Ian Robinson

Ian is an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Khosla Ventures where he focuses on climatech companies. His primary interest is in developing carbon technologies that can significantly reduce emissions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Before joining KV, Ian was a Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E), developing research programs for high-risk, high-reward energy technologies. Specifically, he developed Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO2 to make carbon neutral fuels and chemicals, DAC for carbon storage, advanced bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), carbon negative construction materials (ARPA-E’s HESTIA program), carbon-neutral iron and steel production, advanced EV battery materials that eliminate reliance on critical materials, and alternative uses (beyond electricity) of nuclear energy.

Ian received his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Maryland (UMD), as well as his B.S. degree. His Ph.D. research involved developing new materials for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, which led to multiple co-authored publications and patent applications. He also enjoyed mentoring both graduate students and undergraduate students during his time at UMD.