He is a prolific inventor, holding 126 granted US patents and 130 granted non-US patents, with the majority focused on silicon photonics.
BERNIGSVILLE, PA, January 03, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Vipul Patel for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Early Life and Education
Vipul Patel’s journey began in the industrial township of Atul, Gujarat, India. His academic prowess was evident early on, ranking seventh among 1.5 million students in the 12th standard board exams. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he ventured to the United States in 1987, earning an MS in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His research on oxide-based superconductors ignited a passion for discovery, culminating in a PhD under the guidance of Late Professor Walter Kosonocky. His doctoral work, focused on plasma etching, was conducted at the renowned David Sarnoff Research Center (now SRI International) and funded by prominent organizations like DARPA and Sematech. This experience exposed him to cutting-edge research and collaborations with leading scientists from institutions like Princeton University and Rutgers University.
A Career Forged in Innovation
After his PhD, Vipul joined Sarnoff as a post-doctoral fellow in 1993. His talent quickly shone, leading to rapid promotions and culminating in a leadership role as a group head. He managed multidisciplinary R&D programs for government and commercial clients, spanning CCDs, BiCMOS, MEMS, and display devices. This period honed his skills in translating research into tangible products. Vipul led the R&D fabrication facility, driving prototyping and low-volume production for high-value products. He was instrumental in securing QML certification for the fab and developed a passion for optimizing manufacturing processes to accelerate product development.
Vipul’s contributions at Sarnoff were significant. He played a key role in developing groundbreaking technologies, including the world’s first polysilicon TFT organic LED display in collaboration with Kodak and Princeton University. He spearheaded the development of numerous state-of-the-art CCD image sensors, including TDI imagers for aerial imaging, IR sensors for military applications, and wafer-scale CCDs for space exploration. Notably, he led the development of a Very High Frame Rate Burst Image Sensor, capable of capturing 1 to 10 million frames per second, a world record at the time.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
In 1997, Vipul was poised to pursue an EMBA at Columbia University, but the allure of entrepreneurship proved stronger. He co-founded UHV Technologies, Inc., serving as Vice President of R&D. Under his leadership, the company secured numerous SBIR contracts for novel field emission and MEMS devices. This success led to the formation of two subsidiaries: INDEL Systems, LLC, which manufactured vacuum thin film processing systems for clients like Ford and GE, and LightMatrix Technologies, Inc., which developed thin film products for the fiber optic communication industry. Despite the challenges faced by LightMatrix during the 2002 economic downturn, Vipul’s entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred.
Silicon Photonics Pioneer
In 2002, Vipul co-founded Lightwire Technologies, focusing on the then-nascent field of silicon photonics. This technology, enabling the manipulation of light on silicon chips, held immense promise for revolutionizing optical communications. The journey was not without its hurdles, requiring constant innovation in both technology and supply chain. With perseverance and strategic partnerships, Lightwire secured funding from Cisco to develop a 100G transceiver, ultimately leading to the company’s acquisition by Cisco Systems, Inc. in 2012 for $270 million.
At Cisco, Vipul transitioned to a leadership role in supply chain management, leveraging his deep understanding of technology and manufacturing. The silicon photonics technology pioneered by Lightwire enabled Cisco to develop high-density, cost-effective optical connectivity solutions, driving significant revenue growth. The 100G transceiver achieved over $1 billion in internal revenue, a testament to Lightwire team’s vision and execution. He stands as a rare individual who has witnessed and contributed to the entire lifecycle of a product, from initial concept to mass production and end-of-life.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Vipul’s contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. He is a prolific inventor, holding 126 granted US patents and 130 granted non-US patents, with the majority focused on silicon photonics. He has authored numerous journal and conference papers, sharing his expertise with the scientific community. He actively serves in professional organizations, including the IEEE packaging society, and has contributed to his alma mater by supporting the establishment of a state-of-the-art fiber optic network.
Vipul’s commitment to giving back is evident through his involvement with charitable organizations like Ekal Vidyalaya and Support a Child. He is also passionate about exploring the scientific foundations of ancient Vedic practices and collaborating with Dev Sanskrity Vishwavidyalaya University to establish a research facility dedicated to studying yoga, meditation, and alternative healing methods.
Looking Ahead
As Vipul Patel continues his work as a Principal Engineer at Cisco Systems, focusing on next-generation photonics technologies and strategic investments, his journey exemplifies the power of combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive and a commitment to societal impact. He is a true pioneer in the field of silicon photonics, leaving an indelible mark on the technology landscape.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Patel enjoys exploring and studying the history of India, which provides him with a rich cultural perspective that complements his technical expertise.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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