North Columbus News

Sanjay Krishna, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been honored as The Ohio State University's 2025 Innovator of the Year. This recognition was announced at the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge's annual showcase.

“It’s really humbling to be named Ohio State Innovator of the Year. It really captures the sense of what I’m trying to do,” Krishna stated in a video. Highlighting his dual role as an educator and entrepreneur, he explained, “This is the best job to have.”

The Innovator of the Year award acknowledges Ohio State researchers who advance university intellectual property through invention disclosures, patents, licenses, and spin-offs. Krishna remarked on the collaborative nature of innovation, stating, “It takes a village to make an innovator, and you will see that is decades of things in the making.” He expressed gratitude to his colleagues, students, and family.

At Ohio State, Krishna is the George R. Smith Chair in the College of Engineering and co-founder and chief technical officer of SK Infrared. His work involves developing infrared detectors and imaging technologies for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.

The event also recognized Eduardo Reátegui as Early Career Innovator of the Year and Ian Harris as Next Generation Innovator of the Year. Reátegui, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, commented on his award: “This is a deep honor for me and particularly for the past and current members of my lab.” His research focuses on technologies for sorting and profiling disease biomarkers and developing devices to diagnose and treat diseases more effectively.

Harris, a fourth-year undergraduate, is also a chief technology officer and co-founder of SPAERO Systems. “It's been a very exciting journey, working on this technology,” he said, acknowledging the teamwork involved. SPAERO Systems focuses on space-based technologies, including a product developed from Harris's undergraduate research.

Peter J. Mohler, Ohio State's executive vice president for research, also highlighted significant research achievements, including advancements in cancer treatment developed at the university. The drug recently entered Phase 1 clinical study trials, marking a significant milestone for Ohio State’s research endeavors.

The event featured talks from various university researchers, including Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin, professors and students. Johnston-Halperin emphasized the unique capabilities of research universities like Ohio State to drive progress through interdisciplinary collaboration.