KR Sridhar, Ph.D., is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Energy Corporation, which he established in 2001 to develop solid oxide fuel cell technology for on-site power generation. Under his leadership, Bloom Energy has grown from a research-focused startup into a publicly traded company, delivering energy solutions across commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications.
Before founding Bloom Energy, KR served as Director of the Space Technologies Laboratory at the University of Arizona, where he was also a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. He led NASA research initiatives, including systems to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere and other life-support and exploration technologies for planetary missions. He also mentored teams, secured government contracts, and advanced innovations in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
KR has contributed to numerous publications and holds multiple patents in energy systems and electrochemical conversion. His work spans academic research, corporate leadership, and advisory roles, connecting...KR Sridhar, Ph.D., is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Energy Corporation, which he established in 2001 to develop solid oxide fuel cell technology for on-site power generation. Under his leadership, Bloom Energy has grown from a research-focused startup into a publicly traded company, delivering energy solutions across commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications.
Before founding Bloom Energy, KR served as Director of the Space Technologies Laboratory at the University of Arizona, where he was also a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. He led NASA research initiatives, including systems to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere and other life-support and exploration technologies for planetary missions. He also mentored teams, secured government contracts, and advanced innovations in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
KR has contributed to numerous publications and holds multiple patents in energy systems and electrochemical conversion. His work spans academic research, corporate leadership, and advisory roles, connecting industry, government, and higher education.
In addition to his role at Bloom Energy, he serves on corporate and academic boards, including the Board of Directors at C3 AI, and advisory boards at Caltech’s Resnick Sustainability Institute and the University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering.
KR is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has contributed to shaping research and policy in clean energy and space technologies.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with honors, a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Bloom Energy is a clean energy innovator that produces efficient, low-emission electricity on-site using advanced fuel cell technology, enabling sustainable and resilient power for businesses and communities.
KR led the Space Technologies Laboratory at the University of Arizona, directing pioneering NASA-focused research on planetary exploration. He also mentored teams, secured government contracts, and advanced innovations in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
KR served as a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona, where he also directed the Space Technologies Laboratory, leading advanced research on space systems and Mars-related technologies and securing major research contracts before founding Bloom Energy.
At C3 AI, KR guided the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI solutions. He leveraged his expertise in engineering and complex systems to drive enterprise-scale digital transformation.
At Caltech, KR served on external advisory boards and academic committees, offering strategic insight that shaped research priorities, academic programs, and long-term institutional direction.
KR serves on the Board of Visitors at the Grainger College of Engineering, offering industry and research insight to guide college leadership on academic priorities, strategic direction, and engagement with engineering practice.
In this podcast, KR outlines his vision for leveraging advanced manufacturing and energy technologies to support the future of AI-driven power infrastructure in the United States.
In this interview, KR discusses the long-term outlook for AI-driven capital spending and the infrastructure required to support sustained growth in computing and energy demand.
In this podcast, KR recounts the company’s early journey from a garage in Tucson, Arizona, to establishing a presence in Silicon Valley and scaling innovative energy technologies.
In this paper, KR analyzes the energy demands and design constraints of electrolyzer systems intended to generate oxygen from Martian resources for use as an oxidizer in space missions.
This publication presents an experimental approach for measuring the dynamic biaxial flexural strength of thin ceramic substrates, focusing on test design and material response under applied stress conditions.
This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of carbon dioxide electrolysis at the platinum–yttria-stabilized zirconia interface, examining reaction mechanisms and interfacial characteristics that influence performance.
This publication extends the analysis of carbon dioxide electrolysis by examining reaction processes and performance characteristics at the platinum–YSZ cermet and YSZ electrolyte interface.
This publication explores the use of solid oxide electrolysis to simultaneously process water and carbon dioxide for producing oxygen and fuel components in support of Mars in situ resource utilization.
Recognition of Contributions to Engineering & Technology
KR is a member of the National Academy of Engineering in recognition of his significant contributions to energy technology and industrial innovation. The Academy is a leading U.S. institution, dedicated to advancing engineering excellence.
