UC alumnus honored with lifetime achievement award for impact on electronic design automation field

Following his undergraduate studies, Kulkarni made a pivotal decision that would set the course for his extraordinary career. In 1974, he chose to further his education in the United States, selecting the University of Cincinnati for his master's program. 

“UC ranked high in my mind for the master’s program due to multiple factors: Highly reputed leading faculty members in electrical engineering, including the privilege of working with professors Thurman Henderson, Joseph Boyd and Joseph Nevin, coupled with a hands-on solid-state electronics lab for fabricating innovative semiconductor devices, and research funded by prestigious NASA,” Kulkarni said. “In addition, the UC Research Assistantship offer was the clincher, along with Cincinnati’s reputation as one of the best cities to live.”

During his time at UC, Kulkarni's passion for microelectronics and semiconductor technology continued to flourish. Guided by Henderson’s expertise, he immersed himself in the world of solid-state electronics and semiconductor device fabrication. Late nights in the clean room lab, conducting experiments for NASA projects, were not unusual for Kulkarni, and it was during these moments that he experienced firsthand the dedication and mentorship of Henderson. 

“His enthusiasm and faith in my research project inspired me to focus and excel in the world of semiconductors, which led me to Silicon Valley,” Kulkarni said. 

Upon completion of his master’s degree in 1977, National Semiconductor interviewed Kulkarni on campus at UC and offered him his first position out in California, where he worked with customers in the automotive industry, the U.S. military and NASA. 

Kulkarni attributes his success to the principles of "Customer, Technology, and People" that he learned during his early years in Silicon Valley. These principles instilled in him a steadfast commitment to excellence and a dedication to prioritizing the needs of the customer. 

As he rose to senior executive positions through his career, Kulkarni led global research and development teams across various countries, driving innovation and creating shareholder value.

Most recently, he was Chief Strategy Officer at Si2: Silicon Integration Initiative, a tech R&D joint venture, where he focused on innovative solutions for silicon-to-system workflows including AI, 5G and aero defense. Earlier, he served as VP & Chief Strategist at Ansys in the semiconductor business unit, leading solutions for global semiconductor customers. Kulkarni was also co-founder and CEO of Sequence Design, specializing in Electronic Design Automation solutions for power-efficient nanometer system-on-chip designs. He was instrumental in guiding Meta Software to a $160 million IPO and overseeing the merger of innovative companies to grow businesses and build value. 

Kulkarni 's passion extends to advancing the cause of Women in Technology. He has tirelessly worked to support and empower women in the technology industry, inspired by the accomplished women in his life, including his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters.

Kulkarni was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Month by Silicon India magazine, was named a global thought leader, and was featured in "50 Electronics Companies to Watch.” In 2007, he was honored with the University of Cincinnati Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Today, Kulkarni is an adviser and angel investor in Silicon Catalyst, the world’s only incubator focused on semiconductor solutions, where he engages in the next frontier of the industry that continues to inspire him. 

He and his wife, Neela, have been married over 44 years. They are proud parents of daughter, Rima, and son, Nick, and have three young grandchildren. When he isn’t spending time with the family, Kulkarni enjoys photography and traveling the world with Neela.