Meet The Team Driving Siltrax's Vision

Dr. Zhengrong Shi is an internationally recognized energy scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Siltrax. Widely known as “The Sun King,” he brings decades of expertise in semiconductors and photovoltaics to drive Siltrax’s breakthrough silicon-based hydrogen technologies.

In 2000, Dr. Shi founded Suntech Power and played a pivotal role in transforming crystalline silicon solar technology into a globally scalable industry, establishing the manufacturing capabilities and supply chains that underpin today’s solar market.

He holds more than 80 patents, has published over 100 academic papers, is a Professor at the University of New South Wales, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering. In 2007, he was named a Time Magazine “Hero of the Environment.”

Dr. Jim Zhu has more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy technology development, semiconductor research, and advanced manufacturing.

As co-founder and Chief Scientist of Siltrax, he leads the company’s technology strategy and R&D efforts, driving innovation at the forefront of silicon-based hydrogen technologies.

Previously, Dr. Zhu served as VP of Technology at Suntech Power and Chief Engineer at Nortel Networks. He holds more than 30 patents and has published over 25 academic papers.

Ben Gust is an experienced climate technology investor with nearly 20 years in venture capital. He previously served as Managing Director of GBS Venture Partners before leading the Clean Energy Finance Corporation’s $200 million Innovation Fund.

He has invested in and served on the boards of numerous Australian and US technology companies and currently leads investments in several clean energy businesses. Ben holds degrees in Science and Finance, as well as a legal practicing certificate.

Professor Renate Egan is a renewable energy leader with more than 20 years of experience in photovoltaic manufacturing, technology development, and commercialization. She is Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Deputy Head of School at UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.

She is also co-founder of Solar Analytics and is widely recognized for her expertise in technology transfer and accelerating the clean energy transition.

Roberto Iriti leads commercial strategy, business development, and partnership efforts across the United States and Latin America for the company’s PEM electrolyzer and fuel cell technologies. Prior to joining Siltrax, Roberto held sales leadership roles at Plug Power and Giner ELX.

Roberto brings a market-focused approach to advancing clean hydrogen adoption, combining deep commercial experience with a strong understanding of customer needs, project economics, and strategic partnerships across diverse energy markets.

Daniel Zafir leads Siltrax’s global commercial strategy and strategic partnerships. He has over a decade of experience in commercialization, operations, and business development across the hydrogen sector.

His expertise spans market development and strategic partnerships across aviation, mobility, distributed power, and green hydrogen production.

Jerry Stokes is a metallurgist and renewable energy executive with more than 35 years of international leadership experience commercializing clean energy technologies. He is the former Chairman of GRIDSERVE, the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging network, and has held senior executive and board roles across the renewable energy industry.