Rochester Institute of Technology Honors Micatu Co-Founder with Distinguished Alumni Award
Michael Oshetski recognized by RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering for contributions to industry, community, and the university
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has named Michael Oshetski, co-founder of Micatu Incorporated, the 2022 - 2023 Distinguished Alumni for the Kate Gleason College of Engineering (KGCOE). Oshetski is the youngest graduate of the KGCOE to receive this honor.
A 2003 RIT graduate with a degree in electrical engineering, Oshetski was honored for his trailblazing efforts to be the first developer to commercialize next-generation optical sensing technology for the electric grid. His work drives decarbonization and grid modernization with a safer, more accurate measurement tool that gives grid operators unprecedented real-time situational awareness.
“Michael is an innovator in the industry, and his generosity, dedication and commitment to his family, work, and community sets an inspiring example for all of us here at RIT,” said Doreen Edwards, Dean of the KGCOE. “By pursuing his passion for fundamentally changing the way the world senses with light, Michael is building a legacy to improve the world. His solution is transforming operational awareness for power and industrial industries.”
Micatu is an optical sensing technology developer that is bridging the gap to the next generation of grid awareness. Today, the company works with all the major utilities in New York state and several others nationwide. His work has been validated with several awards in recent years. Oshetski was selected as the inaugural winner of the 76West Clean Energy Business Competition’s one-million-dollar grand prize in 2016. In 2021, Environment + Energy Leader named Micatu’s optical sensors their Top Product. The S&P Global Platts Global Energy Award program selected Micatu as the winner of its prestigious Best Commercial Technology award in 2021.
“I think we all have a responsibility to use our talents to try and make the world a better place, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing that through my work with optics,” Oshetski said. “My journey started at RIT, and I’m glad to be in a position to help develop the next generation of engineers. It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to be recognized by my alma mater, and I look forward to continuing my work with RIT for many years to come.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Oshetski is active in the community and remains an ardent supporter of RIT. He joined KGCOE’s National Council in 2018 and received its Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering Academy Leadership Award in 2019. Oshetski is also a member of the RIT School of Engineering Deans’ Advisory Council, the RIT Deans’ Advisory Council and RIT’s Sentinel Society.
In 2021, Oshetski established the Micatu Student Support Fund for Research in Electrical Engineering and donated optical sensors for an outdoor learning lab focused on studying RIT’s microgrid.
Beyond RIT, Oshetski is a founding member of the Corning Community College advisory council and supports local youth hockey programs through volunteering and fundraising.
Read more about Oshetski and all of the RIT Distinguished Alumni Awardees here.
Read more about Micatu’s optical sensing technology by downloading our white paper here.
