Virginia Klausmeier is the President and CEO of Sylvatex, an advanced manufacturing company revolutionizing the battery supply chain by transforming how cathodes—the highest-cost and most carbon-intensive part of the battery—are produced. Sylvatex’s technology cuts costs, energy use, and waste in cathode production, enabling a cleaner and more resilient supply chain. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and business, Virginia has led Sylvatex to secure major venture funding, over $15M in grants, and global recognition. Named 2024 Woman of the Year in Energy and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, she is a recognized leader in industrial innovation. Virginia collaborates with national labs, serves as a scientific grant reviewer, and mentors minority-led startups through organizations like All Raise and Unreasonable. She holds degrees in Chemistry, Economics, and Engineering, along with executive training from Singularity University and Development U.