2022 Schmidt Science Fellow Xiangkun (Elvis) Cao has been named among the world’s leading young innovators by the MIT Technology Review.

The publication has been producing its Innovators Under 35 list (MIT TR35) since 1999 to shine a light on the most exciting emerging ideas and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Cao joins a prestigious list of previous winners that includes the co-founders of Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and pioneering chemical engineer Zhenan Bao. He said he had been inspired by their stories since an early age.

“Being able to make it to the MIT TR35 list myself is a great milestone for me personally and professionally,” he said. “I appreciate the support from Schmidt Science Fellows, which has allowed me to pursue my independent research building innovations impacting climate and sustainability.”

Each innovator on the peer-reviewed global list is carrying out groundbreaking work to advance one of five areas: materials science, biotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, or climate and energy.

Some, including Dr. Cao, push interdisciplinary boundaries.

2022 Schmidt Science Fellow Dr. Xiangkun (Elvis) Cao
In putting him on the global list, judges commended his work to make air travel carbon-neutral.

They added: “He’s created a device that mimics photosynthesis and turns carbon dioxide into airplane fuel.

“Using a photocatalytic reactor to convert CO2 into useful chemicals is not new, but Cao’s reactor stands out. Its efficient delivery of light, hydrogen, CO2, and heat is a feat of interdisciplinary engineering.”

As a Schmidt Science Fellow, Dr. Cao pivoted from mechanical engineering to chemical engineering to focus on the integration of upstream carbon capture and its downstream utilization.

Since completing his Fellowship, he has focused on building a startup company for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 integrated with downstream utilization.

Dr. Cao added: “My vision is that by conducting research at the interface of disciplines, there is a huge potential to catalyze new scientific discoveries with translational impact.

“I will carry on the mindset and training from the Schmidt Science Fellows experience as I establish my career, and MIT TR35 is a nice start for my journey moving forward.”