Rafael Vilá

Rafael Vilá is an accomplished innovator in the field of energy and sustainability, currently serving as the Head of Energy & Sustainability at StartX since August 2025, where efforts focus on launching the Energy Vertical and supporting founders in the energy sector. Prior to this role, Rafael co-founded Bedrock Materials in 2023, serving as Chief Technology Officer and raising $9 million to establish advanced manufacturing capabilities for sodium-ion cathode materials. With a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering from Stanford University and extensive research experience encompassing lithium-ion batteries, semiconductor technologies, and nanomaterials, Rafael has developed valuable expertise through positions at prestigious institutions including the Air Force Research Laboratory and Penn State University. Educational qualifications also include a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Penn State University and an A.S. in Engineering from Cochise College, complemented by research experiences in leading global institutions such as the Tokyo Institute of Technology and UNSW Australia.