About Fred Kavli

Fred Kavli

Mr. Kavli received his education in physics at the Norwegian Institute of Technology, financing his studies with proceeds from a business venture he and his brother ran as teenagers during World War II. Immediately upon completing his studies in 1955, he left for Canada and after one year came to the United States. After two years in California, he built upon his entrepreneurial spirit and experience as a teenager and founded the Kavlico Corporation in Los Under his leadership, the company became one of the world's largest suppliers of sensors for aeronautic, automotive, and industrial applications.

 
The company received many distinguished awards, and Mr. Kavli patented numerous technological breakthroughs. He remained CEO and sole shareholder of the company until he divested his interest in 2000. He subsequently established The Kavli Foundation to support scientific research aimed at improving the quality of life for people around the world.

Mr. Kavli is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences, and a former member of the US President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. A former member of the University of California's President's Board on Science and Innovation, he is a Trustee of the UC, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Foundation. His many honors include receiving the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for Outstanding Service and in 2008 he was awarded an honorary doctorate, Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in recognition of his work to the benefit and advancement of science and research. In 2009, Mr. Kavli received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Northwestern University, and in 2011 received the Bower Award for Business Leadership from the Franklin Institute -- one of the oldest science education centers in the United States.

In addition to supporting scientific research and education, Mr. Kavli's philanthropic activities include the Fred Kavli Theatre for Performing Arts at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, as well as other projects.

For more information, go to The Kavli Foundations page about Fred Kavli