Daniela is one of fifteen experts selected for the prestigious Fellowship, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional impact in engineering and who contribute meaningfully to major societal transitions.
Recognizing a Leader in Sustainable Battery Materials
Sordi is internationally regarded for her pioneering work in the development of advanced 3D structured carbon materials that enhance lithium-ion battery performance. With more than 17 years of experience across research and industry, she has successfully translated fundamental chemistry and materials science into scalable manufacturing technologies.
Under her technical leadership, CarbonX has:
- Developed battery materials that charge faster, last longer, and are up to five times more sustainable than conventional synthetic graphite;
- Secured European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding to bring these materials to industrial production;
- Strengthened Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical energy-storage materials.
“Daniela’s appointment to the NAE is an outstanding recognition of her ability to bridge groundbreaking science with high-impact industrial innovation,” said Rutger van Raalten, CEO CarbonX. “Her work lies at the core of our mission to enable cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable energy technologies on a global scale.”
Daniela’s Fellowship underscores CarbonX’s ongoing commitment to scientific excellence, sustainable technology development, and leadership in the global energy-transition ecosystem.
A Role Model for the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond her scientific and technical achievements, Daniela is widely regarded as an inspiring figure for young people considering a future in engineering. And, as a female leader in deep-tech and advanced materials, Daniela plays a visible and influential role in encouraging greater diversity in engineering and entrepreneurship. Her career provides a tangible example for young women pursuing technical studies and innovation-driven careers.
About the Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE)
The NAE unites the Netherlands’ top engineering experts from academia, industry, and applied research. Its members contribute to national and international innovation agendas and advise on technological solutions to societal challenges, including climate, energy, health, and digitalization. Through its global networks - such as Euro-CASE and CAETS - the NAE plays an important role in shaping Europe’s future innovation landscape.
About CarbonX
CarbonX develops next-generation 3D structured carbon materials that significantly improve the performance, lifetime, and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries. Based in the Netherlands, CarbonX collaborates with leading battery manufacturers and industry partners to accelerate the shift toward cleaner, more efficient energy storage.
