Carl Hensman

About Carl Hensman

I am a scientist, engineer, and strategist who translates breakthrough technologies into scalable solutions. Over two decades, I’ve led innovation across startups, government, industry, and philanthropy, building bridges from lab concepts to commercial adoption. My expertise spans technology translation, global partnerships, and portfolio leadership in areas such as energy, water, and sustainable infrastructure. At the Gates Foundation, I’ve overseen more than $200M in R&D investments across 20+ countries, guiding 130+ projects from concept through prototype to deployment. Previously, I co-founded and scaled clean energy ventures, developed hydrogen carrier technologies, and directed environmental chemistry consulting services. I thrive where technical rigor meets strategy: evaluating technologies, shaping ecosystems of partners, and accelerating commercialization. Whether in hydrogen energy, sanitation, or environmental solutions, I focus on translating innovation into impact.

Experience

1. Senior Program Officer - Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

   Gates Foundation

   Jul 2016 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

Education

• University of Strathclyde

  B.Sc.

  1987 — 1990

• New Mexico State University

  Ph.D.

  1995 — 1998

• University of Strathclyde

  P.G.D.

  1991 — 1992

• New Mexico State University

  M.S.

  1993 — 1995

Skills

• Policy
• Technology
• Program Management
• Fuel
• Research
• Budgeting
• Water Quality
• Chemistry
• Gas
• Energy Efficiency
• Business Strategy
• Proposal Writing
• Biomass
• Statistics
• Science
• Biofuels
• Testing
• Management
• Change Management
• Leadership
• Strategy Development
• Technology Integration
• Technology Transfer
• Energy Audits
• Data Analysis
• Plant
• Start-Ups
• Engineering
• Carbon
• Public Speaking
• Environmental Management
• Strategic Planning
• Product Development
• Problem Solving
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Science
• Waste
• Environmental Issues
• Contract Negotiation
• Water