Professional Role and Company Overview
Gene Petilli is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Owl Autonomous Imaging, Inc., a Series A-stage company founded in 2018 and based in Fairport and Rochester, New York. Owl Autonomous Imaging specializes in advanced sensing technologies for autonomous vehicles, with a focus on high-definition 3D thermal imaging and precision ranging through their proprietary patented product, the 3D Thermal Ranger™. This technology delivers a 150x to 200x improvement in resolution and cloud points over existing solutions, enabling safer autonomous mobility regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
The company originated as a spin-out from Intrinsix Corporation and was co-founded by Gene Petilli alongside CEO Chuck Gershman. Owl Autonomous Imaging targets Tier 1 automotive suppliers and supports the development of fully autonomous and self-driving cars by providing critical perception and sensing solutions that enhance vehicle safety and accident prevention.
Professional Experience and Expertise
Gene Petilli has over 30 years of professional experience in the technology sector, with a career beginning in 1985 as an Analog ASIC Design Engineer. He is recognized as a holistic system architect and circuit designer, with deep specialization in:
- Low Noise Imaging
- Mobile RF Integrated Circuits (RFIC)
- Delta-Sigma Analog-to-Digital Converters
- Digital Imaging Technologies, encompassing LiDAR, Readout Integrated Circuits (ROIC), and camera design.
He is credited as an inventor on multiple patents related to Owl’s core technology, including innovations in trajectory detection devices and methods, underpinning Owl’s 3D Thermal Ranger™. One notable patent is the Logarithmic Analog-to-Digital Converter Device (US Patent 9,917,593 issued March 13, 2018).
His engineering leadership drives the intersection of semiconductor design and autonomous sensing, contributing to Owl’s technological differentiation in the autonomous vehicle market.
Industry Recognition and Strategic Impact
Gene Petilli frequently communicates on the critical role of safety in autonomous driving, emphasizing that autonomous vehicles require performance surpassing human drivers to gain public acceptance. Owl Autonomous Imaging's technology has been highlighted by organizations such as Silicon Catalyst and Luminate, validating the company's impact and growth trajectory within strategic partnerships and funding ecosystems.
Owl has received awards including recognition by AutoSens with a Silver Award and by Luminate, underscoring its technological excellence and market potential. The company’s patented sensor solution is noted for its ability to "see" through conditions where conventional cameras and LiDAR systems are limited.
Educational Background
Gene Petilli’s educational information is not fully disclosed; however, available data indicates he attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His specialized expertise and long-standing professional tenure affirm a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering and imaging systems.
Additional Executive Context
In his CTO and co-founder role, Gene collaborates closely with Chuck Gershman, CEO, to steer Owl Autonomous Imaging’s technical vision and product development. Their leadership has positioned Owl as a pioneer offering a unique and proprietary sensor modality to the autonomous vehicle supply chain.
Summary of Key Technical Contributions:
- Pioneer of 4D solid-state 3D thermal imaging technology integrating high-resolution HD imaging with precision ranging.
- Inventor and patent holder of multiple ASIC and sensor-related technologies enabling robust vehicle perception in adverse environments.
- Experienced analog and digital circuit architect with proven expertise in imaging sensor design and integration.
Company Milestones:
- Founded in 2018 via spin-out from Intrinsix Corporation.
- Series A funding stage as of 2025.
- Growth supported by strategic partnerships with Silicon Catalyst and Luminate.
- Recipient of industry awards validating sensor innovation and market relevance.
This profile positions Gene Petilli as a highly experienced, technically adept leader driving innovation in advanced sensing solutions critical to the autonomous vehicle industry’s next generation of safety and perception technologies.
