Dr. Alex Hanson, Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with his dynamic research team, has secured the prestigious National Science Foundation I-Corps grant. This recognition is a testament to their work in power electronics, specifically innovations in differential power processing architectures. Their advances have the potential to improve energy efficiency in power delivery for data centers and power output from photovoltaic installations.
Soham Roy – Technical Lead
Dr. Hanson’s team, a formidable group of researchers, brings a diverse set of skills and expertise to the table. The collaborative effort includes Michael Solomentsev, the entrepreneurial lead, who received his B.S. degree from Cornell University and was recently awarded his Ph.D. from UT Austin.
Soham Roy, the technical lead, received his B.Tech. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and his M.S. degree from UT Austin. With a background as a power supply design engineer at TDK-Lambda Americas, Roy is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at UT Austin.
Tom Carothers – Industry Mentor
The team’s industry mentor, Tom Carothers, brings a wealth of experience in computer hardware, software, electric motor systems, and green battery technology. With a distinguished career in various VP roles in sales and services for major companies like Dell, Compaq, McData, and Getronics, Carothers contributes invaluable insights in fundraising, business development, and has played a key role in scaling up client acquisition for numerous organizations. He is also a UT Austin TEXVMS mentor.
At the helm is Dr. Alex Hanson, the principal investigator, whose journey includes degrees from Dartmouth College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since joining UT Austin in 2019, Dr. Hanson’s research interests in power electronics, power magnetics, and their applications have garnered recognition, including the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award and the National Science Foundation CAREER award.
Michael Solomentsev – Entrepreneurial Lead
Their collective effort has given rise to a DPP architecture that stands out for its practicality and scalability, driven by a simplified control strategy. Dr. Hanson expressed his enthusiasm, “This recognition validates the dedication and hard work of our research team. We are eager to leverage this support to bring our innovative solutions to the broader community and make a meaningful impact.”
Beyond the academic realm, Dr. Hanson and his accomplished team are eager to bridge the gap between research and industry adoption. The NSF I-Corps grant provides the perfect platform to conduct market research, understand commercial potential, and pave the way for widespread implementation.
This isn’t just about power electronics; it’s about shaping a more sustainable and efficient future. As Dr. Hanson and his exceptional team embark on this transformative journey, the UT Austin proudly stands at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of power electronics.
The team is actively seeking feedback from professionals in the data center and solar industries, and other stakeholders to further refine and optimize their technology for market. Those interested in contributing to the team’s customer discovery process can reach out to Dr. Solomentsev at mys432@utexas.edu.
Learn more about the NSF I-Corps program and apply for the next cohort online. The application process is free, simple, and can be accessed here. For more information and to learn more about the NSF I-Corps program, contact Weston Waldo at weston.waldo@austin.utexas.edu.
