The development of a rechargeable lithium battery was a dream in the 1970s although most experts did not believe in its successful outcome. In that context, starting a research career in a small start-up company was risky for a young scientist. In this talk I will present a brief account of my forty year career in the field of lithium-ion batteries and show how a small business environment can lead to a very satisfying career. Early career as a research scientist in a small business research organization engaged in developing new technologies in electrochemistry provided me with the opportunity to advance a career combining research with entrepreneurship. The small business working environment was the ideal place to do high risk cutting edge research leading to a strong publication and patent record while contributing to the growth of the emerging technology of rechargeable lithium batteries. The resulting strong record of publication and patent established me as a scientist, provided independence and created value. In the meantime, rechargeable lithium batteries have become ubiquitous and attained the status of a technology indispensable for everyday life. In the next phase of my career I co-founded a lithium-ion battery company that was ultimately exited in an acquisition by a large lead-acid battery company. I have continued my career as a consultant through my company, E-KEM Sciences, serving the lithium battery industry, and as a research professor in a university. While starting a career in a small business environment is risky for a young scientist, the unique opportunities it provides can lead to a professionally successful and financially rewarding career.<br/>

Entrepreneur-scientist in the emerging field of lithium ion batteries

254th National Meeting (2017)

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