Saketh Sreenivasaiah was a 22-year-old Indian student from Karnataka who was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated from IIT Madras with a Bachelor of Technology degree and was known for his work on hyperloop cooling systems and deep-tech innovations. Saketh went missing on February 9, 2026, in Berkeley, California, and was found deceased on February 14, 2026.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah Early Life and Education
Saketh Sreenivasaiah completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru, where he scored 96.5% in his Class 10 board examinations. He attended BASE PU College for pre-university education and JEE preparation from 2019 to 2021. He successfully cleared the JEE 2021 entrance examination.
Saketh enrolled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he pursued a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering. He graduated from IIT Madras before joining the University of California, Berkeley for his master’s program.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah Academic and Research Career
IIT Madras
At IIT Madras, Saketh worked as a Thermal Engineer for Avishkar Hyperloop from September 2022 to August 2023. He developed a novel immersion cooling system design for the high voltage electromagnetic levitation and propulsion systems of the hyperloop pod to restrict working temperatures below 70°C. He simulated, engineered, and demonstrated a microchannel-based cooling system to eliminate heat from difficult-to-reach areas of electromagnetic coils.
Industry Experience
Saketh worked as a Young Research Fellow at Unilever from September 2023 to June 2024. He gained industry exposure as a Research and Development Intern at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in Hyderabad from May 2024 to July 2024.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah UC Berkeley
Saketh was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley at the time of his disappearance. According to his LinkedIn profile, he described himself as passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
Patents and Innovations
Saketh, along with five others, holds a patent for inventing a “microchannel cooling system for hyperloop and a method thereof”. This innovation relates to his work on thermal management systems for hyperloop transportation technology.
Leadership Roles at IIT Madras
Saketh was deeply involved in student initiatives at IIT Madras through E-Cell IIT Madras. He served in several key positions over two years:
- Head, Growth & Strategic Initiatives (June 2023 – March 2024)
- Executive, Development & Associations (May 2022 – May 2023)
- Associative Executive (February 2022 – April 2022)
He also worked as a Legislator in the Department of Chemical Engineering from April 2024 to May 2025.
Physical Description
Saketh was described as six feet one inch tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. This description was used by authorities during the search efforts.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah Missing Person Case
Disappearance
Saketh Sreenivasaiah went missing on February 9, 2026, in Berkeley, California. He was last seen near Lake Anza in the 1700 block of Dwight Way on Tuesday, February 9. Police considered him at risk, though they did not initially disclose further details about the circumstances.
Discovery of Belongings
His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was later found on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood near Tilden Regional Park. The Berkeley Scanner news portal first reported details about the discovery.
Search Efforts
A citywide search was launched with a focus on Lake Anza and the surrounding Berkeley Hills areas. The search entered its fifth day by February 13, 2026. According to reports, a large search team was deployed at Lake Anza with boats.
Consulate Response
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed deep concern about Saketh’s disappearance. In a post on social media platform X, the Consulate stated: “Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post graduate student of University of California, Berkeley, hailing from Karnataka”.
The Consulate confirmed it was in touch with the family and in contact with local authorities to locate the student.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah Reddit Community Involvement
Community members mobilized online to aid the search for Saketh. A Reddit thread was created discussing concerted efforts to locate him. According to posts on the thread, volunteers organized search missions, with one person volunteering to go on a search mission with dogs.
Discovery of Body
On February 14, 2026, local police confirmed the recovery of Saketh’s body, six days after he went missing. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco announced the tragic news on social media.
The Consulate stated: “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time”.
Consulate Assistance
Following the discovery, the Consulate confirmed it stood ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family. This included coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. Consular officers remained in direct contact with the family to support them with all required formalities and services.
Family
Saketh Sreenivasaiah was from Karnataka, India. The Consulate General of India maintained contact with his family throughout the search and after the discovery of his body. Specific details about his immediate family members are not publicly disclosed.
Relationship Status
Information about Saketh Sreenivasaiah’s relationship status is not publicly disclosed.
Professional Reputation
According to recommendations on his LinkedIn profile, colleagues described Saketh as a person with quick wit, humility, brilliance, and loyalty. One recommendation noted that his “approach to challenges was really impressive” and that he found innovative solutions through thorough research.
Age at Time of Death
Saketh Sreenivasaiah was 22 years old at the time of his death in February 2026.