Massachusetts—An Indian American scientist's meteoric rise through actnano's ranks has culminated in her appointment as Chief Technology Officer, marking a pivotal moment for both her career and the company's vision. Sruti Balasubramanian, who joined the electronics manufacturing firm in 2017 as a core scientist, now leads the company's entire technology strategy and innovation roadmap.
Her promotion reflects a broader trend of Indian American professionals ascending to executive leadership in the technology and materials science sectors.
Key Facts
• Balasubramanian was promoted from Vice President-Product to Chief Technology Officer, taking the helm of actnano's technology vision and innovation roadmap
• She has been with actnano since 2017, progressing through multiple leadership roles while managing European business operations and executive product responsibilities
• Her academic credentials include a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and a Professional Certificate in Strategic Technology Roadmapping and Innovation from MIT
Balasubramanian's ascent within actnano mirrors the company's own evolution. What began as a material science startup has transformed into an industry standard-bearer in protective nanocoatings for automotive and consumer electronics.
Her deep understanding of both laboratory innovation and market demands positions her uniquely to navigate this next chapter.
Before joining actnano, she worked as a Technical Project Manager and Senior Coatings Engineer at LiquiGlide, where she specialized in advanced surface technologies. Her early career as a Graduate Research Assistant at Penn State University gave her the scientific foundation that would define her professional trajectory.
This combination of research rigor and commercial acumen has become her hallmark.
In her new role, Balasubramanian will drive actnano's product innovation while ensuring the technology roadmap directly reflects real-world customer needs. The company describes her as bringing
This dual focus matters tremendously in an industry where innovation must serve practical applications.
Actnano has carved out a unique niche by developing water-resistant nanocoatings that protect safety-critical systems in vehicles. Unlike traditional thick conformal coatings, actnano's solutions are thin enough to be applied across entire circuit boards without interfering with signals.
As autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems become increasingly complex, the demand for such protection against humidity, salt, and condensation has skyrocketed.
Balasubramanian expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment, stating:
The promotion sends a clear message to the industry about actnano's ambitions. By elevating a leader who understands both the intricate chemistry of nanocoatings and the market dynamics driving automotive and electronics manufacturers, the company is signaling its commitment to scaling innovation across increasingly complex global supply chains.
For Indian American professionals in STEM fields, Balasubramanian's trajectory offers proof that technical excellence combined with strategic business acumen can open doors to the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Do You Know?
Actnano's nanocoatings are so thin and effective that they can protect circuit boards without the signal degradation that occurs with traditional potting methods—a critical advantage as vehicles become sensor-laden and signal integrity becomes paramount for vehicle safety systems.
Key Terms
• Nanocoatings: Ultra-thin protective layers applied at the molecular scale that provide water and chemical resistance without affecting electrical signals or device performance
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Computer systems in vehicles that help drivers avoid collisions and accidents through sensors and automated controls, increasingly common in modern vehicles
• Conformal Coatings: Protective coatings applied to circuit boards, traditionally thicker than nanocoatings, which can sometimes interfere with electrical signals
• Technology Roadmap: A strategic plan outlining a company's technological development priorities and timelines for achieving innovation goals
Asia91 Original