Yan Wang, the William Smith Foundation Dean's Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), has been named to the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s inaugural “Faces of American Innovation.” Wang is among just five individuals to be recognized with the American Innovator Award by the Coalition, which consists of “a diverse group of innovation-oriented organizations and individuals committed to celebrating and protecting the Bayh-Dole Act.” The awardees were chosen for their cutting-edge work in helping turn early-stage scientific discoveries into products that benefit people and the planet.
Professor Wang’s lab developed a lithium-ion battery recycling technique capable of collecting and reusing 98% of critical metals from discarded batteries. The process is only 10% as carbon-intensive as conventional lithium-ion manufacturing. WPI worked with Wang to patent the invention in 2012, and a spin-off company has since licensed the patent for commercial development.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award for my work in the field of lithium-ion battery recycling,” said Wang. “This recognition underscores the critical importance of sustainable technology solutions that address our planet’s pressing challenges. Through collaborative efforts, we are forging a path towards a greener future, where innovation and environmental stewardship intersect to create lasting impact.”
“Professor Wang’s immense contributions to lithium-ion battery manufacturing and recycling exemplify the spirit of innovation and discovery that the Bayh-Dole Coalition deeply values,” said Joseph P. Allen, executive director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition. “Without visionary innovators like Professor Wang and the ingenious tech transfer system established by the Bayh-Dole Act, many promising early-stage discoveries would fail to reach their full potential.”
WPI's Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) has licensed over 60 patents to companies working to transform early-stage research findings into marketable products. During the 2023 academic year alone, the OTC received 63 invention disclosures and inked seven patent licensing agreements. In the last 10 years, start-ups licensing patents from OTC have created over 330 jobs and have raised over $1 billion in follow-on funding.
