Finalist
Clean Technology
When Pankaj Dhingra arrived in America, his first job was with a start-up software company that stopped paying him after three months — and failed after six. Stretching the truth, he convinced an executive at another company that he knew the latest networking technology, then spent many sleepless nights learning it, earning a reputation as a local networking expert.
By the time Dhingra arrived at Nanostellar Inc. 25 years later as president and CEO, he was ready to put his experience to the test. The company was a risky, early stage start-up with promising technology, and it was struggling financially.
He spent his first year turning science into practical applications, leading the company in developing diesel emissions control catalysts. To do so, he and his team implemented an innovative methodology for designing high-performance nanomaterials that fundamentally altered traditional materials research, allowing them to develop the catalysts in a fraction of the time. This “Rational Design” has become the cornerstone of the company’s success.
In addition to developing the company’s technology, Dhingra also focused on restructuring its internal operations. The structure of the company was undefined, and over time, he turned it into one that lacks managers and executives, where his employees are team-oriented and come together like a family
Today, Nanostellar uses a unique nanotechnology methodology to develop materials that contain precious metals for use in the automotive and stationary power industries, enabling them to meet stringent diesel emissions control standards. The company delivers nanoengineered catalyst materials that reduce emissions from exhaust and increase the effectiveness of precious metals in catalysts by 25 to 30 percent.
But despite the success, Dhingra still has things to accomplish. Nanostellar will continue to develop and implement innovative methodology for designing high-performance nanomaterials, and Dhingra will continue moving in the only direction he knows — forward.
How to reach: Nanostellar Inc., (650) 368-1010 or www.nanostellar.com
