Uday Deshpande, MSEE 1992, Ph.D. 1999
Inducted in 2022

With over 25 years of experience in electrical systems, Uday Deshpande has built an impressive career. He has worked on various products including blender and stand mixers, electric power steering actuators, brushless motor technology, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems and arresting gear for aircraft carriers. 

Today, Deshpande is the chief technical officer of D&V Electronics, a company based out of Toronto and Binghamton, New York. He and his team focus on solutions for test components and modules used in electric vehicles. His career has taken him all over the world and to many parts of the U.S.

Raised in West Bengal, India, Deshpande graduated with his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology. He earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1992 and his doctorate in 1999, both from the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.

Deshpande credits his time at UK for giving him a foundation for success. He is particularly grateful for the mentorship of the late professor Jim Cathey, who greatly influenced Deshpande’s leadership style throughout his career. Deshpande was the first recipient of the Viji Jegannathan Award for Cross Cultural Understanding from the UK International Center.

After his time at UK, Deshpande spent time working at Sunbeam-Oster, Globe Motors, Black & Decker, DeWalt and General Atomics. His work on stand mixer core design is still used today. He was also on the team that developed the first electromagnetic aircraft launch systems and advanced arresting gears used by U.S. aircraft carriers. 

In 2013, Deshpande and his family moved to Davidson, North Carolina where he became the senior director of Global Electrical Systems Engineering of Ingersoll Rand. Later, he was named the global vice president of Vehicle Electronics at CNH Industrial.

Deshpande speaks five languages, has ten U.S. patents awarded or pending, and many publications. He has received several awards in his field, including an award for creating inclusive work cultures in the field of electrical engineering. 

Deshpande continues to serve on the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. He has held leadership roles in both organizations and has organized several international conferences. He is a frequent conference presenter and speaker to this day.

Deshpande is passionate about supporting teachers and has worked with Classroom Central, United Way and Habitat for Humanity for several years. He has also organized fundraisers for Voice of World, an orphanage for disabled children in India.

Deshpande lives in Davidson, North Carolina with his wife, Vinita, and his daughter.