Sampriti Bhattacharyya Biography & Age
Sampriti Bhattacharyya, born on January 1, 1987, in Kolkata, India, is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Navier, a company specializing in electric hydrofoil boats. At the age of 36 as of 2023, she has emerged as a remarkable figure, breaking barriers and achieving success at the highest echelons of her industry.
Sampriti spent her early years in Kolkata, and while details about her family and marital status are not publicly disclosed, her journey to success is evident in her role as the driving force behind Navier. She is recognized for her accomplishments, earning a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya Education
Sampriti Bhattacharyya educational journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges and being labeled as an average student in her early years, she pursued engineering at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, India. Undeterred by rejection, she applied for 540 internships, with Fermilab in the US being the sole acceptance.
With just $200 in her pocket, Sampriti moved to the US for her internship at Fermilab, later securing another opportunity at NASA, focusing on robotics and space exploration.
In 2010, she permanently relocated to the US and enrolled in a master’s program at Ohio State University before pursuing her Ph.D. at MIT.
At MIT, Sampriti made a significant impact by developing Hydroswarm, an underwater drone mapping the ocean floor to detect mines. Her journey also involved active participation in competitions and hackathons, showcasing her passion for innovation.
Sampriti’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, demonstrating that resilience and the pursuit of one’s dreams can lead to remarkable achievements.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya Vision with Navier
In 2014, while pursuing her PhD at MIT, Sampriti Bhattacharyya witnessed the challenges of locating Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in the South China Sea. Recognizing the need for ocean exploration technology, she dedicated her graduate work to developing small ocean robots at her startup, Hydroswarm. Although Hydroswarm didn’t succeed, Bhattacharyya remained committed to creating a sustainable ocean economy.
In 2020, she co-founded Navier, a San Francisco-based maritime company, envisioning “the boat of the future.” Their 30-foot electric watercraft, 10 times more efficient than traditional boats, boasts hydrofoil technology for impressive speed.
Bhattacharyya’s vision is to make water transport as cost-effective and convenient as land options, turning waterways into highways.
Driven by a passion for solving complex problems, Bhattacharyya’s journey from MIT to Navier exemplifies her commitment to impactful innovation in ocean exploration and transportation.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya NASA
Intrigued by the vast possibilities of space technology, Sampriti Bhattacharyya initially set her sights on a career in robotics and aerospace engineering during her internship at NASA.
However, a transformative experience at MIT, where she worked on underwater drones, led her to a groundbreaking realization—the maritime industry held a trillion-dollar opportunity if transportation could be revolutionized and made more efficient without relying on fuel.
In a bold move away from her initial aspirations in space exploration, Bhattacharyya founded Navier in 2020, with a vision to revolutionize waterborne transportation. In 2021, she unveiled the Navier 30, the world’s first electric hydrofoiling vessel designed to glide above the water’s surface.
This “flying boat” features an all-electric engine and a sophisticated software system, boasting three underwater wings that reduce friction by an impressive 90%, enabling speeds ten times faster than traditional boats.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya Flying Boat
In an impressive feat, Sampriti Bhattacharyya and her team managed to construct their groundbreaking electric boat in under a year and a half, setting a record for speed in vessel development.
Initially, the electric boat operates like a conventional one, but when it gains momentum, computer-controlled hydrofoils beneath the ship come into action, lifting the craft out of the water similar to an aircraft’s wings producing lift. With only three stilts in contact with the water, the boat glides with minimal resistance, combining the characteristics of both a boat and a plane.
Describing the innovation, Bhattacharyya emphasizes her unique background as a mechanical and maritime professional and aerospace engineer. This vessel, known as the world’s longest-range electric boat and the first all-electric hydrofoil boat in the United States, boasts top-notch technology and software integration, resulting in a smooth ride with triple the range of a typical electric boat.
Currently undergoing prototype testing in the waters around San Francisco, Navier plans to expand its reach to North America, Europe, and Asia in the coming years. Bhattacharyya, the CEO, acknowledges the new challenge of mass-producing these boats within an affordable budget, emphasizing the company’s commitment to revolutionizing water transportation on a global scale.
Conclusion
Sampriti Bhattacharyya, CEO of Navier, overcame challenges to become a trailblazer in maritime innovation. Her journey from Jadavpur University to MIT led to the creation of Hydroswarm and, in 2020, Navier—a company focusing on electric hydrofoil boats.
The Navier 30, introduced in 2021, is a groundbreaking vessel combining boat and plane features. Sampriti’s vision aims to revolutionize global water transportation with prototypes currently tested in San Francisco. Her story reflects resilience, commitment to innovation, and the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions in the maritime industry.
