Brian Pinkard (Aquagga, Inc.)
Overview
Brian Pinkard, Ph.D., is a prominent mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, best known as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Aquagga, Inc. A leader in environmental engineering innovation, Pinkard has driven the development of technologies aimed at addressing the global challenge of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals" are notoriously difficult to break down, but Aquagga's mobile hydrothermal alkaline treatment systems, under Pinkard's technical guidance, have pioneered solutions for effectively destroying such pollutants. Recognized for his contributions to environmental technology, Pinkard was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Energy category in 2024.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Aquagga appoints Dhileep Sivam as the new CEO to lead the company's commercial scale-up initiatives. Sivam's background in cleantech from Intellectual Ventures and Gates Ventures positions him as a strategic leader for Aquagga's expansion efforts.
- October 2024: The Aquagga team presents their advancements at SOCAP in San Francisco, highlighting their PFAS destruction capabilities and seeking partnerships to accelerate commercial production.
- March 2024: A significant demonstration in Fairbanks, Alaska, showcases Aquagga's success in treating 20,000 gallons of PFAS-contaminated wastewater, marking a critical milestone in their applied technologies.
- 2023: Under Pinkard's lead, Aquagga participates in and wins the EPA's Destroy PFAS Challenge, securing vital funding and recognition for their innovative approach to PFAS destruction using their unique hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) technology.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian R. Pinkard |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | CTO, Co-Founder at Aquagga, Inc. |
| Known For | PFAS destruction technology, Environmental Engineering |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | Ph.D., University of Washington |
| Residence | Tacoma, Washington, USA |
Early Life and Education
Brian Pinkard pursued his academic and professional endeavors with a strong focus on mechanical engineering and environmental science. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Lafayette College between 2012 and 2015. Further solidifying his technical expertise, he acquired both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, where he developed specialized skills in hydrothermal processes and reaction kinetics. During his doctoral studies, he played a pivotal role in developing mobile hydrothermal systems aimed at decommissioning chemical weapon stockpiles, experiences that laid the groundwork for his future innovations in PFAS destruction.
Career and Notable Achievements
Brian Pinkard's career is marked by several significant accomplishments:
- 2020-Present: As CTO and Co-Founder of Aquagga, Pinkard has been instrumental in developing technologies aimed at the permanent destruction of PFAS, a critical environmental and public health challenge.
- 2024: Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for his contributions to advancing clean technology in the energy sector.
- Innovation in Hydrothermal Systems: Developed and led initiatives utilizing mobile hydrothermal alkaline treatment systems to effectively break down hard-to-destroy chemicals, contributing significantly to environmental science.
- **Publications: ** Authored several influential papers on hydrothermal processes, including studies on supercritical water oxidation and PFAS remediation.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2024, Brian Pinkard continues to operate as the CTO of Aquagga, guiding the company's technology and innovation strategy. His current focus is on expanding the application of Aquagga's hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) systems, recognized as an effective solution for mobile and scalable PFAS destruction. Pinkard's work has profound implications for public health and environmental sustainability, offering practical solutions to a chemical issue prevalent worldwide.
Related Topics
- PFAS Destruction Technology: Aquagga's systems utilize a process involving high temperatures and pressures paired with alkaline hydrolysis, effectively breaking down PFAS to non-toxic components and marking a groundbreaking improvement over conventional filtration techniques.
- Environmental Engineering Innovations: The company's approach embodies the potential for academic research to translate into real-world applications, addressing established environmental crises and regulations poised to increasingly restrict PFAS presence.
Conclusion
Brian Pinkard's contributions to the field of environmental engineering, particularly through his work with Aquagga, represent significant advancements in the fight against persistent pollutants like PFAS. His leadership in developing scalable, deployable solutions for one of modern industry’s most challenging chemicals underscores his role as a pioneer in clean technology. As regulations tighten around chemical emissions and community health standards, Pinkard's innovations hold promise for global adaptation and implementation, potentially setting a standard for future environmental engineering practices.