The Amritsar Scientist Who Calmly Broke The Century-Old US Patent Record Of Thomas Edison
Dr Gurtej Sandhu, a Sikh scientist from Amritsar, has created history by becoming the world's seventh most prolific inventor. He now holds 1,382 US patents, a number that even goes beyond the record of the legendary Thomas Edison. His achievement has brought pride not only to India but also to his alma mater, Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar.
Over the years, his groundbreaking work has played a key role in advancing memory chip technology, making devices like smartphones, laptops and computers more efficient. So, who is Sandhu, the Indian mind shaping the future of technology?
Who is Dr Gurtej Sandhu?
Gurtej Sandhu comes from a family connected with academics. He is the son of Prof. SS Sandhu, who was the first head of the chemistry department at Guru Nanak Dev University. Although he was born in London, most of his childhood was spent in India. Growing up, both his parents, who studied chemistry, had a strong influence on him. After completing school, he went on to study electrical engineering at IIT Delhi, where he earned his B.Tech degree. Later, his passion for research took him to the United States, where he pursued a PhD in physics at the University of North Carolina.
Guru Nanak Dev University's Vice Chancellor, Karamjeet Singh, showed praise for Gurtej Sandhu's achievement by calling it a historic moment for both the university and the nation. He shared that 'Gurtej's journey from our campus to global acclaim shows how dedication and curiosity can reshape the world. His success is an inspiration for our students and faculty alike."
At present, Dr Sandhu works as a Senior Fellow and Vice President at Micron Technology.
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