From Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship to Forbes Top 30 Under 30

Kelly Zheng, a driven and ambitious entrepreneur, has been named one of Forbes’ 2024 Top 30 Under 30 for her ground-breaking work in the field of clean energy.   

It was only just over a year ago that Zheng embarked on a new academic journey when she was awarded the prestigious Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship which allowed her to take her Master of Business and Technology part-time, alongside her PhD studies.  

Zheng, along with her co-founder Thomas Storwick, had already launched their successful startup Coastal Carbon before she decided to pursue her graduate studies. Using satellite AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, Coastal Carbon allows seaweed farmers to measure plant growth with just a few clicks of a mouse, saving time and money.  

Of the Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship program, Zheng says, “The support Coastal Carbon has received from Conrad staff, faculty and advisors has significantly accelerated our progress."  

Zheng is also linked to the University of Waterloo’s Velocity incubator, which also celebrates several current and alumni founders named on this year’s Forbes list.  

Congratulations on this notable achievement, Kelly and Thomas! The Conrad School is excited to see your continued success as you make new things happen!