Dr. Pahalagedara is a strategic innovation leader and a researcher with over 12 years of experience in academic & industrial R&D. He obtained his PhD from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), USA and BSc (Hons) special degree in Chemistry from the University of Peradeniya. Dr. Pahalagedara has experience in developing novel technologies in the areas of energy, materials science, and sustainability and has worked with world-renowned companies such as Exxon Mobil, Corning Incorporated, and the US Department of Energy during his postgraduate studies. Dr. Pahalagedara has a proven track record in scientific R&D with over 1200 citations and is an inventor of two US patents. He is also an expert in strategizing business models to create an innovation eco-system integrating science, technology, and commercialization. Before joining SLTC Research University Dr. Pahalagedara worked as a Senior Manager at the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) and currently serves as a member of the Board of Study of the Postgraduate Institute of Science at the University of Peradeniya.