Ramasamy Thiyagarajan

Engineer, Inventor, Startup Leader, Product Innovation Executive

I help startups and companies turn ideas into patentable, manufacturable products – from first concept to market launch.

I am a mechanical engineer, inventor, and innovation practitioner with 27+ years of experience in product innovation, R&D, and technology leadership across GE Global Research, GE Appliances, and Whirlpool Corporation. I am the inventor on 40+ granted patents worldwide and specialize in turning ideas into practical, market-ready products.

How I Create Value

A dynamic workspace with engineers brainstorming around a whiteboard filled with sketches and diagrams. The atmosphere is electric with creativity, showcasing diverse team members collaborating. Include modern tech gadgets and prototypes in the background, symbolizing innovation.

Product & Technology Innovation

I work with teams to discover new concepts, evaluate technologies, and architect systems that can become real products and IP-rich platforms.

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End-to-End Product Development

From idea to launch, I bring hands-on experience in mechanical systems, electro-mechanical products, embedded controls, IoT, and AI-enabled features.

An engineer implementing a prototype in a lab setting, surrounded by tools and technology. The scene conveys a sense of discovery, with various devices and components scattered around, illustrating the process of turning ideas into reality.

IP & Patent-Oriented Design with Product Roadmap

With 40+ issued patents, I help teams think “idea to patent to product,” structuring solutions so they’re both practical and protectable.

About Ramasamy

I am a Senior R&D and Product Innovation Professional with a mechanical engineering background and an MBA, combining deep technical expertise with business thinking. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in global technology organizations such as GE Global Research, GE Appliances, and Whirlpool Corporation, leading cross-functional teams to deliver new products, alternative technologies, and strong patent portfolios.

I started my career as a R&D engineer and quickly gravitated toward new product innovation and advanced technology programs. At GE Global Research, I served as a Project Leader, guiding multi-disciplinary, global teams on challenging R&D programs. Later, at GE Appliances in Louisville, KY, I worked as a Principal Advanced Technology Engineer / Program Leader on next-generation home appliances and systems.

Along the way, I became a GE-certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and systematically applied TRIZ, systematic innovation, and structured problem-solving methods to real-world engineering challenges. My work spans mechanical systems, electro-mechanical products, refrigeration and HVAC, water and air systems, structural design, reliability engineering, and control algorithms.

Today, I run iForce Innovation, LLC, where I work with startups, established companies, and innovation teams on new product development, R&D consulting, and training, while also building my own products and startup concepts.

Education & Credentials

B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
MBA in Technology Project Management
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Graduate Diploma in Packaging Technology
GE-Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Professional Highlights

27+ years in product innovation, R&D, and advanced technology development.
40+ granted patents across multiple countries (US, Europe, India and others).
Leadership roles in GE Global Research, GE Appliances, Whirlpool Corporation.
Co-Founder & CTO of Pot Robotics Corp, a food technology company - autonomous cooking machine.
Founder & CEO of iForce Innovation, LLC, focused on product innovation services and new product spin-offs.
Featured in innovation books and awards, including recognition in "SMASH Innovation", “8 Steps to Innovation” and "PTC Pro Awards'99".

Work with Me

I work with startups, corporates, founders, and innovation teams in flexible ways - from hands-on technical problem-solving to strategic advisory and training.

Innovation & Product Strategy

End-to-End Product Development Support

IP-Focused Design & Patent Support (Non-legal)

Training, Workshops & Mentoring

Skills & Technical Expertise

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Core Domains

Product Innovation & R&D

Systematic Product Innovation & TRIZ

New Concept & Alternate Technology Development

Idea to Patent / Patentable Design Thinking

Program & Project Management for R&D

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Technical Skills

New product design of electro-mechanical systems Plastic, sheet metal & aluminum die-cast part design, CAD / CAM / CAE, Structural, thermal, fluid and system-level design Refrigeration sealed systems, heat exchangers & cooling systems Air & thermal management Water filtration and treatment systems Control system & algorithm development Bench test rigs, prototype development & validation

Methods & Tools

Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt level)

TRIZ and systematic innovation methods

DFX, Design for manufacturability & reliability

Technology and IP portfolio management

An organized project management board filled with timelines, task lists, and milestone markers. A project manager is seen reviewing documents and making notes, highlighting the systematic approach to managing projects.

Patents & Recognition

My work has led to 40+ granted patents across multiple regions, numerous internal corporate awards, and recognition in external publication and innovation books.

Go to Patents Go to Publication

Contact & Connect

contact.ramasamy@gmail.com