The story of Sampriti Bhattacharyya is not just about science, engineering, or entrepreneurship—it is a story of resilience, courage, and a relentless belief in the power of dreams. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, she went from being told she was “not good enough for physics” to becoming a globally celebrated scientist, roboticist, and founder of Navier, a cutting-edge company creating the world’s most efficient electric hydrofoiling boats.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya: Humble Beginnings in Kolkata
Growing up in Kolkata, Sampriti Bhattacharyya was an ordinary student with extraordinary ambitions. Her early academic struggles could have discouraged anyone—she even failed physics once and was told by her teacher that her best option was to become a housewife. But instead of accepting this, she chose to fight back. She pursued engineering at Jadavpur University, determined to prove her worth and to show the world that she could excel in the very subject that people thought she would fail at.
Her first big challenge came when she applied for internships. Out of 540 applications, she faced 539 rejections. Only one—Fermilab, a prestigious U.S. particle physics laboratory—gave her a chance. That one opportunity changed the trajectory of her life forever.
A Leap of Faith with Just $200
At the age of 20, Sampriti left India with just $200 in her pocket and an unshakable determination to succeed. She moved to the United States to pursue higher studies and work opportunities. Her journey was filled with cultural challenges and financial struggles, but she never allowed those obstacles to deter her. Instead, she embraced a mindset she calls “doing hard things in life.”
At Fermilab, she fell in love with physics and research. Later, she went on to secure an internship at NASA, where she worked on robotics and space exploration projects. These opportunities strengthened her skills and opened the door to advanced studies in mechanical engineering.
Sampriti Bhattacharyya: Academic Excellence – From Ohio to MIT
Sampriti pursued her master’s degree at Ohio State University and then earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. At MIT, she began developing groundbreaking technologies, including Hydroswarm, an underwater drone capable of mapping the ocean floor and detecting underwater mines.
Her innovations earned her recognition across the world. She was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2016), included among the 25 Women in Robotics, and honored as one of the top women in IoT.
Inspiration from Tragedy – The Missing MH370
The tragic disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014 left a deep impression on Sampriti. It highlighted the lack of advanced underwater technologies to explore and monitor the oceans. This realization fueled her mission to create robotics and marine innovations that could one day transform safety, exploration, and sustainability in oceanic travel.
Navier – Revolutionizing Marine Transportation
In 2020, Sampriti co-founded Navier, a company with a bold vision: to revolutionize marine transportation with electric hydrofoiling boats. Their flagship model, the Navier 30, is the first of its kind in America—a sleek, zero-emission vessel that glides above water using hydrofoil technology.
The design drastically reduces drag, making the boat 10 times more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered boats. With its futuristic look and eco-friendly engineering, the Navier 30 is not just a boat—it’s a glimpse into the sustainable future of water travel.
Navier’s innovation combines hydrofoils, electrification, advanced composites, and intelligent software systems to create vessels that are efficient, fast, and environmentally responsible. For Sampriti, this is not just business—it is a mission to change the way humanity interacts with oceans while combating climate change.
A Role Model for Women in STEM
Beyond her technical brilliance, Sampriti Bhattacharyya is also a passionate advocate for women in STEM fields. In industries traditionally dominated by men, she has broken barriers and created a space where young women can look at her journey and believe in their own potential.
She often shares her philosophy, quoting Steve Jobs: “The world is built by people no smarter than you and I. So why not go for something audacious?” This mindset has guided her every step of the way, turning rejection and hardship into opportunities for growth.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Sampriti’s achievements have been recognized worldwide:
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Forbes 30 Under 30 (2016)
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25 Women in Robotics – Robohub
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Women of M2M – Connected World (2016)
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MassChallenge Gold Winner (2015)
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MIT100K Top 8 Finalist ($15K Award)
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Recognized among 42 Women in IoT (2016)
These accolades are not just milestones of success but reminders of how persistence can turn impossible dreams into reality.
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