Past Funded Researchers
Kevin Kung
- Former Postdoctoral Associate
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kevin Kung, currently a Cyclotron Road entrepreneurial fellow, earned his Ph.D. from MIT (2017), focusing on biofuels and renewable energy. In 2012, he co-founded a company that turns agricultural residues into carbon-negative fertilizer (Safi Organics). This led him to recognize the technical challenges in this sector, and he continued to work on the biomass technology. He also co-founded the MIT Waste Alliance, which convenes students, researchers, industrial practitioners, and policymakers around waste-sector issues. Kung received his A.B. in physics from Princeton University, and M.S. in physics from University of Cambridge.
J-WAFS-funded projects
- Decentralized torrefaction for producing high-yield, irrigation-saving fertilizer
- Scaling a decentralized biomass torrefaction reactor for localized fertilizer production that improves farmers’ yields and reduces irrigation needs
News
- J-WAFS researchers present to the MIT Alumni Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Network
- J-WAFS spinout company Takachar develops technology to convert agricultural waste into clean-burning fuel
- Takachar develops small-scale, low-cost equipment for waste biomass conversion
- J-WAFS spinout company develops a way to reduce smoke emissions from agri-waste
- J-WAFS postdoc researcher Kevin Kung co-founds organic fertilizer company
- Takachar, co-led by J-WAFS Solutions and India grant recipient Kevin Kung, won the Earthshot Prize
- MIT Alumni Feature: Kevin Kung on Tackling Food and Water Challenges After Graduation