Robert Ashcraft

Robert Ashcraft has a diverse work experience spanning over several companies and roles. Robert started their career as an Undergraduate Researcher at North Carolina State University, focusing on chemical vapor deposition. Robert then worked as an Intern at Novartis and General Mills during their undergraduate years. After completing their undergraduate studies, Robert joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Doctoral Researcher and later took on the role of Singapore-MIT Alliance - Industrial Immersion Manager.

Following their time at MIT, Robert worked as a Consultant in Thermal Sciences at Exponent Failure Analysis Associates. Robert then joined Ghent University as a Post-Doctoral Researcher, where they specialized in the development and analysis of new reactor technologies for various industrial applications.

Robert's career then took a shift towards innovation and strategy roles at Samsung Research America (SRA) and later at Samsung Semiconductor US. In these positions, they focused on identifying new technologies and trends, establishing strategic collaborations and partnerships, and scouting intellectual property. Robert'sfocus areas included energy storage, quantum computing, advanced materials, and display materials.

Currently, Robert Ashcraft works at Creative Destruction Lab as a Mentor in the Matter Stream, where they support early-stage founders in the advanced materials space. Additionally, they also serve as an Investment Director at Samsung Ventures, contributing to investment decisions and strategies.

Robert Ashcraft obtained their Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University from 1999 to 2003. Robert then pursued their Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2003 to 2008.