SustainX: From Polymer Chemistry to Product-Market Fit: A Founder’s Deep Tech Journey

​From Polymer Chemistry to Product-Market Fit: A Founder’s Deep Tech Journey
📅 April 16 | 5 – 6:30 PM
📍 Durand Building, Room 353
🍕 Pizza and beverages provided!

​Join Stanford Energy Club for a fireside chat with David Mackanic, Founder and CEO of Anthro Energy, a company reimagining lithium-ion batteries through breakthrough polymer electrolyte technology.

​David’s journey from Ph.D. research in polymer science and electrochemistry at Stanford to founding one of the most promising deep tech battery startups offers a unique lens into scaling hard science into real-world impact. Backed by patents and venture support, Anthro’s polymer electrolyte technology enables lighter, safer, and longer-lasting batteries—all manufacturable with today’s infrastructure.

​Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Energy and awarded the MRS Gold and ACS Bright Science Awards, David brings deep insights from both the lab bench and the boardroom, including his time as an investment partner at Dorm Room Fund.

​Discussion topics include:
🔬 Translating cutting-edge materials research into a startup
⚡ Redefining lithium-ion battery safety and performance
🏭 Integrating novel materials into existing supply chains
📈 Navigating product-market fit in deep tech
💡 Lessons from both sides of the venture table

​Whether you're an aspiring founder, battery nerd, or just passionate about climate innovation, don’t miss this conversation on building the future of energy - one polymer at a time.