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Navigating the Energy Transition with Dr. William Chueh
In this illuminating conversation with Dr. William Chueh, we explore the complex intersection of energy demands, AI technology, and sustainable solutions. From his early inspiration at Caltech to his current role in shaping future leaders in sustainability, Dr. Chueh shares insights on the evolving energy landscape. The discussion spans the unpredictable energy demands of AI, the critical role of universities in long-term research, and the pressing need to diversify battery technologies while avoiding single-technology dependence.
The episode delves deep into the challenges and opportunities in battery manufacturing, comparing the rapid innovation cycles of the semiconductor industry with the slower progression in energy transition. Dr. Chueh emphasizes the importance of both incremental improvements and breakthrough innovations while highlighting the need for scalable manufacturing techniques. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for young researchers and entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of maintaining a holistic view while working toward global sustainability solutions.
Dr. William Chueh is the Director of Stanford’s Precourt Institute for Energy and an Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University. His research focuses on energy storage, conversion, and battery materials. As a Co-Founder of Mitra Chem, he works on accelerating the development of advanced battery technologies. Dr. Chueh is recognized for his contributions to sustainable energy solutions and bridging academia with industry innovation.
In This Episode:
About the show:
The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry.
About the hosts:
Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace.
Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At Tesla, he spent 4 years negotiating $200M contracts, leading the development of self-driving hardware, and managing full life cycle commodity procurement—from raw materials to recycling. Greg is also an angel investor who continues to drive Diagon’s growth and success.
Resources:
Dr. William Chueh - Stanford
The Chueh Group
Diagon.ai
Will Drewery LinkedIn
Greg Smyth LinkedIn
View all episodes
By DiagonIn this illuminating conversation with Dr. William Chueh, we explore the complex intersection of energy demands, AI technology, and sustainable solutions. From his early inspiration at Caltech to his current role in shaping future leaders in sustainability, Dr. Chueh shares insights on the evolving energy landscape. The discussion spans the unpredictable energy demands of AI, the critical role of universities in long-term research, and the pressing need to diversify battery technologies while avoiding single-technology dependence.
The episode delves deep into the challenges and opportunities in battery manufacturing, comparing the rapid innovation cycles of the semiconductor industry with the slower progression in energy transition. Dr. Chueh emphasizes the importance of both incremental improvements and breakthrough innovations while highlighting the need for scalable manufacturing techniques. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for young researchers and entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of maintaining a holistic view while working toward global sustainability solutions.
Dr. William Chueh is the Director of Stanford’s Precourt Institute for Energy and an Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University. His research focuses on energy storage, conversion, and battery materials. As a Co-Founder of Mitra Chem, he works on accelerating the development of advanced battery technologies. Dr. Chueh is recognized for his contributions to sustainable energy solutions and bridging academia with industry innovation.
In This Episode:
About the show:
The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry.
About the hosts:
Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace.
Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At Tesla, he spent 4 years negotiating $200M contracts, leading the development of self-driving hardware, and managing full life cycle commodity procurement—from raw materials to recycling. Greg is also an angel investor who continues to drive Diagon’s growth and success.
Resources:
Dr. William Chueh - Stanford
The Chueh Group
Diagon.ai
Will Drewery LinkedIn
Greg Smyth LinkedIn