Introduction
Dave Sorenson is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist whose career spans the technology, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors. Born in 1968, Sorenson has held senior positions at several Fortune 500 companies, founded multiple startups, and contributed to the advancement of electric propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to his corporate and research achievements, he has been actively involved in education advocacy and community development initiatives across the Midwest. His work has been recognized by a number of professional societies and academic institutions.
Early Life and Education
Dave Sorenson was born in Springfield, Illinois, to parents Margaret and Richard Sorenson. His parents were both school teachers who emphasized the importance of curiosity and rigorous inquiry. Sorenson spent his childhood exploring the local countryside, assembling model airplanes, and experimenting with simple electrical circuits in the family garage. His early interest in engineering was fostered by participation in a state-sponsored science fair at the age of twelve, where his project on renewable energy storage received first place honors.
He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1990. During his undergraduate studies, Sorenson was a member of the university's robotics club and served as vice president of the Engineering Student Association. His senior thesis, titled “Aerodynamic Optimization of Small-Scale UAVs,” attracted the attention of several aerospace research labs and led to a summer internship at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
After completing his undergraduate degree, Sorenson pursued a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Stanford University, graduating in 1992. He focused his graduate research on electric propulsion systems and the development of high-efficiency motor drives. His master's thesis, which examined the integration of lithium-ion batteries into lightweight UAV platforms, earned the Dean's Award for Technical Excellence. In 1994, Sorenson completed a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, presenting a dissertation on the thermodynamic modeling of electric propulsion for long-range unmanned aircraft.
Career
Early Career
Upon receiving his Ph.D., Sorenson joined Boeing’s Advanced Propulsion Research Group as a senior engineer. His responsibilities included leading a multidisciplinary team to develop next-generation electric propulsion modules for experimental UAVs. During this period, he authored several technical papers published in the Journal of Aircraft and the Aerospace Science and Technology journal. His contributions were instrumental in securing a $12 million federal grant for the Electric Flight Initiative.
In 1999, Sorenson transitioned to the private sector, accepting a position as Director of Research and Development at AeroInnovations, a company specializing in high-performance propulsion systems for commercial aircraft. There he oversaw the design and prototyping of the company’s first hybrid-electric engine, which achieved a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional turbofan engines. This achievement earned AeroInnovations a national award for environmental stewardship and positioned the firm as a leader in sustainable aviation.
Major Projects
During the 2000s, Sorenson served as a principal consultant for the Department of Defense’s Unmanned Systems Program. His role involved evaluating emerging technologies for strategic surveillance and logistics support. He led the technical team that developed the SkyShield UAV, a mid-altitude, long-endurance aircraft capable of up to 48 hours of flight time. The SkyShield platform incorporated an innovative array of electric propulsion units powered by advanced composite batteries, reducing operational costs by 22% per flight hour.
In 2008, Sorenson co-founded VoltAir Technologies, a startup focused on commercializing electric propulsion for the regional aviation market. VoltAir’s flagship product, the e-Glider, is a 12-seat commuter aircraft powered entirely by a hybrid-electric system that blends a lightweight internal combustion engine with an electric motor array. The e-Glider was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2012 and has since been adopted by several regional carriers in the Midwest.
Between 2011 and 2015, Sorenson held the position of Vice President of Engineering at GreenWings Energy, a renewable energy firm that designs solar and wind integration solutions for power grids. His leadership facilitated the deployment of a 500 MW solar farm in Arizona, which incorporated a high-capacity battery storage system that extended the grid’s resilience during peak demand periods.
Leadership Roles
In 2016, Sorenson was appointed Chief Technology Officer of SkyPort, a company dedicated to developing autonomous air taxi infrastructure. Under his guidance, SkyPort completed a series of successful trials involving autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Sorenson played a key role in establishing safety protocols, regulatory compliance frameworks, and public engagement strategies that helped the industry move toward commercial deployment.
Later in 2018, Sorenson joined the board of directors of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). His responsibilities include shaping research agendas, advising on technology transfer initiatives, and representing the institute in international collaborations. He has also served as an advisor to the National Science Foundation on STEM outreach programs.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond his corporate roles, Sorenson has been active in fostering entrepreneurship within the Midwest. In 2003, he co-founded the Chicago Innovation Hub, a co-working space and incubator for technology startups. The hub has nurtured over 30 companies, many of which specialize in aerospace, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Sorenson's mentorship has led to several successful exits, including the acquisition of Aerobotics by a major defense contractor.
He is also the co-creator of the Midwest Engineering Fellowship, a scholarship program that provides funding and mentorship to underrepresented students pursuing engineering degrees. The fellowship has awarded more than $3 million in grants and facilitated partnerships with universities and industry partners.
Scientific Contributions
Sorenson’s research portfolio focuses on electric propulsion, thermal management, and advanced materials for aerospace applications. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles, many of which have been cited more than 300 times. His work on high-efficiency motor drives has been incorporated into the design guidelines of several commercial UAV platforms.
One of Sorenson’s notable contributions is the development of a novel thermal management system for electric propulsion units. The system uses phase-change materials integrated into composite airframes to dissipate heat during high-power operations. This innovation has increased the reliability of UAVs operating in hot climates, enabling extended missions in desert environments.
His research also extends to the field of composite materials. Sorenson investigated the use of carbon nanotube-infused polymers in motor housings to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The findings contributed to a patent application that is now licensed by multiple aerospace manufacturers for use in next-generation UAVs.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Dave Sorenson has been recognized for his commitment to education and community development. He established the Sorenson Engineering Scholarship Fund in 2005, which provides financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing degrees in STEM fields. The fund has awarded more than 200 scholarships totaling over $5 million to date.
In addition to his scholarship initiatives, Sorenson serves on the advisory board of the Midwest STEM Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving STEM curriculum standards in K–12 schools. He has led several workshops for educators on integrating hands-on engineering projects into classroom instruction.
His philanthropic work also extends to disaster relief. Sorenson coordinated a volunteer engineering team that delivered rapid-deployment solar power kits to communities affected by natural disasters. The kits provided reliable electricity for medical facilities and shelters, improving the efficiency of emergency response efforts.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dave Sorenson resides in Naperville, Illinois, with his wife, Dr. Elena Martinez, a leading materials scientist, and their two children. He maintains an active involvement in local civic organizations, including the Naperville Historical Society and the Chicago Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Sorenson is known for his modest demeanor and emphasis on collaboration, often citing the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in achieving technological breakthroughs.
His legacy is reflected in the numerous companies he has helped launch, the academic institutions that have benefited from his research, and the students who have received mentorship and scholarships through his initiatives. Scholars and industry analysts frequently cite Sorenson’s work as a model for integrating sustainability considerations into high-performance aerospace design.
In recognition of his contributions to engineering and society, Sorenson has received multiple awards, including the IEEE Pioneer Award, the AIAA Outstanding Leadership Award, and the National Science Foundation Director's Award. He was also named one of the "Top 50 Innovators in America" by the American Business Review in 2021.
Awards and Honors
- IEEE Pioneer Award (2014)
- AIAA Outstanding Leadership Award (2017)
- National Science Foundation Director's Award (2019)
- American Business Review Top 50 Innovators (2021)
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Fellow (2020)
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