
Karnataka tech CEO, wife, and son found dead in US home; former colleague mourns 'tragic loss'
Harshavardhana Kikkeri
, CEO of robotics company
HoloWorld
, his wife
Shwetha Harshavardhana
, and their young son Dhruv. Shwetha was also the president of the company.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
A Chinese shadow falls on Pahalgam terror attack case probe
How India can use water to pressure Pakistan
Buzzkill: How India can dissolve the Pakistan problem, not just swat it
The family was found dead at their home in the United States, with local police indicating a possible tragic
murder-suicide
.
While official investigations are underway, the news has sent waves of grief and disbelief through those who knew the couple.
Stafford Michahial
, Group CTO at PRS Neurosciences and former Deputy CTO at Holosuit, the company Kikkeri founded, shared a tribute with ET, highlighting the profound loss felt by those close to the family.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Crossout 2.0: Supercharged
Crossout
Play Now
Undo
by Taboola
by Taboola
"I still struggle to find the right words," Michahial said in a statement. He recalled how Harsha and Shwetha welcomed him into their vision for Holosuit in 2017, a journey that saw him grow from a developer to their CTO. "We shared late nights building technology, dreams, and friendships that felt like family. And over time, that's exactly what we became."
Michahial painted a picture of Harshavardhana as a "man of calm presence — spiritual, meditative, and full of focused energy," someone who believed in him and significantly shaped his life and career. He described Shwetha as a "steady, brilliant leader and a loving soul who held the team — and her family — together." He said their son, Dhruv, was: "always full of light, laughter, and innocence… they were everything to me."
Live Events
The news of their passing has left Michahial "shattered." "Losing all three of them — Shwetha, Dhruv, and Harsha — in such a tragic way has left a pain I can't describe," he said. "I love Harsha for everything he created, for the wisdom he shared, and the lives he changed. But I cannot reconcile the way it all ended. It is devastating. It's impossible to understand how someone so spiritually grounded could reach such a point."
Discover the stories of your interest
Blockchain
5 Stories
Cyber-safety
7 Stories
Fintech
9 Stories
E-comm
9 Stories
ML
8 Stories
Edtech
6 Stories
"And yet, this is the hard truth — sometimes the signs are hidden, sometimes silence is louder than words," Michahial said.
The tragic news has cast a pall over the tech circles in both the US and India, leaving many to grapple with the sudden loss of an entrepreneur, his wife, and their young child.
Kikkeri originally came from Kikkeri village in Karnataka. He completed his early education in Mysuru and later moved to the US, where he earned a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University. He worked at major tech firms, including Microsoft, where he focused on robotics and innovation.
According to a description on his TEDx talk posted on YouTube, Kikkeri held 44 international patents across the US, China, Japan, and Europe. He was honoured with awards such as the Gold Star from Microsoft, an Excellence Award from
Infosys
, and a
Bharat Petroleum
Scholarship. He also won several chess championships.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
U.S EU Trade deal: Who wins after tariff agreement - Donald Trump or Europe?
U.S EU Trade deal agreement has finally been chalked. In the end, Europe found it lacked the leverage to pull Donald Trump 's America into a trade pact on its terms and so has signed up to a deal it can just about stomach - albeit one that is clearly skewed in the U.S.'s favour. As such, Sunday's agreement on a blanket 15 per cent tariff after a months-long stand-off is a reality check on the aspirations of the 27-country European Union to become an economic power able to stand up to the likes of the United States or China. U.S EU Trade Deal Face-saver for Europe? Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Technology others Data Analytics Data Science PGDM MCA healthcare MBA Public Policy Product Management Leadership Healthcare Project Management Others Digital Marketing Design Thinking CXO Operations Management Management Cybersecurity Data Science Artificial Intelligence Degree Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details EU has long portrayed itself as an export superpower and champion of rules-based commerce for the benefit both of its own soft power and the global economy as a whole. For sure, the new tariff that will now be applied is a lot more digestible than the 30% "reciprocal" tariff which Trump threatened to invoke in a few days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nazlat Alsman: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo While it should ensure Europe avoids recession, it will likely keep its economy in the doldrums: it sits somewhere between two tariff scenarios the European Central Bank last month forecast would mean 0.5-0.9 per cent economic growth this year compared to just over 1% in a trade tension-free environment. But this is nonetheless a landing point that would have been scarcely imaginable only months ago in the pre-Trump 2.0 era, when the EU along with much of the world could count on U.S. tariffs averaging out at around 1.5%. Live Events Even when Britain agreed a baseline tariff of 10% with the United States back in May, EU officials were adamant they could do better and - convinced the bloc had the economic heft to square up to Trump - pushed for a "zero-for-zero" tariff pact. It took a few weeks of fruitless talks with their U.S. counterparts for the Europeans to accept that 10% was the best they could get and a few weeks more to take the same 15% baseline which the United States agreed with Japan last week. "The EU does not have more leverage than the U.S., and the Trump administration is not rushing things," said one senior official in a European capital who was being briefed on last week's negotiations as they closed in around the 15% level. That official and others pointed to the pressure from Europe's export-oriented businesses to clinch a deal and so ease the levels of uncertainty starting to hit businesses from Finland's Nokia to Swedish steelmaker SSAB . "We were dealt a bad hand. This deal is the best possible play under the circumstances," said one EU diplomat. "Recent months have clearly shown how damaging uncertainty in global trade is for European businesses." Big Win for Donald Trump? That imbalance - or what the trade negotiators have been calling "asymmetry" - is manifest in the final deal. Not only is it expected that the EU will now call off any retaliation and remain open to U.S. goods on existing terms, but it has also pledged $600 billion of investment in the United States. The time-frame for that remains undefined, as do other details of the accord for now. As talks unfolded, it became clear that the EU came to the conclusion it had more to lose from all-out confrontation. The retaliatory measures it threatened totalled some 93 billion euros - less than half its U.S. goods trade surplus of nearly 200 billion euros. True, a growing number of EU capitals were also ready to envisage wide-ranging anti-coercion measures that would have allowed the bloc to target the services trade in which the United States had a surplus of some $75 billion last year. But even then, there was no clear majority for targeting the U.S. digital services which European citizens enjoy and for which there are scant homegrown alternatives - from Netflix to Uber to Microsoft cloud services. It remains to be seen whether this will encourage European leaders to accelerate the economic reforms and diversification of trading allies to which they have long paid lip service but which have been held back by national divisions. Describing the deal as a painful compromise that was an "existential threat" for many of its members, Germany's BGA wholesale and export association said it was time for Europe to reduce its reliance on its biggest trading partner. "Let's look on the past months as a wake-up call," said BGA President Dirk Jandura. "Europe must now prepare itself strategically for the future - we need new trade deals with the biggest industrial powers of the world." FAQs Q1. Who is President of USA? A1. President of USA is Donald Trump. Q2. How much tariffs USA is levying on Europe? A2. US is levying 15 per cent tariffs on Europe.


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Virgo Daily Horoscope Today, July 28, 2025: Accept change with open arms
Today brings a soft lesson in letting go and welcoming what is new. Change may come suddenly, but it is not here to disturb you. It is a part of life's natural rhythm. You may feel nervous or unsure, but trust that the universe never takes away without giving something better. Let your energy stay flexible, not fixed. With grace and patience, you can flow with change rather than fight it. Virgo Love Horoscope Today In love, changes in emotions or plans may come unexpectedly. If you are in a relationship, do not worry if your partner acts a little different today. Allow space for their growth and feelings too. If you are single, a new connection may enter when you least expect. Keep your heart open. Old love habits may not work now, and that is okay. Try something different. Be willing to love in new ways, and you may find joy in surprising moments. Virgo Career Horoscope Today You may feel unprepared at first, but adapt with faith. You have more ability than you realise. If a colleague or manager behaves differently today, respond with calmness. A fresh approach or learning something new will boost your confidence. Stay curious instead of worried. Those seeking a job change should explore fresh options, not repeat old patterns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Live Near Upcoming Jewar Airport – ACE Nest New Launch!' Ace Noida Book Now Undo Accepting change in work life brings stability in unexpected forms. Virgo Money Horoscope Today Your financial thoughts may need a little change in direction. If you've been saving without enjoying or spending without planning, today is the day to find balance. A new method of budgeting or income idea could emerge. Let go of fear from past money losses. They taught you valuable lessons. Embrace fresh strategies with trust. Do not resist change in financial thinking. You are more mature now. Let your choices reflect your growth and new understanding of how to handle money. Virgo Health Horoscope Today Your body is adjusting to inner emotional shifts. You may feel small aches in legs or mild headaches, not from illness but inner movement. Drink more water and stay active without overdoing. Avoid foods that are too spicy or processed. A light walks or time near flowing water can help you feel refreshed. Your body wants you to relax during change. Don't resist rest. Embracing this healing flow will keep your energy balanced. Let your body shift just as your mind is growing. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Leo Daily Horoscope Today, July 28, 2025: Let forgiveness clear your heart
Today, you are being guided to release what no longer serves your peace. Holding on to past hurts may seem natural, but it quietly creates heaviness in your heart. This is the right time to forgive, not because they were right, but because you deserve to feel light and free. Your calmness is your real power. Do not wait for apologies to begin healing. Inner peace begins when you release pain with compassion and understanding. Leo Love Horoscope Today In love, past misunderstandings may resurface, but they are coming up for healing. If you are in a relationship, avoid keeping old issues alive in silence. Share your feelings gently and listen without judgment. Your bond will grow when forgiveness becomes mutual. If you are single, do not let past disappointments affect how you see new love. Open your heart without fear. True connection begins with emotional freedom. Release old doubts, and love will come with a soft and kind face. Leo Career Horoscope Today Your workday may offer a chance to reset your professional image. If a past mistake or conflict is troubling you, take responsibility and make peace with it. Do not carry guilt in your career space. People respect those who are willing to grow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Apologise if needed, forgive someone silently if it brings clarity. New opportunities may arise if you act maturely. Show leadership through emotional balance. Today is about healing even at work, which allows success to enter with ease. Leo Money Horoscope Today Financial matters may feel connected to emotional patterns. You may notice that spending is sometimes influenced by mood or past pressures. Take a moment to forgive yourself for past financial mistakes. They were lessons, not failures. Now you are wiser. Today is good for revising your budget or forgiving someone who delayed a payment. Let peace guide your money choices. You will feel lighter and more confident when you release stress from your financial past. Prosperity flows to a calm and forgiving heart. Leo Health Horoscope Today Your body may carry emotional weight today. If you feel heaviness in the chest or tiredness without clear reason, it could be due to unexpressed emotions. Drink warm water and spend quiet time with yourself. Avoid loud spaces and heavy foods. Practice slow breathing or light stretching to release tension. A hot oil head massage can also ease the mind. Your health is deeply linked to your emotional state now. Forgive gently, and your body will begin to feel light and peaceful. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.