John Hopkins is currently the CEO at the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI). He previously served as a consultant as well as in faculty and senior management roles at the University of Tennessee and UT Research Foundation. John has a successful record as leader of multi-institutional teams, creator of new programs and better processes to support energy innovation and technology transfer, and innovator of unique solutions for industry problems. Many of these have required the development and management of complex partnerships with diverse working teams.

His experience ranges from basic research in laser-based diagnostics and laser materials processing, through applied development of patented surface alloying methods, to the commercialization of technologies emerging from basic and applied research via licensing and entrepreneurship. John managed the $24M TN-SCORE renewable energy research program, which included complimentary STEM and workforce development outreach to more than 80,000 students across Tennessee and led to the formation of start-up companies at UT Knoxville and Vanderbilt University.

His specialties include: Research-based technology development and commercialization, technology licensing, start-up business creation and support, and program development and management.