Harsha Prahlad

Harsha Prahlad, Ph.D., is a senior mechanical engineer in the Engineering R&D Division at SRI International. In this role, he manages several projects in the field of robotics and smart materials. In addition, Prahlad has experience in the field of renewable energy, as well as biomedical, aerospace, and general mechanical engineering.

Since joining SRI, Prahlad has led several R&D consulting projects from concept to implementation related to SRI’s dielectric elastomer (DE) technology, electroadhesion (electrically controllable adhesion technology with applications in consumer, security and industrial sectors) and other new materials and energy technologies. He is a co-inventor of SRI’s electroadhesion technology applied to SRI's surface-climbing robot, as well as other inventions based on SRI’s DE technology. Prahlad also focuses on business development activities involving commercializing and licensing SRI’s electroadhesion technology. In addition, he was part of a team of scientists who helped launch Artificial Muscle, Inc., a venture-funded SRI spin-off company. 

Prahlad has served as the business incubator coordinator for Imagine H20, a nonprofit organization with more than 100 volunteers dedicated to spurring entrepreneurship in the water sector. He plays the Indian drum Tabla and has performed in fund-raising concerts for various events. In addition to English, he speaks five Indian languages.

Prahlad has numerous research papers published and holds 11 U.S. patents, with an additional patents pending. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, and his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Regional Engineering College in Trichy, India.