Santhosh
My name is Santhosh. I am from India and currently living in Munich, Germany. I currently work as an Electric Powertrain Systems Design Engineer at Analog Devices (ADI) in Munich, focusing on model-based systems engineering for next-generation wireless and wired Battery Management Systems with EIS capabilities, as well as EV powertrain architecture evaluation. My work involves concept development, modelling and simulation, and system validation through HIL/MIL/SIL and RCP workflows. I joined ADI in February 2025 after graduating from the E-PiCo programme, and it’s been a rewarding journey.
I chose E-PiCo for two main reasons. First, I wanted a specialised programme focused on electric vehicles - particularly power electronics, batteries, and system-level control. During my bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, I developed a strong passion for EVs through electives in electric mobility and battery energy storage systems. Combined with a lifelong interest in the automotive world, it felt natural to pursue a field that is rapidly evolving and becoming more electric every year, and I wanted to be part of building that future. Secondly, E-PiCo’s Erasmus structure offered a truly unique opportunity to study across multiple universities in Europe, each with distinct academic strengths, while experiencing different cultures, languages, and people. The E-PiCo programme is not only academically enriching - it is an experience in itself that shapes you both personally and professionally.
My Master thesis focused on extending the lifetime of power electronic inverters for electric vehicles. I completed this work at a German research company - Fraunhofer ISIT, where I designed a novel controller algorithm that improved inverter lifetime by around 10%. The project involved real-time condition monitoring, degradation modelling, and PWM optimisation, supported by extensive modelling, simulation, and validation using PLECS and MATLAB/Simulink.
What did you find the most challenging in E-PiCo?
The most challenging aspect of E-PiCo was managing intensive coursework across three universities, each with its own academic style, expectations, and pace. Balancing academics, moving between countries, handling various bureaucracies, and adapting to new environments was demanding, but it greatly strengthened my adaptability and resilience. In the end, these very challenges made the programme truly rewarding and uniquely enriching.
Any advice for applicants/future students?
E-PiCo is a one-of-a-kind Master’s programme. My advice is to stay open-minded and adaptable - the mobility, new cultures, and varied academic environments will push you outside your comfort zone in the best possible way. Embrace it. Be curious, ask questions, and be proactive in networking. Try to gain hands-on experience early through projects and labs - it really helps you stand out. Also, explore research and job opportunities as early as you can. Being organised and planning ahead makes a big difference, especially when it comes to visas, accommodation, and other administrative processes. Wishing you the best of luck!
A closing note:
Being in the 2022 - 2024 E-PiCo cohort was an unforgettable journey that changed me in many positive ways. I gained friends, lived in new cities, travelled to several countries, and gained experiences that broadened my outlook, along with opportunities that set the foundation for an exciting career. It’s a beautiful chapter of my life that I will always value.
