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Jianliang Xiao is a “mechanics of materials” expert launching innovations in soft materials and flexible electronics. His work recently earned him an exclusive spot amongst some of the most successful academic inventors in the world.

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Jianliang Xiao, associate professor of mechanical engineering and senior member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

Xiao, an associate professor in the��Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been��. The program recognizes rising innovators who have had success securing patents, licensing and commercialization for developed technologies that showcase real impact on the welfare of society.

“I am extremely excited and honored to join this group of incredible innovators as a senior member,” said Xiao, who is also affiliated with the��Materials Science and Engineering Program at CU Boulder. “Thank you to the students in my research group for their contributions. We see this not just as recognition, but as stimulation. It encourages us to work harder and make an even greater impact on society in the future.”

The induction comes on the heels of two recent patents that Xiao and his team in the��Xiao Research Group have received. The first is a smart and comfortable in-ear device that can detect signals from the brain and facial area to help diagnose sleep disorders.

The second is a series of wearable electronic systems also designed for health monitoring purposes. Not only can they be worn, but they can also be recycled.��

According to the World Health Organization, a record 62 million tons of electronic waste was produced globally in just 2022 alone. Xiao says this technology has the power to drastically reduce this number and make way for a cleaner global footprint.��

“Our work is focused on a combination of smart materials and flexible electronics,” Xiao said. “Not only do we have patents for these technologies, but startup companies are working to commercialize them so that, hopefully in a few years, they can make a real impact on people’s lives.”

Xiao and his group will continue to fuel their inventive spirit. The team of inventors are actively seeking collaborations with other experts in various disciplines, including healthcare.

But despite his achievement, Xiao remains steady on one principle: it takes a vast ecosystem to have innovative and entrepreneurial success.

“Thank you to the people at the��Research and Innovation Office and the��Venture Partners at CU Boulder,” said Xiao. “They have offered tremendous support during my journey and nomination.”

This year’s cohort of NAI inductees is the largest since the program’s inception in 2018. Comprised of 162 emerging inventors from institutions across the nation, the collective group is named on over 1,200 U.S. patents.

The 2025 class of senior members will be officially celebrated during the Senior Member Induction Ceremony at NAI’s 14th annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 23-26.