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Miha Zakotnik

Chief Technology Officer

Professional Summary



Miha Zakotnik is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Noveon Magnetics Inc. with over 20 years of experience in rare earth permanent magnet research and development. Zakotnik has a robust background in materials science, particularly focused on the recycling of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets.

Key Roles and Responsibilities


  • Noveon Magnetics Inc.:

  • CTO since February 2020.

  • Co-founder of the company.

  • Overseeing technological advancements in magnet recycling and manufacturing processes.

  • Focused on rare earth NdFeB-type sintered magnets, recycling, and grain boundary engineering.


  • Previous Roles:

  • Urban Mining Company:

  • Co-founder and Managing Director.

  • Directed advanced research in magnetic materials and applications.

  • Developed the Magnet-to-Magnet (M2M®) recycling process, which re-processes end-of-life NdFeB magnets into new products.


Educational Background


  • University of Birmingham:

  • PhD in Metallurgy and Materials Science (2008), focusing on a patented recycling process for NdFeB magnets.

  • Postdoctoral experience in recycling NdFeB permanent magnets and single crystal materials.


  • University of Ljubljana:

  • BSc in Chemical Engineering (2002).

  • Master's in related field (2004).


Innovations and Achievements


  • M2M® Recycling Process:

  • Zakotnik and his team developed the M2M® process to repurpose scrap NdFeB materials into high-performance magnets with enhanced magnetic flux, increased resistivity, and better thermal stability.

  • The innovation includes the ability to substantially reduce the use of dysprosium, which is both environmentally damaging and costly.


Location


  • Based in Austin, Texas.


Notable Publications and Media Mentions


  • Profile featured in Forbes, highlighting Noveon's unique approach to recycling rare-earth magnets and its contributions to sustainability by bypassing traditional supply chains reliant on China.


Contact Information


  • Public profiles can be found on:





Company Overview: Noveon Magnetics Inc.


  • Mission and Vision:

  • Noveon Magnetics aims to redefine and rebuild the rare earth magnet industry through sustainable practices.

  • Focusing on resource efficiency and independence, they aim to reduce environmental impact while meeting rising global demand for efficient electric motors and powerful magnets.


  • Facilities:

  • A state-of-the-art manufacturing center in San Marcos, Texas.

  • This central facility consolidates R&D, production, assembly, and delivery.


  • Leadership Team:

  • Scott Dunn (CEO)

  • Hugo Haussner (COO)

  • Viji Subramanyam, PhD (CFO)

  • Peter Afiuny (CCO)

  • Catalina Oana Tudor, PhD (CIO)

  • Miha Zakotnik, PhD (CTO)

  • Navin Bhandarkar, PhD (VP of Engineering)

  • Alex Bevan, PhD (Director Production Engineering)

  • Davide Prosperi, M.Sci, M. Res., LSSBB (Director of Quality)


Given Miha Zakotnik's extensive experience and innovative approach to magnet recycling, Noveon Magnetics is positioned as an influential player in the sustainable manufacturing of rare earth magnets.