“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding success… Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep and friends, love, everything.” Nikola Tesla”

“A penchant for inventing and a failed attempt to protect an idea related to wind farm micro-siting analysis led Kavitha Andoji to her career as a patent analyst for GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business. Since taking on the role in 2013, the lead engineer has analyzed 5,000 to 6,000 patents. Her tireless efforts to file a patent carved her the path to become a proud inventor of 6 patents.

At GE’s Grid Solutions, she connects the Legal, Research, Patent, Engineering Technology, Marketing and Competitive Intelligence teams, guiding GE’s inventors and researchers to develop patenting strategy and empowering the Legal team with solid evidence to negotiate during the licensing process. “My role has evolved as a dynamic and rigorous continuous process to liaison with most of the Grid Solutions businesses on patent competitiveness,” she said. “I provide competitive data mining expertise, strategic intelligence, and predictive analysis.”

Embracing the journey

Kavitha grew up in historic city Hyderabad, India, and originally planned to become a chemical analyst. However, her life took many twists and turns, she said, and she eventually received a software engineering degree.

After one year at another company, she joined GE in 2004 and quickly learned the value of patents and intellectual property (IP). It was a natural fit. “Since my childhood, I’ve been interested in inventing new things, and inventing has always been a part of my life,” Kavitha said. She began training team members at the Hyderabad Technology Center, Smallworld team on the value of inventions and patents, and in 2007 she received GE’s Everyday Excellence award for her work on circuit breaker testing.

Today, she is charged with analyzing patents for any product line, she said, and she advises women interested in an engineering career to embrace a similar journey. “Don’t restrict your work to a particular product line or technology domain,” she said. “Feel free to look for the unique.”

Finding meaning outside of work

In addition to work, Kavitha is raising two daughters, ages 13 and 5. She enjoys baking, and her family recently put together more than 200 food packages to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. She’s also a runner, participating in 10Ks and even a half marathon.