A Michigan State University researcher will use $500,000 as part of a federal Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program to engineer novel ultra-flexible concrete for critical energy infrastructure improvements.
Qingxu “Bill” Jin, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), is among 18 early career innovators selected nationwide for the Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) program.
According to ARPA-E, IGNIITE backs early-career scientists and engineers whose work can turn disruptive, unconventional, high-risk, high-reward ideas into transformative technologies.
Jin’s project, Transformative Ultra-Flexible Concrete for Extreme Environments, involves developing Ultra-Flexible Concrete (UFC) for critical energy infrastructure exposed to extreme thermal conditions, from cryogenic to elevated temperatures. This innovation helps protect energy infrastructure by using a tough material that survives extreme temperatures and “heals” small cracks on its own, preventing damage from spreading and improving reliability.
Peter Savolainen, MSU Foundation Professor and CEE department chairperson, said Jin continues to be recognized for the innovative and entrepreneurial nature of his research.
“His team continues to expand the range of use cases for the self-healing concrete they have developed. Improving concrete performance in extreme environments is a real game changer for the industry, and we’re proud of what Bill and his students are doing to advance the state of the art and practice.”
On Jan. 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E program announced $30 million in funding across three programs that will help Americans save on energy costs, develop ultra-high-density energy storage systems for a range of national security technologies, and support America’s next generation of energy innovators.
“This $30 million in new projects reinforces ARPA-E’s commitment to drive American energy innovation at every scale. The selections announced today will help cut future energy costs for Americans, develop breakthroughs in batteries to deliver a decisive advantage to American security and industry, and help the next generation of brilliant minds make their ideas into reality,” said ARPA-E Director Conner Prochaska.
To read more, visit IGNIITE 2025.
Written by Patricia Mroczek
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page
