Dr. Michael Ponting is Chief Scientific Officer at Peak Nano, where he leads the development of advanced polymer and nanolayered materials for critical applications in energy, defense, and aerospace. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering & Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Ponting brings deep expertise in materials innovation, bridging academic research and industry leadership to address complex challenges in energy storage and electronic systems. Since joining Peak Nano in 2020, Dr. Ponting has guided a multidisciplinary team in the creation of NanoPlex™, a patented nanolayered film that delivers significant advances in capacitor technology—enhancing longevity, efficiency, and thermal performance at operating temperatures up to 135°C. Developed in collaboration with U.S. research partners and backed by over 20 patents, NanoPlex™ is positioned to impact multiple sectors by enabling more compact, resilient, and energy-dense solutions. Dr. Ponting’s work is recognized through more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and extensive collaborations across government and commercial projects. He is committed to advancing materials science to meet urgent energy and security needs, and is an advocate for strategic investment in technology to strengthen America’s competitiveness. Dr. Ponting is passionate about how emerging technologies—including AI-driven manufacturing and next-generation materials—will shape the future of resilient, scalable, and secure infrastructure. He looks forward to contributing insights on innovation and leadership as a member of the Forbes Executive Council.