Physics and management
Karnik completed a BSc with honours in Physics at the Royal Institute of Science and then studied management at IIM Ahmedabad. This combination shaped a career focused on applying technology at institutional scale.
Space and educational communication
He joined ISRO in 1969 and worked on the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment, which used satellite broadcasting for education and development in rural India. He later directed ISRO's Development and Educational Communication Unit.
Broadcasting and technology
Karnik led the Consortium for Educational Communication and served as Managing Director of Discovery Networks in India. As NASSCOM President from 2001 to 2007, he represented the software and services industry during rapid expansion.
Public institutions and writing
He has served on boards in higher education, banking, technology and social development, and joined the government-appointed board that stabilised Satyam Computer Services in 2009. His writing examines technology, governance and development.