The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) in Sharjah, UAE, paid tribute to Moroccan scientist and inventor Rachid Yazami on Wednesday, recognizing his contributions to lithium-ion battery technology.
The honor celebrates Yazami’s extensive scientific achievements and his influence on modern energy solutions.
Originally from Fez, Yazami is celebrated for his pioneering work in developing the graphite anode, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries that power billions of devices worldwide.
His innovations have led to over 140 patents, covering advancements such as nano-Si and nano-Ge based anodes for ultra-high-rate charge lithium batteries, the lithium-carbon fluoride battery for space and medical applications, and more recently, liquid anodes.
In his remarks at the forum, Yazami expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it reflects the progress he has made since first developing lithium-ion battery technology at the age of 26. He also recalled Morocco’s growing commitment to renewable energy, pointing to the country’s plans to build a Gigafactory as a promising step toward a sustainable future.
Yazami currently serves as the Principal Scientist and Energy Storage Program Director at the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. His career also includes roles as the Cheng Tsang Man Chair Professor in Energy at NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering and as Principal Investigator at the TUM‐Create Centre for Electromobility.
Yazami’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2014 Draper Prize from the National Academy of Engineering, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for engineers.” The award recognized his development of the graphite anode, used in over 20 billion lithium-ion battery cells produced in 2015 alone.
Beyond his academic and research achievements, Yazami has been a key figure in the industry. In 2007, he founded a Californian company that manufactured fluoride-based primary and rechargeable batteries. In 2011, he launched KVI PTE LTD in Singapore, a company dedicated to battery health, safety, and fast-charging technologies.
Throughout his career, Yazami has published over 200 scientific papers and secured 125 patents worldwide. His contributions have earned him significant honors, including being named a Member of the Moroccan Royal Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology by King Mohammed VI in 2014. In 2016, he was awarded the title of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in France.