearly 100 times using 3D printing, I realized its potential as a powerful manufacturing process. This experience convinced me to explore additive manufacturing further and ultimately inspired me to build Nirmitsu Design Labs.
What is the next chapter you look forward to embarking on your professional journey?
I aim to scale Nirmitsu Design Labs into one of India’s leading industrial additives manufacturing setups, focusing on expanding production capabilities, advancing material research, and delivering high-precision, rapid manufacturing solutions across industries like aerospace, medical, and industrial tooling. I am particularly interested in leveraging emerging 3D printing technologies to re-engineer specialized components, exploring diverse methods from prototyping to end-use production, while also experimenting with applications in lifestyle and architecture.
What advice would you like to share with budding industry leaders?
My advice is: stay curious, be consistent, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin, because it’ll never be the ideal condition. Focus on fundamentals, under stand customer needs, and build with purpose. Innovation succeeds when passion drives your motive.
Iraj Rajesh Sheth, Director, Nirmitsu Design Labs
Iraj’s leadership is driving a new era of sustainable additive manufacturing in India. With a foundation in rigorous mechanical engineering and a customer centric design philosophy, he is advancing high precision, eco-conscious 3D-printing solutions for modern industries.
•Hobbies: Fine art, Animation, watching films, swimming
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian coastal, South Indian, Mughlai cuisine
•Favorite Book: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
•Favorite Travel Destination: Spain
Awards & Recognition:
•Recognised locally for advancing industrial additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and end-use production capabilities in Goa.
•Featured in Business Goa-Starting Young series.