Ames National Laboratory, operated by Iowa State University, conducts research that requires exceptional engagement in the technology transfer process. Ikenna Nlebedim and Denis Prodius are exemplary leaders who have successfully matured, scaled, and transitioned multiple technologies to industry, benefiting U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

The team’s most innovative technology transfer is its groundbreaking acid-free dissolution recycling process, an invention that has established a domestic supply of critical materials and mitigated reliance on foreign sources. The technology safely leaches rare earth elements and cobalt from water-based solutions, enabling the recovery of more than 99% pure rare-earth elements. Electronic waste is a key domestic source of dysprosium, a heavy rare-earth element vital for high-performance magnets used in motors and sensors in defense applications. Cobalt is used in making battery cathodes.

The team creatively guided the technology through the transfer pipeline; they partnered with the tech transfer office from the very beginning, targeting award opportunities to build industry traction. The researchers led the charge by drafting, submitting, and receiving notable awards from the FLC, the R&D 100 Awards, and TechConnect. They completed the year-long ISU Startup Factory program and received a Department of Energy Small Business Technology Transfer Award. Their innovation was also explicitly cited in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act as a proven technology for recycling rare-earth elements from electronic waste at the Department of War. It was also cited by the Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson as a successful U.S. DOE recycling invention.

Nlebedim and Prodius became fully engaged in the technology transfer process early in their careers, proactively collaborating with the laboratory and its partner, the Iowa State University Research Foundation. They continue to champion the federal laboratory technology transfer mission by applying a proactive approach to all their work. Their passion for early industry engagement, maturation, and demonstration work, coupled with their pursuit of scientific discovery, demonstrates that they are truly exemplary researchers committed to the Ames mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the nation.

Nlebedim has disclosed more than 30 inventions, resulting in nine U.S. patents and nine pending patents. He received the 2025 Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property in recognition for his contribution to technology transfer and regional economic development. Prodius holds six patents in Moldova, three in the U.S., and three pending patents. Together, they are co-inventors on two key innovations that were licensed to an Iowa-based company, directly contributing to local economic growth and job creation.

Their excellent technology transfer support has been instrumental in securing multiple prestigious awards for Ames over the last five years. This collaboration has led to CRADAs, industry-sponsored projects at the laboratory, two commercial licenses, a 2023 Mid-Continent FLC Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer, and numerous recognitions for innovative technology development.