The very first in our IITalks series is by Satyanarayanan Chakraavarthi (Satya).
Satya finished his BTech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras in 1991, and after his Masters & PhD from Georgia Tech, joined back as faculty at IITM.
Satya is well known for his research in rocket propulsion, combustion and most prominently, for his contribution to a large number of startups in diverse domains such as electric air taxis, hyperloop, satellite imaging, rockets, biofuels and more!
Here’s Satya’s insights on IITalks:
Introduction
Professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, widely known as Satya Chakravarthy, is a distinguished academic, researcher, and entrepreneur in the field of Aerospace Engineering. Currently serving as a Professor at IIT Madras, he has made groundbreaking contributions in propulsion, combustion, and emerging aviation technologies. His work spans cutting-edge research, deep-tech startups, and transformative innovations, making him a key figure in India’s aerospace and energy sectors.
Educational Background
Prof. Chakravarthy’s academic journey is a testament to his expertise and deep understanding of aerospace engineering:
- B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering – IIT Madras (1991)
- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology, USA (1992)
- Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology, USA (1995)
His extensive educational background laid the foundation for his pioneering research and entrepreneurial ventures in combustion science, propulsion, and electric aircraft technologies.
Research Interests and Contributions
Prof. Chakravarthy has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of propulsion, combustion, and aerospace innovation. His research focuses on:
1. Propulsion and Combustion
- Innovations in gas turbines, rocket engines, and electric aircraft propulsion
- Solving combustion challenges in aerospace systems
- Enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions
2. Electric Aircraft Propulsion
- Leading research in hybrid aerial vehicles and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft
- Developing sustainable and efficient solutions for future air mobility
3. National-Level Research Initiatives
Prof. Chakravarthy leads two major research centers, making India a hub for advanced propulsion and combustion research:
National Centre for Combustion Research & Development (NCCRD)
- The largest combustion research center in the world
- $30 million funding over the past decade
- Focuses on propulsion, energy systems, and sustainable fuels
DRDO Centre of Propulsion Technology
- Driving defense propulsion advancements for India’s security and aerospace industry
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Chakravarthy’s contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including:
- HAL Prize (1991) – Best undergraduate in aerospace engineering
- Young Engineer Award (2003) – Indian National Academy of Engineering
- Young Faculty Recognition Award (2009) – IIT Madras
- Dalmi-HEMSI-ACRHEM Award (2009) – High Energy Materials Society of India
- DRDO Academic Excellence Award (2009 & 2016) – For contributions to defense research
- Deep-Tech Enabler Award (2022) – TiE-Chennai, for deep-tech entrepreneurship
These accolades highlight his pioneering impact on engineering, academia, and innovation.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond academia, Prof. Chakravarthy is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and mentored several deep-tech startups that are revolutionizing aerospace, energy, and mobility:
1. The ePlane Company (Founder & Technical Lead)
- Developing hybrid aerial vehicles (HAVs) for urban air mobility
- Aiming at vertical takeoff and long-distance flight capabilities
2. Agnikul Cosmos (Director)
- Building cost-effective, mini-launch vehicles for micro- and nano-satellites
- Making space access faster and more affordable
3. Aerostrovilos Energy (Director)
- Developing fuel-agnostic micro gas turbines
- Applications include hybrid electric trucks and decentralized power generation
4. X2Fuels & Energy (Director)
- Converts municipal and agricultural waste into crude oil
- Creating sustainable energy alternatives
5. GalaxEye (Shareholding Advisor)
- Developing multi-sensor fusion earth observation satellites
- Edge computing in space for better satellite imaging solutions
6. TuTr Hyperloop (Faculty Mentor)
- Commercializing high-speed hyperloop transportation
- Evolved from IIT Madras’ student-led Avishkar Hyperloop project
7. NewTrace (Advisor)
- Developing affordable green hydrogen production
- Aiming at sustainable energy solutions for the future
These ventures demonstrate his commitment to innovation, bridging academia with industry and real-world impact.
Public Speaking and Thought Leadership
Prof. Chakravarthy is an influential speaker, delivering insightful talks on aerospace, space, and sustainable technologies.
Invited Talks:
- TEDx Talks:
- “India’s Space Programme” – Discussing India’s advancements in space technology
- “Defrastructure – Democratizing Technology” – A framework for sustainable, scalable infrastructure
- Prof. Satya Chakravarthy Founder’s Story | The ePlane Company
- Rocket Scientist vs Rockstar Professor
- Takes off like a drone, flies like a plane