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 š
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 š§āš«
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) – MontanuniversitƤt Leoben, Austria. Doctoral Researcher (2012-2016) – Adolphe Merkle Institute, Switzerland.
š 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)
š¬ 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 š
- 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