Niko Nagengast| Sustainable Product (Systems) Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Niko Nagengast| Sustainable Product (Systems) Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Phd candidate, University Bayreuth, Germany

Niko David Nagengast is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in sports technology, complex systems engineering, and sustainable design. He is currently pursuing joint Ph.D. research at Deakin University and the University of Bayreuth, focusing on biomechanical optimization, sustainability, and additive manufacturing. Niko has a background in sports engineering and has gained practical experience through various research assistant roles, including material scaling and product development. He is passionate about creating functional, environmentally sustainable products and systems, applying his technical expertise to engineering, design, and social innovation. Niko is also an active participant in charitable events and initiatives supporting global communities.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Niko’s education includes a Bachelor of Sports Engineering from Otto-von-Guericke University, followed by a Master’s in Sports Technology at the University of Bayreuth. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at both Deakin University and the University of Bayreuth. His studies emphasize complex system engineering, sustainable product design, and mechatronics. Niko has also participated in various specialized programs, such as a parametric design course in Madrid and model-based system engineering training.

💼 Experience

Niko has a diverse professional background, including roles as a research assistant at multiple universities and in the technology sector. He has worked on projects related to sustainable product development, additive manufacturing, and biomechanics. His freelance work includes collaboration with companies like Headis GmbH and Aevolution. Niko has also contributed to product designs in various industries, including fitness equipment, material scaling, and sensor system development for chairs. Additionally, he has worked as a technical assistant for the Austrian Ski Association and supported the Austrian Alpine World Cup team.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Niko has earned recognition for his work, including 2nd place in the Red Bull Basement innovation challenge and head organizing charity events raising significant funds for global causes. His contributions have extended to charity projects focused on disaster relief, such as a bicycle ride after an earthquake in Mozambique and resource acquisition efforts in Ecuador and Germany. Niko’s dedication to social responsibility complements his academic and professional pursuits.

🔬 Research Focus

Niko’s research focuses on sustainable engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomechanical optimization. He is developing algorithmic workflows for designing optimized hand ortheses, sustainable product design tools, and evaluating component recycling. His work also includes assessing mechatronic systems in sports technology and the environmental impact of products. Niko explores integrating parametric design principles to create functional and eco-friendly solutions, with an emphasis on material efficiency, system engineering, and sustainable development in sports-related applications.

Conclusion

Niko Nagengast is a promising young scientist whose academic and professional endeavors have already made meaningful contributions to sustainable product design, sports technology, and biomechanics. His innovative approach, combined with his strong technical skills and commitment to sustainability, makes him a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award. By continuing to expand his interdisciplinary collaborations and engaging more with international research communities, Niko has the potential to become a leading figure in the fields of engineering and sustainable design.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A Combined Reverse Engineering and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Remanufacturing a Classic Car Part
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: AC Kyaw, N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, FK Fuss
    • Citation: 11
  2. Thermo-mechanical recyclability of additively manufactured polypropylene and polylactic acid parts and polypropylene support structures
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Bay, F Döpper, HW Schmidt, C Neuber
    • Citation: 9
  3. A Review of Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Using Poles in Sports
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: M Saller, N Nagengast, M Frisch, FK Fuss
    • Citation: 6
  4. Design for sustainable additive manufacturing (DfsAM): preparation and validation of a transversely isotropic simulation model for FFF components made from virgin and recycled materials
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: N Nagengast, T Scharl, M Frisch, C Neuber, H Ruckdäschel, HW Schmidt, …
    • Citation: 3
  5. Environmental Assessment of Recycled Petroleum and Bio-Based Additively Manufactured Parts via LCA
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: C Bay, N Nagengast, HW Schmidt, F Döpper, C Neuber
    • Citation: 2
  6. Multi-Domain Assessment of Thermomechanical Recycling Based on Bio-Based and Petroleum-Based Additively Manufactured Components
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: N Nagengast, N Mandel, C Bay, F Döpper, C Neuber, HW Schmidt, …
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  7. A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach to Implement Renewable Energy System into Sport Facilities
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, A Kopf, FK Fuss, W Schellong
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  8. A Product-Driven Sustainability Guideline–Methodological Conception and Implementation Based on a Lifestyle Sports Shoe
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, L Tapprich, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  9. An Explorative Study on Sustainable Surfboard Technology: From State-of-the-Art Literature to Interdisciplinary Integration
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  10. Vibration Analysis of Various Wooden Ski Cores Using Laser Vibrometry
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: M Frisch, N Nagengast, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  11. Detection of Muscle Contractions Using Pressure Sensor Arrays
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: T Scharl, N Nagengast, L Rheinheimer, K Schmitt, R Wegner, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited

 

Janak Sapkota | Sustainable Materials | Best Innovation Award

Dr. Janak Sapkota | Sustainable Materials | Best Innovation Award

Janak Sapkota is a visionary in sustainable materials and a senior R&D manager at UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. With an MBA in International Business and a PhD in Natural Science, he combines technological expertise with business acumen to drive innovation in circular economy applications. Renowned for fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions, Janak is recognized for his leadership in developing cellulose-based materials and innovative R&D projects. He is an open-minded team player with a strong international presence.

Profile

Scholar

Education 🎓

MBA, International Business Management (2022) – LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland. PhD in Natural Science, Polymeric (Nano) Materials and Composites (2016) – University of Fribourg, Switzerland. M.Sc. (Tech.) in Materials Science and Engineering (2012) – Tampere University of Technology, Finland. B.Sc. in Physics (2009) – Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Senior R&D Manager (2024-present) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Research Manager (2023-2024) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Research Manager (2022-2023) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Visiting Scientist (2019-2022) – Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Nepal. Postdoctoral Researcher (2016-2018) – Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria. Doctoral Researcher (2012-2016) – Adolphe Merkle Institute, Switzerland.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Nepal Bidhya Bhusan “Ka” (2017)
  • Grant Reviewer – Qatar National Research Fund (2018)
  • Accessor – Australian Research Council (2019)
  • Grant Reviewer – Latvian Academy of Sciences (2020)
  • Member – American Chemical Society (2021)
  • Associate Member – International Society for Development and Sustainability (2023)
  • CEC Member – Circular Economy Club, UK (2023)

🔬 Research Focus

Janak’s research focuses on sustainable materials, particularly cellulose-based products, polymer composites, and additive manufacturing. He emphasizes the development of innovative solutions for circular economy applications and seeks to enhance material properties and processing techniques. His work includes exploring bio-inspired materials, advancing polymer processing methods, and collaborating on international projects aimed at sustainability and technological advancement. He has contributed significantly to over 60 publications, including peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and holds multiple patents in his field.

Conclusion

Janak Sapkota stands out as a strong candidate for the Best Innovation Award due to his comprehensive experience in sustainable materials, a solid educational foundation, and a proven ability to lead interdisciplinary projects. His commitment to advancing knowledge and technology, coupled with his international collaboration efforts, positions him well for recognition in innovation. Addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in broader industry engagement and public outreach, can further enhance his impact and contribution to the field. Overall, Janak’s profile aligns closely with the award’s criteria, making him a deserving nominee.

Publications 📚

  • Effect of the Printing Bed Temperature on the Adhesion of Parts Produced by Fused Filament Fabrication
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, J. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, S. Sapkota Janak, Schuschnigg, …
    • Journal: Plastics, Rubber and Composites
    • Year: 2019
    • Pages: 17-24

 

  • Parametric Optimization of Intra-and Inter-layer Strengths in Parts Produced by Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Poly (Lactic Acid)
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, F. Arbeiter, H. Cajner, J. Sapkota, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
    • Volume: 134
    • Article ID: 45401
    • Year: 2017

 

  • Anisotropic Properties of Oriented Short Carbon Fibre Filled Polypropylene Parts Fabricated by Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, C. Savandaiah, F. Arbeiter, G. Traxler, L. Cardon, C. Holzer, …
    • Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
    • Volume: 232
    • Year: 2018

 

  • Shrinkage and Warpage Optimization of Expanded-Perlite-Filled Polypropylene Composites in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, J. Sapkota, G. Weingrill, T. Fischinger, F. Arbeiter, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
    • Volume: 302, Issue 10
    • Article ID: 1700143
    • Year: 2017

 

  • Additive Manufacturing of Zirconia Parts by Fused Filament Fabrication and Solvent Debinding: Selection of Binder Formulation
    • Authors: S. Cano, J. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, J. Sapkota, M. Spoerk, F. Arbeiter, …
    • Journal: Additive Manufacturing
    • Volume: 26
    • Pages: 117-128
    • Year: 2019

 

  • Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Glass-Spheres-Filled Polypropylene Composites for Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, C. Savandaiah, F. Arbeiter, J. Sapkota, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Polymer Composites
    • Year: 2017