In the global push toward a circular economy, the most significant barriers are often chemical. Yasmeen S. Alfaraj stands at the forefront of removing these barriers. As the Founder and CEO of NextSet Materials, she is tackling one of the industrial world’s most persistent problems: the recycling of advanced plastics. Based in Berkeley, California, her work is defined by a pragmatic approach to “hard-tech,” focusing on solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing supply chains rather than requiring entirely new infrastructure.
Her efforts have garnered national attention, including recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Yasmeen’s innovation addresses a staggering environmental deficit: typically non-reusable thermoset plastics contribute more than 65 metric tons to landfill waste every year. Her company provides the chemical key to unlocking this waste stream, proving that high-performance materials do not have to come at a high environmental cost.
Developing a “Drop-In” Industrial Solution
Yasmeen’s journey began with a clear identification of the market gap. While thermoplastic materials (like water bottles) are recyclable, thermoset plastics used in everything from aerospace components to electronics are chemically designed to be permanent. Once cured, they cannot be melted down.
During her doctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yasmeen focused on changing this reality without compromising material strength. Working within the renowned Johnson Group, she developed a breakthrough additive that can be “dropped into” industrial resins during production. This additive allows the plastic to remain durable during its life but makes it chemically separable at the end of its lifecycle. This “drop-in” strategy is critical for adoption, as it allows manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices without retooling their factories.
From Academic Rigor to Commercial Viability
Yasmeen’s technical foundation is rooted in elite academic research. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from MIT in May 2025, specializing in polymers and soft materials. Her research areas included additive synthesis for reprocessable thermoset development and data-driven materials design. Prior to this, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, where her Honors Thesis focused on Covalent Organic Framework (COF) synthesis.
Translating this deep science into a viable business required substantial backing. NextSet Materials has successfully secured $380,000 in funding to advance its operations. This capital is driving the commercialization of her reprocessable thermoset technology, moving it from the lab bench to industrial pilots.
Championing the Circular Economy
In June 2025, Yasmeen officially launched NextSet Materials to commercialize her findings. The company’s technology separates valuable reinforcing materials from plastic composites, allowing for their recovery and reuse. This process minimizes the need for virgin resource sourcing and keeps raw materials local, effectively closing the loop on manufacturing waste.
Her leadership in this space has been validated by prestigious fellowships. She was selected as a Fellow for both Activate and the DOE Cyclotron Road program, initiatives designed to support leaders transforming the physical economy. These platforms provide the strategic support necessary to scale high-impact, science-based startups.
A Commitment to Community and Mentorship
Beyond her contributions to material science, Yasmeen is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in STEM. Since 2020, she has served as a mentor for the Chemistry Application Mentor Program (CAMP), guiding first-generation and underrepresented students through the PhD application process. Her commitment to service is also evident in her past work as an Arabic translator for the Ladon Language Project, where she facilitated communication for refugees in the Bay Area.
Redefining Industrial Lifecycles
Yasmeen S. Alfaraj’s work illustrates that the solution to industrial waste is not just less consumption, but smarter chemistry. By engineering a way to recover value from what was previously considered trash, she is building the foundation for a sustainable industrial future. Her transition from an MIT researcher to a venture-backed CEO highlights the power of scientific innovation when driven by a clear commercial and environmental purpose.