Leadership & Impact
Ever since I began my journey in STEM, I’ve sought to turn curiosity into tangible outcomes—building teams, forging partnerships, and mentoring peers to solve real-world problems. As Founder & CEO of MaxKoppTech, I set the strategic vision for our sensor-innovation studio, guiding interdisciplinary crews of engineers, designers, and analysts through every step of prototype development, from bench trials to pilot demonstrations with industry collaborators. Each week, I convene planning sessions to review test data, troubleshoot design challenges, and chart the next sprint—ensuring our work advances both the science of nanomaterials and the missions of our healthcare and aerospace partners.
Founder & CEO, MaxKoppTech
At MaxKoppTech, I set the strategic vision and steer all operations for our sensor-innovation studio. I oversee interdisciplinary projects—from initial concept through proof-of-principle prototype—by coordinating with university labs, material-science consultants, and industry partners. Each week, I bring our engineers, designers, and data analysts together in planning sessions to align on design objectives, review test data, and map out next steps. I also manage our external collaborations—securing lab facilities for bench-scale experiments, arranging live demonstrations for stakeholders, and guiding every technical review to ensure our nanomaterial sensor work is both scientifically rigorous and primed for real-world application.
President Volunteer Service Award by Whitehouse Recognition
Received national recognition from AmeriCorps and the White House.Recognized by President Joe Biden for health and wellness community service.
Founder & CEO, VitaSense
I spearhead the development of our non-invasive, wearable glucose monitor—turning lab prototypes into a device that real patients can use. I manage our relationship with a CRO to refine engineering designs, plan and oversee early feasibility studies, and ensure each iteration meets both performance and comfort targets. On the fundraising side, I’ve led our seed-round pitch process securing strategic backing from Crown Wealth Group, and I coordinate all patent filings and regulatory-planning efforts to keep us on track for clinical validation.
Founder, The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes
Motivated by my family’s experience with hereditary diabetes, I established this 501(c)(3) to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and patient access. I wrote our grant guidelines, assembled a review panel of clinicians and researchers, and awarded our first round of student-research grants. I’ve also organized community workshops on affordable glucose-monitoring alternatives—partnering with local clinics to host over 500 attendees—and I’m now working with school districts to integrate diabetes-awareness modules into their health curricula.
Leader, Varsity Water Polo Team
In practice and competition, I focus on data-driven performance: I track swim distances, shot accuracy, and defensive assignments using wearable trackers, then translate that data into targeted drills. I also coordinate our team’s training schedule, lead tactical whiteboard sessions before matches, and foster a team culture of mutual support—approaches that helped us reach the league semifinals this season.
Areas of Impact
Empowering the Next Generation
I’ve turned my lab and workshop into classrooms, guiding middle- and high-school students through every step of the scientific process—from brainstorming hypotheses and designing experiments to presenting polished posters at regional fairs. By hosting hands-on robotics clinics, science-fair boot camps, and one-on-one mentorship sessions, I help young innovators gain the confidence and skills they need to pursue STEM pathways with curiosity and purpose.
Transforming Diabetes Care
At VitaSense, my team and I are breaking down barriers to continuous glucose monitoring. By championing a needle-free, wearable biosensor, we’re working to make diabetes management more comfortable, affordable, and accessible. Each prototype iteration, clinical partnership, and regulatory milestone moves us closer to a world where anyone living with diabetes can check their glucose at a glance—no finger sticks required.
Securing Space & Extreme-Environment Systems
Drawing on nanomaterial sensors and inkjet-printing techniques, I’ve developed autonomous arrays that can detect tiny material flaws in real time—whether on orbital spacecraft or in high-pressure industrial settings. By collaborating with aerospace engineers and running live deployments, I’m pushing the boundaries of structural health monitoring to keep critical missions—and the people behind them—safer than ever before.
Building Entrepreneurial Momentum
Through pitch-deck workshops, investor-prep sprints, and startup-bootcamp simulations, I help fellow young entrepreneurs translate lab-bench breakthroughs into scalable ventures. By sharing my experience raising seed funding, securing patents, and navigating early partnerships, I foster a community where innovative ideas don’t just stay in the lab—they launch.
Uniting Disciplines & Communities
Real progress happens at the intersections. That’s why I bring together engineers, clinicians, policy-makers, and educators at roundtables, hackathons, and public forums. By facilitating these cross-disciplinary conversations, I ensure that new technologies address real needs—and that diverse perspectives shape the solutions we build.
A Vision Beyond Invention
For Max, leadership means building systems—not just solutions. It’s about anticipating what the world needs next, and helping others find the courage, tools, and voice to act. He believes that impact multiplies when innovation is paired with inclusion—and that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, but of today.It is a paradisematic country, in which
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Involved
Max welcomes opportunities to collaborate with educators, researchers, student organizations, foundations, and forward-thinking companies. If you share a passion for purpose-driven innovation, Max would love to connect.