ABOUT FORGE NANO
Forge Nano is a world-leading materials science company. Harnessing the power of Atomic Armor, our proprietary nanocoating technology, we accelerate manufacturing innovation and transform product performance to achieve a more sustainable future.
Vision
Build better materials
to build a better world.
Mission
Create and commercialize fundamental materials science to accelerate manufacturing innovation, transform product performance and achieve a more sustainable future.
Our Values
We bring our best selves to every challenge, every day to deliver optimal results
CEO/Founder
VP of Engineering
CTO
Chief Legal Counsel
VP of Energy Storage
COO
Executive VP of R&D
Global Network
Partners and Distributors
Forge Nano Inc. Copyright 2025 © All rights Reserved.
Paul Lichty
CEO/Founder
Dr. Lichty is an inventor of the high throughput ALD patent and founder of FN. Paul has a broad technical background that has allowed him to be co-inventor on over half a dozen patents. Paul’s leadership and organizational experience has helped him to run FN’s operations while developing the technology through 3 prototype stages, up to the current commercial scale. Paul received his PhD in Chemical Engineering and bachelor’s Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado.
James Ragonesi
VP Of Engineering
James started his career in the semiconductor industry developing CVD and PVD processes for dynamic memory devices. After a few years, he transitioned to solar cell manufacturing with a focus on TCO films. James joined Forge Nano in 2016 to help develop and scale spatial ALD processes on powders. Outside of work, James enjoys golf, trail running, and the occasional DIY house project.
James Trevey
CTO
Dr. Trevey oversees operations and leads technology development at Forge Nano. His degrees in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Physics give him the unique ability to “connect the dots” with respect to technological developments. He is an expert in electrochemistry focusing in solid-state batteries and has authored numerous publications and patents. His leadership and organizational management abilities have enabled Forge Nano to grow rapidly and effectively since beginning as a co-founder in 2013.
Curtis Zimmermann
Chief Legal Counsel
Dr. Curtis J. Zimmermann is the Chief Legal Counsel and responsible for overseeing legal issues in all departments with their interrelation to the business and technological operations of Forge Nano. He has over 30 years of experience in the chemical industry. Previously with BASF, he has held various positions in R&D, Market & Customer Development, Government Affairs, Legal and is co-inventor of over 20 patents.
Michael Kleinberg
CFO
Michael Kleinberg has served in the top finance position at a number of companies operating in a multitude of industries. He began his career as an investment banker conducting mergers, acquisitions, debt and equity transactions in emerging telecommunications markets. His operational finance career spans start-up and mature companies involved in technology, software, real estate development and construction. He came to Forge Nano from RS2 Software, Inc., the US-based subsidiary of a fintech parent corporation in Europe. He enjoys skiing with his kids and pushing the limits of a charcoal grill.
Barbara Hughes
VP of Energy Storage
Dr Barbara K. Hughes received her PhD in Chemistry from CU Boulder in 2013. After a postdoc at the National Renewable Energy Lab, she joined the team at Forge Nano in 2016, where she is currently the Director of Energy Storage and leads the Internal Measurements and Characterization Group. Her team focuses on both physical and electrochemical characterization of ALD enhanced materials with an emphasis on materials for energy storage applications.
Don Kaiser
COO
Arrelaine Dameron
Executive VP of R&D
Dr. Arrelaine Dameron is the Vice President of research and development at Forge Nano. She is a world expert in thin film deposition, nanoscale assembly and interface engineering. Arrelaine has over 15 years of experience in materials science and chemistry, has produced more than 60 publications and patents. Arrelaine has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. in Creative Studies from University of California Santa Barbara.