Dr Aditya Sadhanala : Driving Innovations Through Cutting-Edge Research & Development
Dr Aditya Sadhanala
Co-Founder & Director
Its appeal lies in its abundance, scalability, and minimal environmental footprint, making it a cornerstone of sustainability, not to mention becoming increasingly cost-effective due to techno -logical advancements.
However, the keyword here is technology. Hence, finding a reliable company that provides state-of-the-art, sustainable solar cell panel manufacturing technology remains challenging. Bridging this gap is ABX3 PV, a Bengaluru-based perovskite solar cell technology startup co-founded by Dr Aditya Sadhanala that enables users to smoothly navigate through the existing challenges in design, deve -lopment and manufacturing of next-generation of cost-effective, efficient, and light weight solar cells.
Aditya, a globally acclaimed researcher with a strong background in nano electronics and physics, leverages Perovskite, a family of semiconducting materials with the potential for high performance and low production costs in solar cells, to build renewable energy solutions.
In a nutshell, he manifests a new avenue to achieve the promised“greener tomorrow”. Aditya holds a PhD. in Physics from the prestigious Cambridge University, England. He walks us through his academic and professional journey through an exclusive interview.
What are the most valuable lessons you acquired from your academic journey that have been highly useful in your career?
After completing my PhD at Cambridge, I briefly worked at the University of California, Berkeley, where I deepened my knowledge in nanotechnology and nano particle-based optoelectronics.
I then moved to the University of Oxford to work on advanced architectures for Perovskite semiconductor solar cells. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my professional journey.
They prepared me for my return to India, where I now serve as a Assistant Professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science. My primary role is
teaching and conducting research in opto electronics and nanotechnology.
My startup, ABX3 PV, which I cofounded, is a direct extension of this long-standing research. The technology we’re developing today is built upon the foundation laid during my time at Cambridge and has evolved through my subsequent work at Berkeley and Oxford.
When you joined Cambridge, you had a shift from Engineering to Physics. Tell us about the story of this transfor -mation.
Despite not having my educational background from one of India’s premier institutes, like the IITs or other widely recognized institutions, I was invited for an interview at Cambridge, in the after math of writing an email to my prospective supervisor.
He was none other than Professor Sir Richard Friend a knighted scientist and the prestigious Cavendish Professor of Physics, a title historically held by several Nobel Laureates who have led ground breaking research at Cambridge.
Being acknowledged by some one of his stature gave me the confidence to pursue research at a world-class level, even as someone from a modest academic background and transitioning from engineering to physics.
It was a challenging shift, both intellectually and in terms of the nature of work, with recognition of globally impactful research. Cambridge provided the platform that played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
Presently, what are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership philosophy was shaped by my time at Cambridge, where I worked under a professor who had launched multiple startups, several of which became major companies. As a co-inventor of OLED technology, his innovative mindset influenced my approach to leadership, which is rooted in respect and forward-thinking.
I believe in lifting others up, fostering confidence, and allowing autonomy for growth while minimizing micro-management. Every team member has unique strengths, and I see it as my duty to inspire purpose in those who may struggle. Encouraging self-reflection helps individuals track their progress and develop both personally and professionally.
Above all, I lead with empathy, ensuring people are valued beyond mere data points. Leadership, to me, is deeply
My startup, ABX3 PV, which I cofounded, is a direct extension of this long-standing research. The technology we’re developing today is built upon the foundation laid during my time at Cambridge and has evolved through my subsequent work at Berkeley and Oxford.
When you joined Cambridge, you had a shift from Engineering to Physics. Tell us about the story of this transfor -mation.
Despite not having my educational background from one of India’s premier institutes, like the IITs or other widely recognized institutions, I was invited for an interview at Cambridge, in the after math of writing an email to my prospective supervisor.
He was none other than Professor Sir Richard Friend a knighted scientist and the prestigious Cavendish Professor of Physics, a title historically held by several Nobel Laureates who have led ground breaking research at Cambridge.
Leadership, to me, is fundamentally human, and that human touch is essential in building a motivated, high per -forming team
Being acknowledged by some one of his stature gave me the confidence to pursue research at a world-class level, even as someone from a modest academic background and transitioning from engineering to physics.
It was a challenging shift, both intellectually and in terms of the nature of work, with recognition of globally impactful research. Cambridge provided the platform that played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
Presently, what are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership philosophy was shaped by my time at Cambridge, where I worked under a professor who had launched multiple startups, several of which became major companies. As a co-inventor of OLED technology, his innovative mindset influenced my approach to leadership, which is rooted in respect and forward-thinking.
I believe in lifting others up, fostering confidence, and allowing autonomy for growth while minimizing micro-management. Every team member has unique strengths, and I see it as my duty to inspire purpose in those who may struggle. Encouraging self-reflection helps individuals track their progress and develop both personally and professionally.
Above all, I lead with empathy, ensuring people are valued beyond mere data points. Leadership, to me, is deeply
human, and a compassionate approach is key to building a motivated and highperforming team.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends, and what have you planned for the future?
I stay updated through various channels, with LinkedIn being my primary platform for industry insights. I also regularly attend expos and summits which offer exposure to the latest trends and developments.
However, one of my most valuable sources of up-to-date information is my team, both in my academic and entrepreneurial roles. Their insights and knowledge-sharing play a crucial role in keeping me informed, often more effectively than external platforms.
I intend to continue balancing my roles as both a professor and an entrepreneur as my innovations in research are what drive my entrepreneurial ambitions.
My core motivation in pursuing this path is to create jobs through world-class, disruptive deep-tech innovation. Job creation is not just a goal, it's the primary reason I ventured into entrepre -neurship.
Looking ahead, my vision is to expand deeptech operations through research while generating meaningful employ - ment opportunities.
Dr Aditya Sadhanala, Co-founder & Director, ABX3 PV
Aditya, an internationally acclaimed, award winning early-career scientist from Cambridge University, is an engineer-turned-physicist at the forefront of optoelectronics research and innovation. He is globally recognized for translating advanced energy technologies into impactful solutions for society. Currently, he serves as the Co-founder and Director of ABX3 PV, a perovskite solar cell panel company.
Awards & Recognition(Post 2020):
•Highly Cited Interdisciplinary Researcher (Clarivate Analytics – Web of Science, 2021-2024)
•ISC Early Career Scientist Award (Asia)(Inter - national Science Congress, 2021)
•Indian National Young Academy of Science membership (INYAS, 2021)
•Pratiksha Trust Young Investigator Chair for Neuro- morphic Computing (IISc, 2020)
•The MRS Nelson "Buck" Robinson Science and Techno - logy Award for Renewable Energy(Materials Research Society, 2020)
•Hobbies: Hiking, Country side Long Drives, and Taking kids to Game Zone
•Favorite Cuisine: Lebanese
•Favorite Book: Scientific Journal Papers and Digit Magazine
•Favorite Travel Destination: Iceland
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends, and what have you planned for the future?
I stay updated through various channels, with LinkedIn being my primary platform for industry insights. I also regularly attend expos and summits which offer exposure to the latest trends and developments.
However, one of my most valuable sources of up-to-date information is my team, both in my academic and entrepreneurial roles. Their insights and knowledge-sharing play a crucial role in keeping me informed, often more effectively than external platforms.
I intend to continue balancing my roles as both a professor and an entrepreneur as my innovations in research are what drive my entrepreneurial ambitions.
My core motivation in pursuing this path is to create jobs through world-class, disruptive deep-tech innovation. Job creation is not just a goal, it's the primary reason I ventured into entrepre -neurship.
Looking ahead, my vision is to expand deeptech operations through research while generating meaningful employ - ment opportunities.
Dr Aditya Sadhanala, Co-founder & Director, ABX3 PV
Aditya, an internationally acclaimed, award winning early-career scientist from Cambridge University, is an engineer-turned-physicist at the forefront of optoelectronics research and innovation. He is globally recognized for translating advanced energy technologies into impactful solutions for society. Currently, he serves as the Co-founder and Director of ABX3 PV, a perovskite solar cell panel company.
Awards & Recognition(Post 2020):
•Highly Cited Interdisciplinary Researcher (Clarivate Analytics – Web of Science, 2021-2024)
•ISC Early Career Scientist Award (Asia)(Inter - national Science Congress, 2021)
•Indian National Young Academy of Science membership (INYAS, 2021)
•Pratiksha Trust Young Investigator Chair for Neuro- morphic Computing (IISc, 2020)
•The MRS Nelson "Buck" Robinson Science and Techno - logy Award for Renewable Energy(Materials Research Society, 2020)
•Hobbies: Hiking, Country side Long Drives, and Taking kids to Game Zone
•Favorite Cuisine: Lebanese
•Favorite Book: Scientific Journal Papers and Digit Magazine
•Favorite Travel Destination: Iceland