Sorin Grama is an entrepreneur-in-residence at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and the Legatum Center for Development & Entrepreneurship where he brings experience of starting and scaling a hardware business in a developing economy.

Sorin co-founded and served as CEO/CTO of Promethean Power Systems, a manufacturer of thermal energy storage systems for refrigeration and cold-storage applications. Sorin was the principal inventor of Promethean’s thermal battery, an energy storage device that provides effective backup in areas with unpredictable grid power. Dairy farmers and processors in rural India are using this battery to chill milk at village collection centers.  Sorin’s company was also one of the four founding companies of Greentown Labs, a grassroots effort which has grown to become the nation’s largest cleantech incubator.

Sorin is trained as an electrical engineer and holds an MS in Engineering and Management from MIT (SDM ‘07).  He is originally from Romania.

Most influential book you’ve read

“To Conquer the Air” by James Tobin. One of the most inspirational books about inventors and the process of invention. It’s about the Wright Brothers and the invention of flight. With very limited training and financial means, but with much grit and determination, the two brothers forever changed the course of human history.

The thing you do away from the office that keeps you sane

Tinkering with electronics and finding new, creative uses for old equipment.

Best part of your job

Meeting students, learning about their ideas, and motivating them to pursue their passion and use their talents to make the world a better place.

Responsibilities here at the Trust Center

I’m an Entrepreneur in Residence with experience in starting businesses in developing countries. I spent the last 3 1/2 years living and working in India. It’s the advice and expertise I can share with students.