About
Mathew M. Samuel, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry · SPE Distinguished Member · President & Chairman, International Academy of Inventions
A world-recognised expert in oilfield chemistry and well stimulation, Mathew Samuel has spent over three decades at the intersection of science, engineering, and business — developing technologies that have generated more than $5 billion in revenue and transformed how the industry approaches hydraulic fracturing, acidising, and completion chemistry.
50+
US Patents
92+
Publications
$5B+
Revenue Generated
30+
Countries
The Story
Mathew began his scientific career as a postdoctoral fellow in bio-organic chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a deep foundation in molecular science and protein biochemistry. That rigour carried directly into the oilfield, where he joined Schlumberger Well Services and quickly became one of the company's most prolific inventors.
His most celebrated invention — the first water-based, polymer-free fracturing fluid — redefined the economics of hydraulic fracturing and generated $4 billion in revenue for Schlumberger alone. Over a career spanning Schlumberger, Weatherford, and Lubrizol, he introduced more than 50 new products and technologies to the field, at least 15 of them world firsts. He is well known in the industry as the "Father of VES" (Visco Elastic Surfactant) in the Oilfield.
Beyond the laboratory, Mathew has been a global ambassador for petroleum engineering knowledge — presenting in over 30 countries, chairing SPE committees, co-authoring 350+ internal technical reports, and serving as a technical editor for SPE Production and Operations. In 2011 he was elected SPE Distinguished Member, one of the society's highest honours.
Committed to elevating inventors worldwide, Mathew serves as President and Chairman of the International Academy of Inventions — a non-profit organisation dedicated to recognising and supporting inventors across all disciplines and geographies, giving a global platform to the spirit of innovation.
Today, through Atomix Group and CarboUse Group, he channels that expertise into building next-generation oilfield services and carbon-utilisation businesses across the USA, Saudi Arabia, and India — bringing the same inventor's mindset to entrepreneurship.
International Academy of Inventions
A non-profit organisation dedicated to recognising, supporting, and amplifying the visibility of inventors across all disciplines — from engineering and chemistry to medicine, technology, and the arts. Under Mathew's leadership, the Academy provides a global platform for inventors to connect, collaborate, and be celebrated for their contributions to human progress.
Global Recognition
Honouring inventors from every discipline and every corner of the world, ensuring that innovation is celebrated regardless of geography or industry.
Community Building
Creating networks and forums where inventors can connect, share knowledge, and find collaborators across disciplines and borders.
Advocacy & Visibility
Championing the role of inventors in society and advocating for policies and ecosystems that support invention and intellectual property.
Areas of Expertise
Hydraulic Fracturing
Inventor of the first polymer-free fracturing fluid; deep expertise in fracture geometry, fluid design, and HPHT applications.
Oilfield Chemistry
Viscoelastic surfactants, acid systems, diverters, lost-circulation materials, and non-damaging completion fluids.
Well Stimulation
Matrix acidising, acid fracturing, sandstone and carbonate stimulation, and horizontal well treatment design.
Technology Management
Global R&D leadership, patent strategy, laboratory standardisation across 28 Middle East and Asia facilities.
Business Development
Revenue generation, client advisory boards, new product commercialisation, and venture building across three continents.
Carbon Utilisation
Emerging expertise in CO₂ applications, sustainable well treatment fluids, and low-carbon oilfield chemistry.
Oilfield Services
Specialist services including valve and leak sealing, flowline scale removal, and ESP (Electric Submersible Pump) cleaning downhole — delivering targeted solutions that restore and protect production integrity.
Career Timeline
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Pennsylvania
Bio-organic chemistry research; NIH-funded coagulation factor studies.
Assistant Professor
New York Medical College / Valhalla
AHA Investigator Award; published 20+ biochemistry papers on coagulation factors and smooth muscle proteins.
Product Developer, Marketing, Business Development, R&D and IP Management → Distinguished Principal
Schlumberger Well Services
Invented ClearFRAC (polymer-free fracturing fluid), PowerSTIM, ClearPILL, and 45+ patented technologies. Multiple CEO Gold Awards. SPE Distinguished Member 2011.
Vice President for Chemicals and Shared Services
Weatherford International
Global stimulation and completion chemistry advisory; new product development.
Vice President, Oilfield Services
Lubrizol Corporation
Led oilfield chemistry product line; fracturing fluid additives and production chemistry.
Founder and CEO
OPT Chemical Technologies
Led the company as Chief Executive Officer, driving oilfield chemical technology development and commercialisation.
Founder & CEO
Atomix Group & CarboUse Group Companies
Building next-generation oilfield chemicals and services and carbon-utilization ventures across USA, KSA, and India.
President & Chairman
International Academy of Inventions
Leading a global non-profit dedicated to recognising and supporting inventors across all disciplines worldwide.
Education
Postdoctoral Fellow — Bio-Organic Chemistry
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Ph.D. — Organic Chemistry
University of Kerala, India
M.S. — Chemistry
Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum University of Kerala, India
B.S. — Chemistry
Sree Narayana College, Punalur University of Kerala, India
Explore the Full Record
50+ patents, 92+ publications, 18 awards — all documented in the CV.