Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) can significantly improve daily life through various applications. They enhance electronics by making devices more durable and efficient, and they contribute to better healthcare by enabling targeted drug delivery and promoting bone healing. BNNT also improves environmental quality by purifying air, and they boost energy efficiency through better battery performance and more efficient hydrogen production.
Naieel Technology specializes in the production of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) powder. The material’s exceptional properties make it suitable for even more diverse and complex applications, including the IT/IoT, space and defense, nuclear, energy and environment, and biomedical industries. BNNT offers superior thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, chemical stability, biocompatibility, and neutron absorption compared to commonly used Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). These attributes make BNNT particularly valuable for space and defense technologies, where clearly, material performance is critical. Unfortunately, large-scale synthesis of BNNT has been hindered–until now.
From Researcher to Entrepreneur
Dr. Jaewoo Kim, Founder and CEO of Naieel Technology, has always been driven by a passion for scientific discovery and innovation. With a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a distinguished career as a researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Dr. Kim’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship demonstrates his passion for advancing technology and making a tangible impact on the world. Over his career, he has published more than 50 scientific journals and secured over 60 patents.
Dr. Kim’s tenure at KAERI was marked by significant contributions to nuclear research and technology development. Around 2008-2009, he began developing synthesis technology for BNNT. When he recognized the commercial potential of the innovative synthesis method he observed, Dr. Kim founded Naieel Technology.
“Developing BNNT synthesis technology is extremely challenging due to high technical barriers, which is why few companies and research groups have succeeded in commercialization of production technology. Despite not being a genius, often while driving, I simulate problems in my mind to solve. In late 2020, amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, I was able to dedicate myself to the lab and achieve a major breakthrough by developing a unique precursor for BNNT production.” Dr. Kim knew he was onto something big. “This will surprise many experts who didn’t think it was possible.”
Moving from research to entrepreneur has required a shift in Dr. Kim’s mindset. “I went from purely academic research to addressing business challenges such as securing funding, managing investments and building a cohesive team.” But it hasn’t been a total departure from the world of research. “Securing funding is crucial just like with scientific research.” Dr. Kim advises ambitious researchers to actively seek grants, institutional support, or angel investors. He also encourages networking with the right individuals and institutions that can provide essential guidance. Dr. Kim is most emphatic about the importance of balancing research with business objectives and protecting intellectual property through patents to ensure both the dissemination and commercialization of new technologies.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Dr. Kim envisions Naieel Technology expanding its applications and market presence, particularly in the semiconductor and energy sectors. He believes that demonstrating the practical value of BNNT in various applications will help drive the company’s growth and success.
“We’ve been working hard and waiting for a long time to develop BNNT production technology. I believe that once we can produce BNNT on an industrial scale, the technology will be successful, and many will seek it out. However, producing BNNT isn’t the end. We need to demonstrate their practical applications and economic benefits to show their value. By focusing on applications, we can add value to our material, and we’re now very close to achieving this with real and tangible products.”
Dr. Jaewoo Kim’s journey from researcher to entrepreneur embodies a relentless commitment to research, innovation, hard work and technological advancement. Naieel Technology’s ongoing efforts in BNNT production and application development hold the promise of transforming high-tech industries and paving the way for more reliable and efficient energy solutions.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
