Francesco Amato, currently at the University of Rome, was named the recipient of the inaugural Clive Hohberger Technology Award by the Advancing Identification Matters (AIM) industry organization. Amato is a 2017 Ph.D. alumnus of the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), where he was advised by ECE Professor Gregory D. Durgin. 

This award is given annually to scientists and engineers who are pioneers of disruptive technology in the RFID industry. Amato was honored for his Georgia Tech doctoral research in the field of Quantum Tunnel Reflectors, which scatter signals to radios over remarkably long distances using very little power. The award was presented at the AIM partnership breakfast on April 3, 2019 during the RFID Journal LIVE! trade show in Phoenix, Arizona.  

The award was named to honor the lifetime contributions of Hohberger, a prolific inventor, collaborator and executive who has become an internationally renowned industry leader. It recognizes scientists, engineers, software developers, or systems integrators for outstanding contributions that have furthered the growth of the industry through important applications and new technological developments.

Cutline: Clive Hohberger (right) presents the inaugural Clive Hohberger Technology Award to Georgia Tech ECE Ph.D. alumnus Francesco Amato.