J-Star Appoints Jonathan Chiang as CEO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 01 2026
0mins
Should l Buy YMAT?
J-Star announced that Jonathan Chiang has been reappointed CEO, effective March 31. Chiang succeeds Sam Van, who will continue to support the company as an advisor to the board and management team. The board of directors determined that Chiang's return as CEO will provide experienced leadership and continuity as the company navigates a period of heightened global economic uncertainty and positions itself for long-term growth. Chiang previously served as CEO of J-Star and has led the company since its inception, guiding its evolution into a global provider of high-performance carbon composite products and advanced materials solutions. He will continue to serve as chairman of the board.
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About YMAT
J-Star Holding Co Ltd is a Taiwan-based company primarily engaged in the development and commercialization of carbon fiber composite materials made from carbon fiber and resin, as well as resin system technologies. The Company designs and manufactures a variety of lightweight, high-performance carbon fiber composite products, including key structural components for electric and sports bicycles, racquets, automotive parts, and healthcare products. The Company primarily focuses on the sports equipment industry and prioritizes the commercialization of its technology in the electric bicycle market. The Company's main businesses include the sale of bicycle parts for sports bicycles and electric bicycles, the sale of racquets for tennis, badminton, squash, and beach tennis, and the sale of other products, primarily including automotive structural components, other sports equipment, and healthcare products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Strategic Partnership: The financing will bolster J-Star's collaboration with Patriot Green Energy Technology to develop polymer-based solid-state batteries, including plans for a 100-megawatt-hour automated production line dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles, aerospace, and defense applications, showcasing the company's strategic positioning in high-tech sectors.
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- US-Taiwan Agreement: This project is part of a broader U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Research and Technology, which includes $250 billion in planned Taiwanese investments across sectors like semiconductors, AI, energy, and defense, further enhancing J-Star's competitive edge in the international market.
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- Capital Formation Support: Under the agreement, White Group will assist J-Star in identifying potential U.S.-based private equity partners to support construction, automation, and technical development, further enhancing U.S. battery production capabilities.
- Clear Market Positioning: The project aims to establish a 100 megawatt-hour modular production line focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and drone markets, highlighting J-Star's strategic positioning in aerospace and defense sectors.
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See More
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- Strategic Collaboration: This agreement builds on J-Star's strategic partnership with Patriot Green Energy Technology, aimed at developing Made-in-USA polymer-based solid-state battery solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand in the UAV market.
- Technology and Infrastructure Development: The anticipated financing will support the construction of a 100 MWh automated production line focused on high-density batteries for aerospace and defense applications, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in the market.
- Government Grant Application: The joint application for U.S. Department of Energy funding submitted by J-Star and PSSB will complement this financing, further advancing technology transfer, workforce training, and infrastructure development to ensure the project's successful progression.
See More
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- Government Support and Investment: The project has received backing through a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy and a commitment from the Baytown Economic Development Foundation for land acquisition, demonstrating strong governmental support that further solidifies J-Star's market position.
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See More
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- Technological Collaboration Advantage: By partnering with PSSB, J-Star will leverage the R&D strengths of Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute, further enhancing its product offerings in high-performance and defense applications, thereby increasing its competitive edge.
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See More
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- Resource Reallocation: The company will redirect resources towards high-value innovation, material science, and automated production technologies, aiming to strengthen its long-term competitive advantage.
- Investment Write-Off: J-Star intends to write off two minority equity investments in China, representing a total long-term investment value of approximately $1.7 million, further reducing operational risks in the region.
- Innovation-Driven Model: By leveraging third-party manufacturers and proprietary raw materials, J-Star will implement an asset-light operating model designed to ensure cost competitiveness while improving working capital efficiency.
See More
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- Funding Initiative: J-Star Holding Co. plans to raise $100 million through White Group to attract private equity investors, aimed at supporting the construction of its automated battery production facility in Texas, which is expected to accelerate the company's growth in the solid-state battery market.
- Strategic Partnership: The financing will bolster J-Star's collaboration with Patriot Green Energy Technology to develop polymer-based solid-state batteries, including plans for a 100-megawatt-hour automated production line dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles, aerospace, and defense applications, showcasing the company's strategic positioning in high-tech sectors.
- Market Reaction: Following the financing announcement, J-Star's stock surged over 220% on Friday, marking its largest single-day increase, reflecting strong investor optimism regarding the company's future, particularly in solid-state battery manufacturing.
- US-Taiwan Agreement: This project is part of a broader U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Research and Technology, which includes $250 billion in planned Taiwanese investments across sectors like semiconductors, AI, energy, and defense, further enhancing J-Star's competitive edge in the international market.
See More
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- Strategic Partnership: J-Star Holding has signed a non-binding MOU with Singapore's White Group to raise $100 million for an automated solid-state battery production facility in Baytown, Texas, indicating the company's intent to expand in battery technology.
- Capital Formation Support: Under the agreement, White Group will assist J-Star in identifying potential U.S.-based private equity partners to support construction, automation, and technical development, further enhancing U.S. battery production capabilities.
- Clear Market Positioning: The project aims to establish a 100 megawatt-hour modular production line focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and drone markets, highlighting J-Star's strategic positioning in aerospace and defense sectors.
- Broad Financing Applications: The expected financing will be used to complete the 100 MWh automated production line, procure customized automated manufacturing systems, facilitate technology transfer, train the workforce, and develop infrastructure to meet federal funding and customer qualification requirements.
See More
J-Star Signs MOU with White Group to Advance Battery Production Financing
- Financing Partnership: J-Star has signed a non-binding MOU with Singapore's White Group to raise $100 million for its automated solid-state battery production facility in Baytown, Texas, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's capital structure and project execution.
- Strategic Collaboration: This agreement builds on J-Star's strategic partnership with Patriot Green Energy Technology, aimed at developing Made-in-USA polymer-based solid-state battery solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand in the UAV market.
- Technology and Infrastructure Development: The anticipated financing will support the construction of a 100 MWh automated production line focused on high-density batteries for aerospace and defense applications, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in the market.
- Government Grant Application: The joint application for U.S. Department of Energy funding submitted by J-Star and PSSB will complement this financing, further advancing technology transfer, workforce training, and infrastructure development to ensure the project's successful progression.
See More
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- Strategic Partnership: J-Star has formed a strategic partnership with PSSB to establish a 100 MWh solid-state battery production line in Baytown, Texas, aimed at meeting the growing demands of the UAV market, thereby enhancing the company's competitive edge in high-performance battery technology.
- Government Support and Investment: The project has received backing through a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy and a commitment from the Baytown Economic Development Foundation for land acquisition, demonstrating strong governmental support that further solidifies J-Star's market position.
- Technology Transfer and Localization: PSSB has committed to transferring its complete technical blueprint to the Baytown facility, including on-site technical residency and local hiring, which will facilitate long-term operations and accelerate the commercialization of solid-state batteries, enhancing production efficiency.
- Market Potential and Growth: The UAV battery market is projected to grow from $6.01 billion in 2024 to $15.31 billion by 2029, and J-Star's strategic collaboration positions it favorably in this rapidly expanding market, driving sustainable growth for the company in the future.
See More
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- Exclusive Distribution Agreement: J-Star has signed a global exclusive distribution agreement with PSSB, becoming the sole distributor for electric assist bicycles and electric motorcycles, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's market position in the energy storage ecosystem.
- Technological Collaboration Advantage: By partnering with PSSB, J-Star will leverage the R&D strengths of Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute, further enhancing its product offerings in high-performance and defense applications, thereby increasing its competitive edge.
- Broad Market Prospects: PSSB's leading position in solid-state battery technology provides J-Star with an opportunity to enter the rapidly growing electric transportation market, which is anticipated to drive future revenue growth for the company.
- Strategic Investment Confidence: J-Star Chairman Jonathan Chiang stated that this partnership not only solidifies the relationship with PSSB but also demonstrates the company's confidence in future market potential, aiming to meet the growing consumer demand through innovative products.
See More
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- Strategic Shift: J-Star has announced a substantial exit from its China operations, planning to establish its first automated production line in the U.S. to address geopolitical uncertainties and enhance global competitiveness.
- Resource Reallocation: The company will redirect resources towards high-value innovation, material science, and automated production technologies, aiming to strengthen its long-term competitive advantage.
- Investment Write-Off: J-Star intends to write off two minority equity investments in China, representing a total long-term investment value of approximately $1.7 million, further reducing operational risks in the region.
- Innovation-Driven Model: By leveraging third-party manufacturers and proprietary raw materials, J-Star will implement an asset-light operating model designed to ensure cost competitiveness while improving working capital efficiency.
See More
