Two visionary researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Mohsen Sadr and Mohammadhossein Montazerian, are spearheading transformative advances in energy and technology through their award-winning Founder Fellowships. These prestigious fellowships offer financial backing of up to 150,000 Swiss francs, alongside expert mentoring from PSI’s technology transfer team and external specialists. Their groundbreaking work holds the promise to accelerate industrial innovation and propel critical technologies into practical, high-impact applications.
Mohsen Sadr’s research centers on harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize the arduous and computationally expensive process of physical simulations, particularly in the domains of fusion energy, aerospace, and semiconductor technology development. Traditional simulation cycles for fusion systems can span years, drawing heavily on iterative modeling and experimental validation. Sadr’s AI-driven approach promises to dramatically compress these timelines by leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms that can predict physical behaviors with high accuracy, enabling rapid prototyping and real-time optimization of complex systems. His research bridges decades of fusion science expertise with cutting-edge computational techniques, aiming to translate laboratory insights into scalable, industrial-ready solutions.
The innovation lies in intelligently addressing key bottlenecks in simulation workflows. By training AI models on large datasets derived from physics-based simulations and experimental results, Sadr’s platform can identify patterns and emergent phenomena that might evade conventional analytical methods. Such AI-augmented simulations drastically reduce computational overhead, enabling engineers to evaluate and optimize novel fusion reactor designs or aerospace structures in significantly shorter cycles. The implications extend beyond energy, influencing semiconductor fabrication and design where precision and throughput are paramount. This confluence of AI and physics-driven modeling heralds a new paradigm where accelerated scientific discovery is directly aligned with industrial development demands.
Complementing Sadr’s computational breakthroughs is Mohammadhossein Montazerian’s pioneering work in microbattery technology, particularly the engineering of solid-state energy storage devices tailored for next-generation biomedical implants and wearable electronics. His focus on interface engineering and nano-fabrication techniques aims to develop an innovative class of thin-film solid-state lithium-ion batteries characterized by exceptional safety, rapid charging capabilities, and long cycle life. These microbatteries represent a critical advancement over conventional liquid electrolyte designs, which often pose risks related to flammability, degradation, and size constraints, especially in miniature devices.
Montazerian’s fully oxide-based architecture not only eliminates the use of metallic lithium — a major safety hazard — but also achieves remarkable performance metrics including over 5,000 charge-discharge cycles coupled with ultra-fast recharge times. This leap in durability and efficiency responds directly to stringent requirements of biomedical implants, which demand reliability and minimal maintenance, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) devices that require stable, long-lasting, and compact energy sources. The modular and scalable nature of his battery design indicates promising applications beyond healthcare, potentially powering microdrones and other emerging technologies reliant on dependable micro-energy solutions.
PSI’s Founder Fellowship program, now well established since its inception in 2017 and supported by UBS, acts as an essential catalyst for translating these high-potential scientific innovations into commercial ventures. Candidates like Sadr and Montazerian undergo a rigorous selection process, evaluated by an interdisciplinary jury drawn from industry leaders, academic researchers, and venture capital stakeholders. Over a structured 12 to 18-month period starting in early 2026, fellows actively refine their technologies through market validation exercises and business strategy development, aiming to attract pivotal private sector investment and set the stage for successful spin-off companies.
The strategic importance of technology transfer at PSI cannot be overstated. Spin-offs emerging from the institute have demonstrated their capacity to convert foundational research into tangible products that serve societal needs and stimulate economic growth. Notably, Araris Biotech AG, a PSI spin-off that has achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding one billion US dollars, exemplifies the impactful trajectory these enterprises can attain. Such success stories underscore the institute’s pivotal role in nurturing innovation ecosystems where fundamental science seamlessly intertwines with entrepreneurship.
At the core of Mohsen Sadr’s ambition is the vision to integrate AI-assisted simulation tools directly with industrial partners from sectors undergoing rapid technological shifts. By embedding these tools within existing development pipelines, companies can achieve unprecedented agility in testing new fusion energy configurations or aerospace materials. This integration is expected not only to cut costs but also to unveil new design paradigms that would be unattainable through conventional trial-and-error approaches. The deep symbiosis between AI methodologies and physical sciences fosters a fertile ground for breakthroughs in energy efficiency and system resilience.
Meanwhile, Montazerian’s microbattery innovation aligns with the escalating global demand for miniaturized, high-performance energy solutions perfectly suited for the burgeoning IoT landscape. Ultrathin, solid-state batteries capable of thousands of rapid recharge cycles promise to extend the operational longevity of remote medical devices and portable electronics, reducing maintenance burdens and enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, the elimination of liquid electrolytes mitigates leakage and toxicity risks, making these batteries safer for sensitive biomedical environments and eco-conscious applications alike.
The research environments at PSI provide the ideal crucible for such pioneering developments. As Switzerland’s largest research institute, PSI offers a multifaceted ecosystem where large-scale research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge training opportunities converge. Housing over 2,300 staff members, including a significant cohort of postdoctoral researchers and apprentices, the institute thrives on fostering talent and innovation. Its extensive budget and integration within the ETH Domain – incorporating top-tier academic and applied research institutes – amplify its capacity to impact breakthrough science and disruptive technological progress.
In embracing the challenges of future technologies and sustainable energy, PSI’s work led by innovators like Sadr and Montazerian not only pushes scientific boundaries but also aligns rigorously with pressing global priorities such as climate change mitigation, health innovation, and industrial competitiveness. Their respective projects exemplify the promise of smart, targeted research to generate tools and materials that can be rapidly deployed into real-world applications. The synergy of AI with physical sciences and the advancement of micro-scale energy storage epitomize the multifaceted approach essential to addressing 21st-century technological challenges.
With comprehensive coaching and strategic support from PSI’s technology transfer division — alongside engagement with external industry experts — the path from laboratory research to successful commercialization is structured and robust. Following the fellowship period, the prospects for launching dynamic spin-off enterprises are markedly enhanced, ensuring that these technical breakthroughs do not remain confined to academic papers but evolve into solutions that redefine markets, improve quality of life, and foster sustainable economic development globally.
As the world navigates the transition towards clean energy and smarter, more connected devices, the endeavors of these PSI researchers underscore the transformative potential inherent in collaborative innovation ecosystems. Their work not only accelerates the timelines of complex scientific problems but also strengthens the pipeline of disruptive technologies critical for the upcoming decades. The convergence of deep scientific insight, AI sophistication, and advanced materials engineering embodied by these fellows is emblematic of the future of technology-driven societal progress.
Subject of Research: AI-accelerated physical simulations for fusion energy, aerospace, and semiconductor development; advanced solid-state microbattery technology for biomedical and IoT applications.
Article Title: PSI Founder Fellows Revolutionize Simulation Speed and Energy Storage for Next-Gen Technologies
News Publication Date: 2024
Web References:
https://www.psi.ch/en/media/ai-and-microbatteries-psi-founder-fellows-2024
Image Credits: © Paul Scherrer Institute PSI/Stefanie Wiedner
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Fusion Energy, Aerospace, Semiconductor Technology, Solid-State Batteries, Microbatteries, Biomedical Implants, Internet of Things, Technology Transfer, Spin-offs, Paul Scherrer Institute, Innovation, Energy Storage
