Dilru Ratnaweera
GREENSBORO
Summary
Global innovation executive with 15+ years of translating advanced materials, apparel systems, and manufacturing technologies into a $50M+ commercial impact.
Builder of IP-driven platforms from discovery through scale across the U.S. and Asia.
Trusted CEO and board advisor on innovation strategy, portfolio risk, and future-ready manufacturing.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Director – Technology Innovation
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
GREENSBORO
01.2025 - Current
- Executed enterprise-wide innovation and technology roadmap aligned with global brand demand and growth strategy.
- Directed end-to-end innovation lifecycle, including opportunity framing, prototyping, IP creation, pilot manufacturing, and market launch.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop commercialization pipelines targeting over $50 million in revenue within three years.
- Governed innovation portfolio prioritization, budgets, and resource allocation to enhance execution speed and capital efficiency.
- Established strategic partnerships with global brands, startups, and research institutions to accelerate adoption of innovations.
- Scaled initiatives to de-risk innovation investments through collaborative efforts with external stakeholders.
Vice President – Innovation & Commercialization
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
GREENSBORO
12.2022 - 01.2025
- Commercialized advanced apparel and textile technology platforms, creating new global business opportunities.
- Translated internal R&D initiatives into scalable revenue-generating platforms with effective go-to-market strategies.
- Led technology transfer and commercialization efforts with global brands and manufacturing partners.
- Identified new business adjacencies, expanding MAS’s growth beyond traditional manufacturing services.
- Managed multi-project innovation portfolios, ensuring timely delivery and budget compliance.
Lead Innovation at Discovery Labs
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
Colombo
01.2019 - 11.2021
- Built and led high-performance, multidisciplinary teams across materials science, chemistry, and engineering.
- Converted early-stage discoveries into IP-protected technology platforms with clear commercialization pathways.
- Increased ROI on R&D investments by enhancing transition rates from discovery to funded development.
- Advised CEO and Board on technology investment decisions and innovation portfolio risk management.
- Developed and managed a global innovation ecosystem involving startups, universities, and strategic partners.
Lead Material Science & Chemistry
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
Colombo
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Defined and executed materials and chemistry innovation strategy across multiple business units.
- Delivered scalable solutions in polymers, composites, nanomaterials, coatings, and surface finishes.
- Resolved complex challenges in material performance, cost, and sustainability for large-scale production.
- Established internal capabilities in material formulation and testing to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Education
Post Doctorate - Smart Materials & Polymer Composites
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN12-2012
Ph.D. - Chemistry (Polymers & Nanocomposites)
Clemson University
Clemson, SC01-2011
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Keleniya
Sri Lanka12-2004
Diploma - General Management
National University of Singapore
Singapore01-2018
Executive Leadership - Leadership
Center For Creative Leadership
Singapore01-2020
Skills
- Innovation strategy
- Technology innovation
- Product innovation
- Problem solving
- Polymer science
- Materials science
- Chemistry
- Technology commercialization
- Market analysis
- Opportunity identification
- Intellectual property strategy
- Business model innovation
- Go-to-market strategy
- Cost engineering
- Sustainable and circular manufacturing
- TRL / MRL process
- Project management
- Strategic partnership management
- Effective communication
- Cross-functional leadership
- Team building
- Coaching and mentoring
- Change management
- Budget management
Accomplishments
Senior Research & Development Advisor – ACL Cables Plc, Sri Lanka
Certification
7 Granted International Patents across functional fabrics, plasma-based surface functionalization, engineered knit structures, and variable-property textiles
Timeline
Director – Technology Innovation
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2025 - Current
Vice President – Innovation & Commercialization
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
12.2022 - 01.2025
Lead Innovation at Discovery Labs
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2019 - 11.2021
Lead Material Science & Chemistry
MAS Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
05.2017 - 01.2019
Post Doctorate - Smart Materials & Polymer Composites
University of Tennessee
Ph.D. - Chemistry (Polymers & Nanocomposites)
Clemson University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Keleniya
Diploma - General Management
National University of Singapore
Executive Leadership - Leadership
Center For Creative Leadership