Featured Alumni

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering | School of Graduate Studies

Tom Rodinger

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2007, Biochemistry

When Tom Rodinger came back home from China after a year he found several light bulbs burned out and his mom unable to replace them. He was mad, not at his mother, but at the technology. It led him to help develop the world’s most energy efficient light bulb.

In 2005 Tom Rodinger and some fellow U of T students including Gimmy Chu built solar-powered cars that raced across the U.S. and Australia. He says it is where “we discovered our passion for green technology.”

Rodinger and Chu separated after graduation but in 2009 met again, and it led to the creation of Nanoleaf, a green technology company dedicated to creating “a better world through conservation and to preserve the planet that we love.” Another U of T grad, Christian Yan, is also part of the team, now based in China and involved in designing and manufacturing several new products for Europe.

The company’s first product to hit the market was the Nanoleaf LED light bulb, which is proclaimed to be the most energy efficient in the world.  It uses only 12 watts of electricity and can last 30,000 hours, or about three hours a day for 25 years.  It was launched on the Kickstarter.com website and raised more than $270,000 in start-up money through crowd funding.

Rodinger says U of T provided him with “tons of resources. The professors had open doors and you could come and talk to them about any problems. They are the top people in the country.”

He is the “technology solutions architect” with Nanoleaf and has also worked in the biotechnology industry as a scientist, developing new innovative algorithms for predicting drug effectiveness against cancer and lupus diseases. He is now focusing on creating solar energy products that will bring green energy to remote areas and developing nations.

Rodinger said the “ultimate goal” of Nanoleaf is to make products that bring more convenience to our lives but at the same time develop them “so that the world we live in is better, greener and sustainable.” The Nanoleaf light bulb fits into a standard lamp socket, switches on immediately, creates a pleasant glow and is cool to the touch. Using it can save up to 88 per cent of electricity than incandescent bulbs and thus lead to a dramatic decrease in power costs.

The bulbs can be ordered from Amazon.com in the U.S. and the Nanoleaf web store in Canada, Europe and Asia.  They cost $35 each.

When not trying to save the world one invention at a time, Rodinger takes on other high-risk adventures — he is a rock climbing aficionado.

 

Published Dec. 9, 2013.

Related Alumni

Leslie Dan

Rotman School of Management | School of Graduate Studies

Leslie Dan came to Canada in 1947 with $10 in his pocket. He went on to establish one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.

Alexander Levy

University College | Faculty of Arts & Science

The apps built by Alexander Levy's company MyVoice literally give a voice to thousands of people with profound speech disabilities.

Suneet Singh Tuli

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind Ltd., believes low-cost internet holds the key to eliminating illiteracy in developing countries.

Morgan Wyatt and Jackson Wyatt

Innis College | Faculty of Arts & Science

Lots of people have interesting ideas, said Morgan Wyatt, but entrepreneurs are those individuals who act on them.

Gimmy Chu

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Gimmy Chu says U of T encouraged him to think "outside and beyond the box" - and help build the most energy-efficient light bulb ever.
See all featured Alumni

Don’t miss out!

Update your contact information to be the first to know about exclusive offers. This makes it easy to tell us when your email has changed.

Update my information

Special discounts

Did you know that U of T alumni get deep discounts on attractions, sporting events, car rentals and more? Check back often for new offers.  

Find the latest deals
Close