Dr. Pravesh Patel
CTO
Dr. Pravesh Patel is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Focused Energy, a Laser Fusion startup dedicated to advancing inertial fusion energy technology. Dr. Patel earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Oxford University in 1998 before embarking on a career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) spanning over two decades.
During his tenure at LLNL, he spearheaded numerous scientific programs, spanning relativistic laser-interaction physics, particle acceleration, inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and the development of advanced ignition schemes for high-gain fusion. He served as the Program Leader for Fast Ignition ICF and held a key role as a Program Element Leader within the ICF Program during the successful Ignition Campaign at the National Ignition Facility.
Under his guidance, Dr. Patel has been instrumental in developing and implementing advanced fusion strategies, contributing to significant milestones in plasma physics and ignition physics. His work has bridged the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, ensuring that the promise of fusion energy moves closer to reality. Renowned for his visionary leadership and unparalleled technical expertise, Dr. Patel has collaborated globally with leading scientists and institutions to accelerate progress in this revolutionary field. His innovative approach to solving complex technical challenges has earned him recognition as a leader and pioneer in fusion research.
At Focused Energy, Dr. Patel serves as a driving force behind the company’s technological advancements, steering efforts to design and implement cutting-edge fusion systems. His commitment to leveraging fusion energy as a clean and limitless power source aligns seamlessly with the organization's mission to transform the global energy landscape. Through his experience, ingenuity, and dedication, Dr. Patel continues to inspire and empower teams to push the boundaries, ensuring that sustainable energy becomes an achievable reality for the world.
Dr. Patel is a Fellow of the APS and recipient of the Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award and the Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research.