Dr. Baratunde Cola, Founder and CEO of Carbice
Dr. Baratunde A. Cola is a renowned engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator, serving as the Founder and CEO of Carbice, a pioneering company that develops advanced thermal management materials. Under his leadership, Carbice has revolutionized heat dissipation technologies, delivering solutions that improve the performance and reliability of electronics in industries such as aerospace, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields, he actively works to inspire and mentor underrepresented groups in engineering and entrepreneurship. I am thrilled to explore his visionary work at Carbice during our interview.
Q. Carbice is at the forefront of developing novel materials for thermal management. What inspired you to start the company, and how did you identify this as a critical need in the market?
A. I founded Carbice to address critical challenges in thermal management, particularly as the demand for high-performance electronics, such as electric vehicles and advanced computing systems, continues to grow. I recognized that traditional thermal interface materials (TIMs) were falling short of meeting these evolving needs. Their inability to effectively handle the heat generated by modern electronics led to performance issues and shortened lifespans for many components. Drawing on my expertise in carbon nanotube (CNT) technology, I set out to develop a scalable, cost-effective solution that could provide superior thermal conductivity and reliability.
Q. As a leader, how do you balance the short-term demands of running a company with the long-term vision of advancing sustainable technologies and material science?
A. Balancing short-term demands with long-term vision requires a focus on both immediate customer needs and future innovation. In the short term, we keenly prioritize meeting our customer expectations across the automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, data center, networking, and energy systems sectors, as well as hitting key milestones and ensuring operational efficiency. At the same time, we’re committed to advancing our thermal interface solutions by continuously investing in R&D and seeking out strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with Dow. This ensures that our innovations today lay the foundation for future advancements.
Q. The materials you develop at Carbice are helping address growing concerns about heat dissipation in next-generation electronics. How do you anticipate the demand for your products evolving as devices get smaller and more powerful?
A. As devices become smaller and power density increases, traditional thermal management solutions will struggle to keep up, creating immense opportunity for our carbon nanotube-based TIMs due to their superior thermal conductivity and reliability. We anticipate strong demand for our products across industries as they seek scalable, customizable, and cost-effective solutions to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. At Carbice, our focus on sustainable innovation ensures that we’re readily prepared to meet the evolving needs of the market and drive the future of electronics cooling.
Q. Thermal management is critical across many industries—from electronics to aerospace. How do you see Carbice’s technology evolving over the next five to ten years, and what industries do you think will benefit the most from your innovations?
A. Over the next five to ten years, we expect Carbice’s technology to evolve significantly, driven by continued advancements in CNTs and our ongoing collaboration with industry leaders like Dow. Our goal is to further enhance the performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of our thermal interface solutions, ensuring they meet the growing demands of all high-performance electronics. We see industries such as electric mobility, aerospace, and data centers benefiting the most from our innovations. As the demand for smaller, more powerful devices increases, these industries will require advanced thermal solutions to manage heat dissipation effectively. Additionally, we believe that the energy sector, including renewable energy technologies, will also benefit from our scalable, sustainable materials
Q. Carbice’s signature product, Carbice Pad, has been described as revolutionary. What sets this thermal interface material (TIM) apart from other thermal materials, and how have your key customers received it so far?
A. Carbice sets itself apart from traditional thermal management solutions by offering an interface solution that is sustainably manufactured, reliable, and easy to use. Made with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, the Carbice Pad delivers both high thermal conductivity and low resistance, eliminating the painful trade-offs found with conventional materials. This unique combination allows us to effectively combat increasing power demands and prevent overheating and system failure.
By prioritizing affordability and customizable solutions, Carbice enhances system performance while also extending the lifespan of electronic components – something you won’t find anywhere else on the market. Our customers in industries like aerospace and defense, data center, power, and energy systems especially benefited in terms of both efficiency and sustainability.
Q. How do you stay on the cutting edge of material science and thermal management? What are some of the biggest technological trends that you believe will shape the future of your industry?
A. We continually invest in research and development to push the boundaries of aligned CNT technology and its applications. Our close collaboration with industry leaders such as Dow further enables us to integrate the latest advancements in both material science and manufacturing techniques to help shape the future.
Looking ahead, the increasing miniaturization of electronics and the rise of electric vehicles will drive a greater need for advanced thermal management solutions. As devices become smaller and more powerful, efficient heat dissipation will become even more critical. The move toward more sustainable materials and processes will also be a key trend, as industries look for ways to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance demands. At Carbice, we’re already aligning our technology with these trends to help our customers stay ahead of the curve.
Q. In terms of research and development, what’s the most exciting new project or product that Carbice is working on right now? What potential breakthroughs are you most excited about?
A. We have several exciting developments in the works. We are actively working to develop the industry’s first qualification for power modules in real data center use conditions. Additionally, we are collaborating with Georgia Tech to develop a new data center cooling solution for NVIDIA’s latest chips.
Q. Sustainability is a major concern across industries today. How does Carbice incorporate environmental responsibility into its product development, and what steps are you taking to ensure that your materials are both efficient and eco-friendly?
A. Sustainability is a core value at Carbice. One of the key ways we incorporate environmental responsibility is by using recycled aluminum and carbon nanotubes in the manufacturing of our thermal interface materials. This sustainable sourcing helps reduce the carbon footprint of our products while maintaining high performance. Additionally, our aligned carbon nanotube technology is designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of electronic components, helping to reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of devices.
Q. Looking ahead, what do you think will be the biggest challenges for the material science industry in terms of meeting the demands of climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements? How is Carbice positioning itself to address these challenges?
A. One of the biggest challenges the material science industry faces as it works to meet the demands of climate change, urbanization, and rapid technological advancements, is developing materials that can efficiently handle the increasing energy demands of next-generation electronics, while also being sustainable and environmentally friendly. As technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and high-performance computing evolve, there is a critical need for materials that offer enhanced efficiency, durability, and scalability without compromising on environmental responsibility and impact.
Q. What drives you personally to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in materials science and technology? Is there a particular moment or achievement in Carbice’s journey that stands out as a personal milestone for you?
A. Innovation drives me because it allows me to use my skills to solve real-world problems. It’s a personal mission to maximize my impact, and at Carbice, that means making materials that not only meet the technical needs of industries but also improve the lives of the people who rely on them. One of the most memorable moments for me was when our thermal pads were installed in SiriusXM Satellite power modules. The installation went very smoothly and a round of applause was offered to our team who were on-site to witness it. That was a great experience, but what moved me most of all was what came afterward. A technician wrote me a heartfelt letter explaining how much easier Carbice’s solution was compared to what he had worked with before. His hands were no longer damaged and he could do his work well, without discomfort. That moment confirmed to me that we’re solving human problems, not just technological ones.
Q. You have achieved a lot as both a Founder and CEO. What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs interested in STEM fields or tackling tough engineering problems?
A. I’ve learned that leverage and resourcefulness are key when starting out. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those in STEM or tackling tough engineering problems, is to make the most of their current position. Whether it’s access to grants, the tools in a research institute, or building a network, they should use their day job as a springboard to develop a product or idea. Be scrappy and find ways to get what they need to move forward. Lastly, steer clear of material-based businesses if they want to preserve their sanity. Speaking from experience, materials come with unique challenges that can be taxing. But when done well and with the support of a great team, worth it all.
Visit carbice.com to learn more about this innovative company.
