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CEO at the Intersection of Tech & Environmental Stewardship


Name: Joseph Kao (he/him)

PhD: Materials Science and Engineering, University of California - Berkeley, 2014



What was your main area of research?

In my PhD, I specialized in polymer nanocomposite thin films, utilizing thermodynamic principles to control the hierarchical self-assembly of various nanoparticles within nanostructured polymer matrices. This work was focused on applications in waveguides and energy storage, where precise manipulation of the nanoparticles' arrangement was key to enhancing performance.



What is your current job?

I am the CEO & Co-founder of Infinion Technology in Palo Alto, California. 


As the co-founder of Infinion Technology, I lead the development of a mobile AI-assisted robotics solution designed to automate the disassembly of lithium-ion batteries. My role involves overseeing the design and implementation of our technology, which aims to make battery reverse logistics 50% more cost-effective and enhance recycling efficiency. This includes coordinating with our technical team, managing partnerships, and guiding the strategic direction of the startup to address key challenges in battery recycling and sustainability.


My favorite thing about my job is the opportunity to innovate and create solutions that have a tangible impact on sustainability. I love working at the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship, where I can contribute to solving complex challenges in battery recycling while promoting a circular economy. It's incredibly rewarding to see our efforts not only advancing technology but also making a positive difference for the environment and underserved communities.



How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now? 

I founded the company while pursuing my management degree at Stanford. 


PhD graduate ➡️ R&D Scientist at Dow Chemical, Carbon 3D and Apple ➡️ Manager at Apple ➡️ Program Manager at Facebook ➡️ Business School ➡️ Startup Founder



Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia? 

I decided to pursue a career in industry because I wanted to directly apply scientific innovations to enrich people's lives and change the way we communicate. The decision wasn't easy, as I was weighing an industry job offer against several postdoc opportunities. Ultimately, I felt that working in industry would allow me to make a more immediate and tangible impact, using my research to drive practical advancements and solutions.



What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

  1. Build Networks: Attend industry workshops and conferences to connect with professionals and learn about career opportunities outside of academia. Networking can open doors to potential job prospects and collaborations.

  2. Collaborate with Industry: Initiate and lead joint projects with industry partners during your PhD. This experience will give you insight into how research is applied in a practical setting and help you establish valuable industry connections.

  3. Develop Your Personal Pitch: Practice a self-pitch that goes beyond your research. Highlight how your skills and experience can add value to industry roles, focusing on your ability to solve problems, lead projects, and drive innovation.

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