Jai Krishan Hakhu, an accomplished engineer, seasoned executive and dedicated supporter of UC Irvine, is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Samueli School of Engineering.

After earning two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Technology, Jai obtained his Ph.D. from UC Irvine. Throughout his career, Jai has led initiatives that have made significant contributions in the fields of computing, mobile technology, GPS, healthcare, and automotive and technology innovations.

Jai is currently president of RC International, LLC and has served as an executive corporate officer for HORIBA Ltd., where he also served as chairman and CEO of HORIBA Instruments Incorporated in the United States, president of ABX France and chairman of HORIBA India. Before his leadership roles at HORIBA Ltd., Jai worked for several companies, including Rockwell International. He met Andrew Grove, CEO of Intel Corporation, whom he regarded as a hero. Grove asked Jai to join his team, and he eventually became corporate vice president of Intel.

Along with his successful career and many valuable contributions to society, Jai has made a direct impact on the field of engineering education overall and on the UC Irvine community. Committed to training the next generation of engineers, Jai has taught at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee; California State University, Long Beach; and UC Irvine. He has lectured at Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jai helped establish the HORIBA Institute for Mobility and Connectivity, a joint effort with UC Irvine that focuses on the future of zero-emission vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicle technology, and the integration of the energy and transportation sectors to benefit the environment and people’s lives.

Jai was inducted into the UC Irvine Engineering Hall of Fame during the UC Irvine 50th Anniversary & Hall of Fame Celebration in 2015. He considers one of his greatest honors the opportunity to speak at the 2021 UC Irvine Samueli School of Engineering commencement, where he was proud to share his father’s advice with the new graduates.