Deep Jariwala, Peter Armstrong and Suzanne Armstrong Distinguished Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, will be co-appointed as the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair in January 2027 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Jariwala’s research focuses on new materials for microchips, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of artificial intelligence. Current AI hardware consumes far more power than the human brain and is approximately 1,000 times more efficient. He intends to address this gap through innovations in chip architecture and quantum materials, building on work he began as co-founder of Agni Semiconductor. “Both approaches are rooted in new materials and physical phenomena in those materials,” Jariwala said, looking forward to an environment of collaboration that extends from basic materials research to commercialized applications.
UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair Gathers Quantum Materials Experts
The delayed start reflects a strategic plan to fully integrate Jariwala’s research programs with the existing infrastructure of both institutions and position the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and ORNL as collaborative hubs for advanced materials science. The Governor’s Chair program is designed to attract top and talented researchers, and Jariwala’s appointment underscores UT’s commitment to expanding its presence in quantum science and engineering. Jariwala will establish a new laboratory at UT’s Institute of Advanced Materials Manufacturing and build on his experience as co-founder of Agni Semiconductor, an appointment that is expected to foster a culture of innovation. “Completing the arc of translation creates something that can be manufactured and commercialized at scale,” he said, and hopes to see more 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 significantly less efficiently than the human brain, creating significant performance gaps. Deep Jariwala’s appointment as UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair signals a focused effort to change the energy profile of AI systems and address this challenge through innovations in microchip design and materials science. Jariwala’s research focuses on new materials that can improve the efficiency of AI-driven computing, sensing, and electronic devices. His official start date is January 2027, allowing time to establish these collaborations and build the infrastructure needed for comprehensive chip development from materials research to commercialization.
We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jariwala to the University of Tokyo.
Deb Crawford, Deputy Prime Minister for Research, Innovation and Economic Development
Collaboration between Agni Semiconductor and UT Research Park
Deep Jariwala’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond academic research. As co-founder of Agni Semiconductor, he intends to aggressively translate laboratory discoveries into scalable commercial products within Tennessee’s established startup ecosystem. This effort to “complete the arc of translation” represents a deliberate effort to move beyond basic materials science to address real-world applications, an aspect of his research facilitated by the university’s support for faculty entrepreneurship. Positioning the research park as a hub of collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and industry partners is central to Jariwala’s vision. “We envision a continued exchange of talent and information between UT and ORNL,” he said, highlighting the potential for synergies that leverage the strengths of both institutions and explore new avenues of research.
This collaborative environment is especially important given the ambitious goal of bridging the efficiency gap between current AI hardware and the human brain. Jariwala’s research focuses on improving energy efficiency by a factor of 1,000 through innovative chip structures and quantum materials. His extensive publication record, including more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, and recognition from organizations such as the American Physical Society demonstrate a continued commitment to advancing the quantum materials field and promises to significantly advance UT’s leadership in artificial intelligence and quantum science.
Central to our efforts to advance the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s standing is the hiring of a governor’s chair and other outstanding faculty members.
