Can you tell us about your journey at The University of Texas at Austin and what motivates you both in your role as the leader of the department and in your contributions to the technological ecosystem?
I've been at The University of Texas at Austin since 1993, and my passion for education drives me most. Whether it’s teaching in the classroom, mentoring PhD students and postdocs in the lab, or creating policies that enable others to excel in their roles, education is at the core of my work. I also take great satisfaction in helping others succeed, which is why I’ve been involved in founding the NASCENT Center and supporting faculty and students in launching their own companies. Ultimately, I want my work to have a real-world impact, and starting my own company was a way to take my research and technology beyond academia, helping to bring innovation into practical use.
What was the significance of Jack Kilby’s creation of the first integrated circuit in Texas, and how does this early breakthrough continue to influence modern technology?
Jack Kilby’s creation of the integrated circuit was revolutionary because it allowed for the miniaturization of electronics, eliminating the need for vacuum tubes. This breakthrough opened the door for the development of smaller, more efficient electronic systems.
Over the decades, engineers have refined this technology, making it possible for us to carry powerful computers in our pockets. Kilby’s work also symbolizes Texas as a place where innovative ideas flourish, even on the fringes, and ultimately lead to groundbreaking technologies that have broad applications. His legacy is embedded in the very technologies we rely on today, from mobile phones to high-performance computers.
Texas is home to several leading companies and institutions, such as Samsung and Emerson. How do you think Texas compares to other innovation hubs like California in the tech and engineering sectors?
Texas has several unique advantages that make it a growing hub for innovation. The state is very business-friendly, with favorable tax policies and incentives that attract major companies and startups alike. In particular, the greater Austin area has become a focal point, with a strong connection between The University of Texas at Austin and local companies that enables talent and technology to thrive. While places like California have established themselves as key centers for innovation, Texas—particularly Austin—is quickly positioning itself as the next Silicon Valley, with a rapidly growing tech ecosystem supported by strong universities, venture capital, and a collaborative environment.
What differentiates Texas as a hub for engineering and tech talent, and how does The University of Texas at Austin contribute to attracting the best minds?
Texas, and Austin specifically, offers a unique environment where world-class research facilities in fields like material science and microelectronics are complemented by a strong local business ecosystem. The University of Texas at Austin plays a pivotal role in this by providing an environment where students and researchers can excel. With resources like the fastest supercomputing facilities in academia, we attract top-tier talent, and the growing number of startups in the region makes it even more appealing to those looking to work in cutting-edge fields. The University and the industry feed off each other, creating a cycle that attracts students, companies, and researchers, fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Can you share some examples of the exciting innovations coming out of The University of Texas at Austin, especially in collaboration with industry leaders like Samsung?
At The University of Texas at Austin, we have several exciting collaborations with industry partners. One notable example is the $840 million DARPA-funding for the Texas Institute for Electronics, which focuses on advanced packaging for microchips. This research is helping to create customizable chips that can be used in AI applications, as well as in specialized sectors like space technology and defense electronics. Additionally, we are at the forefront of AI research, with three NSF-funded AI research centers. One of our key focuses is robotics, where we’re working with companies like Amazon to improve robotics in warehouses. These collaborations bring together academic research and real-world applications, producing innovations with commercial and societal impact.
How are the advancements in AI and robotics at The University of Texas at Austin shaping the future of these fields?
The advancements in AI and robotics at The University of Texas at Austin are creating exciting opportunities for both research and industry. Texas Robotics, an interdisciplinary initiative at UT, is working on a range of robotics challenges, from improving robot learning to creating more efficient AI-driven systems. Our collaboration with companies like Amazon, which operates the world’s largest fleet of commercial robots, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics. We are also working with Meta to explore new applications of AI in robotics. The goal is to create robots that learn and adapt more naturally, making them more efficient in real-world tasks. These developments could lead to AI companions in everyday life, such as a robot dog that evolves with its owner, showcasing the potential for AI and robotics to revolutionize the way we live and work.
What led you to start Sandbox and how has it evolved in the semiconductor space?
Sandbox was born out of an interaction at the NASCENT Center, where I was discussing challenges in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly around etching processes. The traditional method for creating etching recipes was slow, relying on trial and error. I realized there had to be a better way to accelerate this process, and that’s when I started working with a graduate student, Meghali Chopra, to develop a more efficient method combining experimentation and modeling. Over the past decade, Sandbox has evolved into a company that uses AI to streamline semiconductor manufacturing processes, such as recipe creation and automated image analysis. Our products are now being licensed by chip makers and tool manufacturers..
With the growing focus on energy and microgrids, do you see any emerging companies with the potential to become unicorns or make a significant impact?
There are several early-stage companies at UT and beyond working on innovative solutions in the energy and microgrid sectors. These companies are addressing key challenges, such as how to efficiently distribute power in data centers, improve thermal management, and integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar. There’s significant interest in this space, especially as the need for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions grows. The potential for these companies to scale is high, particularly if they can solve critical problems related to power distribution and storage, which will be crucial for the future of energy infrastructure.
Looking ahead, what are the biggest bottlenecks that academia and business need to tackle together to reach our technological and energy goals?
Energy remains one of the most critical challenges, and The University of Texas at Austin has been at the forefront of addressing this issue with industry collaborations. We’re focused on making energy more accessible, sustainable, and affordable. Another key area is the extraction of critical minerals, such as lithium, which are essential for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. We’re working on developing more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective methods for extracting these minerals, as well as exploring ways to recycle valuable materials from old electronics. Collaborating with both industry and government will be key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
What’s your vision for The University of Texas at Austin in the next two to three years, and what milestones would you like to achieve?
In the next few years, I envision The University of Texas at Austin becoming a global leader in microelectronics and AI research. We are already making significant strides in advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration, areas where the U.S. currently lags behind. Our goal is for the U.S. to become the preeminent leader in these fields. Additionally, we aim to be a destination for students, faculty, and companies looking to collaborate on groundbreaking research in AI and energy efficiency. Our world-class facilities, combined with our culture of innovation, position us well to achieve this vision and make a significant impact on the future of technology.
