Advanced Energy Materials (ADEM) saw an opportunity to revolutionize this space with nanomaterials. Initially founded in 2009 to commercialize nanowire materials for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage, ADEM quickly pivoted to the catalysis market, developing innovative solutions for refinery applications.
Vasanthi Sunkara joined ADEM as CEO in 2010, bringing her expertise in marketing and finance to help scale the company. Under her leadership, ADEM has developed a line of catalyst products, including AdE-Sulfur™ and AdE-Scat™, outperforming current market alternatives in sulfur removal. With a portfolio of nine issued patents and over $7.5 million in funding, ADEM is poised to introduce its products to refineries worldwide, offering customized, scalable solutions.
We sat down with Vasanthi to learn more about her journey, what inspired her to join ADEM, and her vision for the future of nanomaterials in the industrial sector.
How did you become interested in nanomaterials?
VS: With the R&D and advancements in nanomaterials for a variety of industrial applications, I was interested in the market for nanomaterials, specifically for catalysts and absorbents, and the ability to transform these nanomaterials/products into a commercial opportunity.
What inspired you to become a part of this company?
VS: ADEM Technologies (formerly Advanced Energy Materials) was founded by Mahendra Sunkara and many founders who are driven by a passion for creating a solution for a problem. I joined the company as a CEO in 2010. With an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Louisville, I took it as a challenge to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Tell us about your team: Who’s on it, and how did you meet?
VS: ADEM started with two people and grew into a team of 10 that includes R&D scientists, process engineers, and production operators. Each one of them has contributed to the company's growth. While I lead the overall business operations and investments, our founder and CTO lead the technology developments.
I took it as a challenge to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Where do you see nanomaterials headed in the future?
VS: Nanomaterials have been in development for the past 25-30 years and have a very promising future in a variety of areas, such as Energy (Battery materials and Solar cells), Refineries (Catalysts and adsorbents for sulfur removal in fuels), Environmental applications (carbon capture and conversion to chemicals, water purification, etc.), and Medicine (Drug deliveries).
What does success look like to Advanced Energy Materials in the short term and long term?
VS: ADEM's success in the short term could be becoming a critical supplier of materials for refinery and environmental applications, leading the catalyst market with innovative products and expanding its market presence. Long-term goals could be a leader in providing sustainable solutions for fuels and carbon emissions, become financially stable, and attain profitability and global outreach for its products and services.
Find out more about Advanced Energy Materials at advancedenergymat.com. Are you a startup based in or looking to relocate to Kentucky? Keyhorse’s current quarterly investment cycle is open! Apply now.
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