Zhiyao Lu joins the Blavatnik Fellowship as an entrepreneur and a scientist with experience in commercializing chemical as well as biomaterial technologies. He has expertise in synthetic chemistry, catalysis and pharmaceutical sciences. He is the co-founder and the CTO of Catapower Inc., a biomaterial company that utilizes catalytic chemical technologies to reform glycerol, a common waste by-product from agribusiness, to renewable lactate, a food and cosmetic ingredient with added value. Zhiyao bridges technical development and strategic planning at the startup company, where he realized his business goals by advancing technology, conducting in-depth market research, and building industry partnership with World Energy. In addition, he secured venture support for the continued growth of the company. Zhiyao and other co-founders led Catapower to receiving several industry innovation awards including the First Prize of USC Innovation Summit and First Place of Wrigley Sustainability Prize. Prior to Catapower, Zhiyao worked at Amphastar Pharmaceuticals as a pipeline project manager, where he explored market landscape and took the initiative with drug lifecycle management. He received his BS in pharmacy and MS in medicinal chemistry from Peking University, and PhD in chemistry from University of Southern California.