This MIT Ph.D. is betting the future of transportation is on water, not in the air

In an ambitious vision for the future of transportation, Sampriti Bhattacharyya, a Ph.D. graduate from MIT, is steering her startup, Navier, towards a groundbreaking concept: high-speed hybrid-electric boats. Unlike the flying cars many had hoped for by 2025, Bhattacharyya believes that the real innovation lies in navigating our waters more efficiently. Navier is developing vessels designed to glide above the surface, which Bhattacharyya argues could revolutionize both commercial and military transportation. "Why don’t we have boats at scale that function like Uber on the water?" she challenged during a recent interview. By providing a mode of transport that matches the speed, cost, and convenience of land and air travel, she envisions extensive networks that could change how goods and people are transported over water. Her inspiration for this maritime venture emerged during her doctoral studies at MIT, where she focused on underwater drones. Bhattacharyya's boats utilize a hydrofoiling technique that lifts the hull out of the water, consuming up to 90% less energy compared to traditional gas-powered boats. This method not only enhances fuel efficiency but also ensures a smoother ride, effectively reducing the risk of seasickness. Moreover, the operating costs of her vessels are reportedly ten times lower than those of conventional boats. Raised in India, Bhattacharyya moved to the US at 20 for an internship at Fermilab, where her interest in constructing machines for understanding the universe began. With a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Ohio State University, she interned at NASA and contributed to significant projects, including flight-control algorithms and research on nuclear reactors. Her academic pursuits led her to MIT, where her focus shifted dramatically following the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, prompting her to explore underwater drone technology. In late October, Navier unveiled its three models of hybrid-electric boats—30-foot, 80-foot, and 120-foot vessels—each capable of traveling thousands of nautical miles on a single charge. Bhattacharyya highlighted the potential of her boats to drastically reduce travel time, such as making the journey from Redwood City to Berkeley in just 20 minutes, compared to the conventional one and a half hours. Notably, Navier is not alone in this endeavor; other startups like Vessev from New Zealand and Sweden's Candela are also creating electric hydrofoil boats. With a growing interest from military officials in procuring technology from startups, Navier has already begun collaborations with the Navy and the Defense Department. Bhattacharyya emphasizes the need for long-range vessels capable of operating in critical areas like the Red Sea and South China Sea, with reduced fueling time. Reflecting on her journey, Bhattacharyya expressed her motivation, stating, "I came from pretty much nothing. To be able to do and build something that can fundamentally change how people will interact with the world is a huge blessing." With her innovative approach to water transport, Bhattacharyya is poised to make waves in the industry.