Deep Jariwala, a Peter and Susanne Armstrong Distinguished Scholar from the University of Pennsylvania, will begin a joint appointment at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in January 2027 as a UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair. Jariwala’s research focuses on novel materials for microchips, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of artificial intelligence; current AI hardware consumes vastly more power than the human brain, which is roughly 1,000 times more efficient. He intends to address this gap through innovations in chip structure and quantum materials, building on work begun as co-founder of Agni Semiconductor. “Both approaches are rooted in novel materials and the physical phenomena in those materials,” Jariwala said, anticipating a collaborative environment that will extend from basic materials research to commercialized applications.
UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair Attracts Quantum Materials Expert
The delayed start reflects strategic planning to fully integrate Jariwala’s research program with existing infrastructure at both institutions, positioning the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and ORNL as a collaborative hub for advanced materials science. The Governor’s Chair program is designed to attract researchers of exceptional caliber, and Jariwala’s arrival underscores UT’s commitment to expanding its presence in quantum science and engineering. The appointment is expected to foster a culture of innovation, as Jariwala intends to establish a new research laboratory at UT’s Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing and build upon his experience as co-founder of Agni Semiconductor; he explained that “Completing the arc of translation results in something that can be made at scale and commercialized,” anticipating further spin-off companies from UT.
Microchip Innovation for Energy-Efficient Artificial Intelligence
The pursuit of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence is currently constrained by substantial energy demands; existing AI hardware operates with significantly less efficiency than the human brain, creating a critical performance gap. Deep Jariwala’s appointment as UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair signals a focused effort to address this challenge through innovations in microchip design and materials science, aiming to alter the energy profile of AI systems. Jariwala’s research concentrates on novel materials capable of improving the efficiency of AI-driven computing, sensing, and electronic devices. His official start date of January 2027 allows time for establishing these collaborations and building the necessary infrastructure for comprehensive chip development, from materials research to practical applications.
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jariwala to UT.
Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation, and economic development
Agni Semiconductor & UT Research Park Collaboration
Deep Jariwala’s entrepreneurial drive extends beyond academic research; as co-founder of Agni Semiconductor, he intends to actively translate laboratory discoveries into scalable commercial products within Tennessee’s established ecosystem for startups. This commitment to “completing the arc of translation” signifies a deliberate effort to move beyond fundamental materials science and address real-world applications, a facet of his work that will be fostered by UT’s support for faculty entrepreneurship. The Research Park’s positioning as a collaborative hub between the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and industry partners is central to Jariwala’s vision. “I envision a constant exchange of people and information between UT and ORNL,” he said, emphasizing the synergistic potential of leveraging the strengths of both institutions to pioneer new research avenues.
This collaborative environment is particularly crucial given the ambitious goal of closing the efficiency gap between current AI hardware and the human brain; Jariwala’s research focuses on achieving a 1,000-fold improvement in energy efficiency through innovative chip structures and quantum materials. His extensive publication record, with over 200 peer-reviewed articles, and recognition from organizations like the American Physical Society demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing the field of quantum materials, promising a substantial boost to UT’s leadership in artificial intelligence and quantum sciences.
Recruiting Governor’s Chairs and other preeminent faculty is central to our efforts to elevate the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.