Southwire Spark™ is leading the effort by converging foundational physics, AI, machine learning, and advanced simulations to rapid develop the materials of tomorrow.
Our material tech focuses on:
Graphene
Carbon Nanotubes
Superconductors
Our new alloy tech focuses on:
Aluminum
Copper
Superconducting materials
Our composite tech focuses on:
CNT metal composites
Graphene enhanced metals
Additive manufacturing of metals
Southwire in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) has been awarded a $1.2 Million grant from the Department of Energy. This grant is to explore the scale-up of Carbon Nanotube Copper Composites for electrical applications. This work is an example of translating foundational research and lab scale processing to industrial commercial practices. These materials can lead to light weight conductors with superior electrical conductivity.
Southwire and a few of its partners have joined forces to explore groundbreaking research into graphene enhanced materials. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. It’s often called a “miracle material” because of its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility. Despite being just one atom thick, it’s 200 times stronger than steel while remaining incredibly lightweight. However, incorporating graphene into other materials matrixes is challenging, thus foundational and processing research is ongoing on the best methods to introduce graphene into other materials to create materials of the future with superior properties.
Kiran Manchiraju is the Vice President of Research at Southwire Company, North America’s leading wire and cable manufacturer. He also heads Southwire’s innovation hub located at Georgia Tech, where he champions collaborative efforts with academia, national laboratories, and startups. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, as he works to introduce next-generation, eco-conscious products through public-private partnerships.
With over two decades at Southwire, Kiran has been instrumental in integrating transformative technologies that have advanced the company’s sustainability initiatives. His contributions include pioneering novel aluminum alloys for overhead conductors, modernizing long-standing industry standards, and driving the implementation of ultrasonic technologies that have redefined aluminum processing while reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. In 2017, he led the team that earned a prestigious R&D award for this work—placing Southwire’s cast house as the only one in the world to successfully implement the technology.
Kiran’s innovation leadership has consistently yielded measurable outcomes. He has led the development of sustainable cable solutions that align with emerging environmental and ESG goals. Under his guidance, the Georgia Tech Square innovation hub has become a model for collaborative technology development—uniting top researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and HBCUs to accelerate inclusive, science-driven progress.
Throughout his career, Kiran has championed disruption and deep-tech breakthroughs. From advanced alloys and degassing systems to the integration of graphene in cable products, his strategic direction continues to position Southwire at the forefront of industry transformation. His focus on functionalized materials, AI transformation, and electric mobility underscores his vision for a future-ready energy infrastructure.
Kiran holds advanced degrees in Physics and Materials Science, and an MBA from Georgia State University. A recognized thought leader, he has been an invited speaker at numerous international forums and is widely published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
All Rights Reserved @ Southwire Spark Studio 2025
Our composite tech focuses on:
CNT metal compositesGraphene enhanced materialsAdditive manufacturingOur metal alloy tech focuses on:
AluminumCopperSuperconducting materialsOur high conductive tech focuses on:
GrapheneCarbon nanotubesSuperconductorsOur IoT tech focuses on:
Asset MonitoringRoboticsCyber securityOur cable tech focuses on:
Hybrid cablesSuperconductorsInnovative splicing solutionsOur AI tech focuses on:
Asset healthSystem optimizationFault prevention and locationOur computational tech focuses on:
Advanced data analyticsModeling and simulationsDigital twinsOur grid resiliency tech focuses on:
Microgrid EcosystemsEnergy StorageGrid-AI TechnologiesOur energy system tech focuses on:
Virtual power plantsHybrid energy storageGreen hydrogenOur electrification tech focuses on:
HVDC ecosystemsVehicle-to-grid integrationSmall modular reactorsOur grid enhancement tech focuses on:
Dynamic line ratingTopology optimizationAdvanced power flow controlOur grid resiliency tech focuses on:
Microgrid EcosystemsEnergy StorageGrid-AI Technologies