Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74

Описание: In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen explore how startups and strategic investors are strengthening America’s innovation infrastructure. Nicholas Myers of Phoenix Tailings and Dr. Yan Zheng of In-Q-Tel discuss the urgency of building resilient supply chains and re-imagining manufacturing for a new era of national security.

They dive into:
-How Phoenix Tailings turns toxic mining waste into rare-earth metals
-Why critical materials are the “new oil” of the modern economy
-In-Q-Tel’s model for aligning startups and national priorities
-Lessons on dual-use innovation and public-private collaboration

About Nicholas Myers: Nicholas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings. Before co-founding the company, he held executive roles at a genomics firm and an EV charging startup. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Saint Michael’s College and an MBA from Northeastern University.

About Dr. Yan Zheng: Dr. Yan is Chief of Staff at In-Q-Tel, where he aligns leadership priorities and oversees strategic investments in microelectronics, semiconductors, and quantum tech. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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