Chemical innovation through the lens of a “worker bee”: From small molecule synthesis to large scale manufacturing and the value of intellectual cross-pollination through polymer science

Abstract

Corporate product development efforts are fraught with challenges and setbacks. Dr. Stokes will highlight a few key projects that have defined his career in startups and large corporations. First, he will discuss the connection between batteries and your ordinary raincoat. Then, he will integrate learnings from those worlds into his new venture, D-Glue. D-Glue is a patented technology aimed at enhancing product circularity by using dynamic networks to create debondable adhesives. These debondable adhesives can be used in textiles, consumer electronics, and automobiles to recover the highly valuable materials inside for repair, reuse, and recycling.

Biography

Dr. Stokes spent his time during his undergraduate and graduate school years studying polymer synthesis and structure-property relationships. Since graduate school, he has developed expertise in polymer processing including lamination, coatings, and extruded films – blown and cast, fiber spinning, and downstream textile processing. Kristoffer has spent his career in applying that knowledge to develop award winning products and generate commercialized intellectual property in markets ranging from adhesives, batteries, oil and gas field chemicals, textiles, apparel, composites, and consumer goods. This work has generated over 35 granted US patents and over $300 million dollars in collective investments, licenses, and product sales. He has implemented innovation processes and led globally dispersed product development teams, and currently, he is the founder and Principal Scientist of Geisys Ventures, LLC – a company dedicated to materials science innovation and consulting. He holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as BS and MS degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, and is a certified Master Black Belt in Design for Six Sigma.