Company

About JIOS

Founded in 2013, JIOS Aerogel was created to drive innovation in the scalable production of aerogels. We’re committed to using their unique properties to tackle global challenges, improving thermal protection, energy efficiency, and storage.

Our vision

Inspiring the everyday use of aerogels through innovation

Our mission

To create groundbreaking innovation by making the application of aerogel’s unique properties possible at scale, solving global challenges in thermal protection, energy conservation, and energy storage

The JIOS Aerogel Journey: Scaling Innovation

2013 • May

JIOS Aerogel founded; JIOS AeroVa® silica aerogel powder launched

2016 • November

Joint venture established with Armacell, a global leader in flexible technical insulation, to manufacture aerogel in Korea

2018 • April

Commercial production begins in Cheonan, Korea, with 700 tonnes of annual aerogel powder capacity

2021 • April

Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), a Fortune 500 global insulation leader, joins as a strategic investor

2021 • November

JIOS Innovation Centre opens in Science Park, Singapore, focused on electric vehicles and energy storage systems

2023 • September

MegaChem Group, a specialty chemicals solutions provider in Southeast Asia, joins as a Series B investor

2023 • November

First Thermal Blade® prototyping plant opens in Singapore; certified to ISO 9001 by TÜV SÜD

2024 • September

JIOS Aerogel divests its stake in the Armacell joint venture and begins development of a wholly owned plant in Korea

2026 • January

Hyundai Motor Group contract secured; Thermal Blade® production licensed to a Korean automotive partner

Upstream Manufacturer, Downstream Technologist

JIOS Aerogel® is a leading specialist in aerogel manufacturing, leveraging a breakthrough single-step process that significantly reduces production costs and time. Established in 2013, the company has successfully scaled its operations, producing 1,900 tonnes of aerogel fine particles since launching Korea’s first aerogel plant in 2018. JIOS Aerogel® is at the forefront of innovation, developing advanced downstream technologies that drive the adoption of silica aerogel in high-growth markets such as electric vehicles and battery energy storage.

Beyond manufacturing, JIOS Aerogel® designs cutting-edge production systems and processes for aerogel-based products, licensing these technologies to key industry players. With a strong intellectual property portfolio of 52 patents across multiple countries, the company ensures its proprietary innovations remain protected. Furthermore, JIOS Aerogel® has established Freedom to Operate (FTO) for its technology, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the aerogel industry.

Juventus Ingenium Operis Sapientia, JIOS (Latin)

Meaning: Youthful Ingenuity, Operational Wisdom

The JIOS Aerogel Journey: Scaling Innovation

  • May 2013

    JIOS Aerogel founded; JIOS AeroVa® silica aerogel powder launched

  • November 2016

    Joint venture established with Armacell, a global leader in flexible technical insulation, to manufacture aerogel in Korea

  • April 2018

    Commercial production begins in Cheonan, Korea, with 700 tonnes of annual aerogel powder capacity

  • April 2021

    Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), a Fortune 500 global insulation leader, joins as a strategic investor

  • November 2021

    JIOS Innovation Centre opens in Science Park, Singapore, focused on electric vehicles and energy storage systems

  • September 2023

    MegaChem Group, a specialty chemicals solutions provider in Southeast Asia, joins as a Series B investor

  • November 2023

    First Thermal Blade® prototyping plant opens in Singapore; certified to ISO 9001 by TÜV SÜD

  • September 2024

    JIOS Aerogel divests its stake in the Armacell joint venture and begins development of a wholly owned plant in Korea

  • January 2026

    Hyundai Motor Group contract secured; Thermal Blade® production licensed to a Korean automotive partner

Where Innovation Meets Production

JIOS is redefining thermal-runaway protection. Through our advanced design and streamlined manufacturing, the Thermal Blade® delivers industry-leading battery safety without the premium cost.

Our Leadership

Stephen Kang

Co-Founder/CEO/Director

CEO and Board member since January 2014. He co-founded K3 Capital Funds SPC, a multi-strategy hedge fund in Singapore, and the private equity fund K3 Equity Partners. He previously held roles as a trader at ABN Amro Bank N.V., Hyundai Investment, and Barclays Capital. Stephen started his career at SBC Warburg in Investment Banking. He holds a MSc (Econ) in Management from the London School of Economics and M.A (Hons) in History from Edinburgh University.

Jongchul Park

Co-founder/CTO

Jongchul Park is the primary inventor of our aerogel manufacturing process and has led its R&D since 2013. With a background in chemical and nanotechnology industries, he held leadership roles at Empower Corporation and the Korea Institute of Energy Research. Specialising in nano-porous structures and aerogels, he holds over 50 patents. Charles has a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Materials Science from Hannam University, Korea.

Jeffery Chua

CFO

Jeffery is a seasoned CFO and financial consultant with extensive experience in finance, commercial management, and accounting. A CPA (Australia) with a Master’s in Enterprise Innovation, he has worked in diverse industries, including Oil & Gas, Construction, and IT. He has a proven track record in business growth, M&A, and financial strategy. His expertise includes optimising financial operations, advising SMEs, and successfully brokering business sales.

Mark Woodruff

COO

Mark has extensive leadership experience in chemicals and industrial sectors. He held senior or executive roles at Gurit, Guocera (Hong Leong Group), Bekaert, ICI Paints and Huntsman, covering general management, global operations, strategy and sales. He has a strong track record of building teams, delivering growth, business transformation and turnaround. He has an MBA from Warwick Business School and is a Chartered Chemical Engineer.

KY Jeong

Director, Business Development/ General Manager, Korea

KY has been a key member of JIOS Aerogel since 2013, specialising in sales, marketing, and supply chain. He has extensive experience supporting global customers and partners and currently oversees JIOS’s operations in Korea, expanding its manufacturing footprint. Previously, he worked at Mirae Asset Securities. KY holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sungkyunkwan University.

Stephen Hodson

CMO/Director, Commercial and Technical Services

Steve is a senior commercial leader with over 20 years’ international experience across the materials and industrial sectors. He has led global marketing, technical, and commercial teams in Asia, Europe, and North America, driving growth, digital transformation, and brand excellence. A PhD and MBA graduate, he combines deep scientific insight with strategic leadership to advance sustainable, solutions.

James Lee

Chairman/Co-Founder

James is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of JIOS Aerogel, leading the company since 2017. With over a decade in executive roles, he has held senior leadership positions at J.P. Morgan, Nomura, Lehman Brothers, and UBS, specializing in risk solutions and commodity financing. He holds an MBA and a BS in Accounting from the University of Southern California.

Stephen Kang

Co-Founder/CEO/Director

CEO and Board member since January 2014. He co-founded K3 Capital Funds SPC, a multi-strategy hedge fund in Singapore, and the private equity fund K3 Equity Partners. He previously held roles as a trader at ABN Amro Bank N.V., Hyundai Investment, and Barclays Capital. Stephen started his career at SBC Warburg in Investment Banking. He holds a MSc (Econ) in Management from the London School of Economics and M.A (Hons) in History from Edinburgh University.

Joonkee Hong

Director

Joonkee is a seasoned financial professional specializing in capital markets, digital assets, investment, and asset management. Currently leading Vogo Fund Labs, he explores the intersection of finance and emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Web3. Previously, he held leadership roles at Cumberland DRW, Kakaobank, UBS, Nomura, and Lehman Brothers. An MIT graduate with degrees in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, he brings extensive experience in alternative investments and global finance.

Certified Excellence in Every Operation

JIOS Aerogel maintains a comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Management System certified by TÜV SÜD. Our triple ISO certification provides our partners with:
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