Image Credit: invent.org
North Carolina, USA: Bantval Jayant Baliga, an Indian-origin professor from North Carolina State University, has been awarded the 2024 Millennium Technology Prize for his groundbreaking invention, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), which has significantly reduced global electrical energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Key Facts:
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Prize: €1 million Millennium Technology Prize, awarded for innovations that impact millions of lives.
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Invention: IGBT, a power semiconductor switch used in various energy-efficient technologies, including hybrid cars and renewable energy systems.
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Impact: Baliga's technology has reduced global carbon dioxide emissions by over 82 gigatons.
Baliga's IGBT, invented in the 1980s, has become an essential component in a variety of modern technologies, from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems like wind and solar power. His work has significantly contributed to global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints.
Baliga, born in Chennai and educated at IIT Madras, credited his early education for laying the groundwork for his pioneering achievements.
His father, Bantval Vittal Baliga, was also a major influence, serving as the first chief engineer of All India Radio and a leader in the field of electrical engineering in India.
After moving to the United States in 1969, Baliga pursued a master's and PhD in electrical engineering, eventually leading him to invent the IGBT.
The Millennium Technology Prize, awarded by the Technology Academy of Finland, recognizes innovations that benefit society on a large scale.
Baliga's work is particularly significant in climate change, where energy efficiency and emission reduction are critical goals. His invention has been hailed as a key enabler in the global green transition, supporting the shift to renewable energy.
Baliga’s achievements underscore the importance of continued investment in semiconductor technology, which is essential for modern energy systems and transportation.
With the ongoing shift towards electrification, innovations like the IGBT are expected to play an even more critical role in global sustainability efforts.
Bantval Jayant Baliga’s recognition by the Millennium Technology Prize committee not only honors his contributions but also highlights the far-reaching impact of semiconductor technology in addressing global environmental challenges.
As the world continues to seek solutions to the climate crisis, Baliga’s work serves as a beacon for technological innovation's role in building a more sustainable future.