CAMBRIDGE, MA–Kripa Varanasi, professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, has been appointed Faculty Director of the MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation. He succeeds Angela Koehler, who has served in this role since July 1, 2023.
The announcement was made by Anantha P. Chandrakasan, MIT Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, Dean, MIT School of Engineering, and Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
“Kripa is widely recognized for his significant contributions in the field of interfacial science, thermal-fluids, electrochemical systems, and advanced materials,” said Prof. Chandrakasan. “His research focuses on developing novel surfaces, materials, and technologies that improve efficiency and performance across industries, including energy, decarbonization, life sciences, water, agriculture, transportation, and consumer products.”
Established in 2002 — through a generous gift from philanthropists Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande and his wife, Jaishree — the center empowers some of MIT’s most-talented researchers to make a difference in the world by developing innovative technologies in the lab and bringing them to the marketplace in the form of breakthrough products and new companies. In turn, those innovations can help solve large and daunting problems in health, information technology, energy and other fields.
A prolific entrepreneur, Prof. Varanasi has a remarkable ability to translate cutting-edge research into impactful products and services. He has co-founded a number of companies including AgZen, Alsym Energy, Coflo Medical, Dropwise, Infinite Cooling, and LiquiGlide, which was named one of the “Best Inventions of the Year” in 2012 by both Time and Forbes. His venture Infinite Cooling has earned top honors at MIT-100K, MassChallenge, and the DOE’s National Cleantech University Prize, among others.
“Kripa is an excellent researcher and is also capable of using the new found knowledge to create social and economic impact,” said philanthropist Desh Deshpande. “He is an excellent role model for those in Universities who want to see impact with their research. I look forward to his leadership at the Deshpande Center.”
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Prof. Varanasi’s groundbreaking research and dedication to mentorship have earned him many accolades, including: an NSF CAREER Award, DARPA Young Faculty Award, SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, ASME Bergles-Rohsenow Heat Transfer Award, ASME Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award, Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and MIT’s Frank E. Perkins Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising.
Prof. Varanasi received a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras and both his master’s and PhD from MIT. Before joining MIT’s faculty in 2009, he was a lead researcher and project leader at the GE Global Research Center, where he received many awards for his work. His extensive experience as an innovator, researcher, and entrepreneur makes him incredibly well suited to join the Deshpande Center’s leadership team.
