Leading Researchers As Entrepreneurs: Yan Wang, PhD
Join us for an engaging discussion with Prof. Yan Wang, moderated by Liangbing Hu, Carol and Douglas Melamed Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and the Founding Director of Center for Materials Innovation, on the industry-leading research in Wang's lab that led to the founding of Ascend Elements and AM Batteries.
Co-hosted by Yale Engineering and the Center for Materials Innovation in partnership with Yale Ventures, we'll highlight Wang's cutting-edge lab insights and approach to commercialization. Light refreshments will be served.
Yan Wang is the William Smith Foundation Dean's Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
His group studies fundamental electrochemistry and electrochemistry-based technologies including electrolysis, lithium-ion batteries, cathode materials, anode materials, solid electrolyte, battery recycling, etc. He has published over 125 peer-reviewed papers, has 12 granted patents and applied for more than 25 patents and co-founded Ascend Elements Inc, and AM Batteries Inc. Both companies were among those recognized on Time Inc.'s list of America's Top Greentech Companies for 2024 - 250 companies that are taking action and reducing environmental impact.
AM Batteries: AM Batteries is developing a revolutionary technology that will significantly reduce the amount of chemicals and the overall carbon footprint of the electrode manufacturing process. Its process will completely eliminate solvent usage and recovery as well as the entire drying process, which will greatly reduce capital equipment, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions in the battery industry. AM Batteries is located at Billerica, MA and has raised $75m from private investors and has over 50 employees. https://am-batteries.com/
Ascend Elements: Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. The patented Hydro-to-Cathode direct precursor synthesis technology produces new cathode materials from spent lithium ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ascend Elements has 4 sites in the US and a joint venture in Europe and it has hired more than 300 people and has raised >$1.5b from private investors and government funding. https://ascendelements.com/
For questions, please reach out to Grace O'Keefe (Grace.okeefe@yale.edu).