SOLiTHOR, the newly established spin-off company of imec – partner in Europe’s leading energy R&D innovation center, EnergyVille – is at the forefront of developing, manufacturing and commercializing an innovative solid-state lithium (Li) battery cell technology to provide reliable and economical high energy storage solutions. SOLiTHOR raised €10 million in a seed investment round led by imec.xpand and supported by a strong consortium of investors, including LRM, Nuhma and FPIM. Proceeds will be used to develop the technology needed to further electrify our transportation industry with solutions that address current issues related to autonomy, performance, durability and safety.
Solid-state batteries are expected to take the performance of traditional battery systems to the next level in terms of energy density, charging speed, weight and volume. Imec has been investing in new technologies for 10 years to further increase the performance of solid-state batteries, proposing components that enable an assembly process more compatible with traditional assembly lines for Li-ion batteries.
Huw Hampson-Jones, founder and CEO of SOLiTHOR, said, “SOLiTHOR’s technology is unique and based on breakthrough chemistry and components – the Nano-Solid Composite Electrolyte and Nano-Anode developed in EnergyVille labs and patented by imec. This revolutionary technology will improve energy density, charging speeds and, most importantly, safety, and will be much easier to manufacture than other solid-state batteries. The research and development program is led by founder and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Fanny Bardé, an experienced battery technology expert, together with imec’s research and development teams
“We are excited that SOLiTHOR is bringing some of our most promising technologies to market. We believe that SOLiTHOR is on track to unlock the great potential of this technology for society: contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint through further electrification of our transport and contributing to Europe’s strategic positioning and independence in the energy sector. SOLiTHOR will have an impact on our local economy as the company is expected to establish manufacturing operations to serve its customers worldwide,” said Olivier Rousseaux, Director Venture Development at imec.
“Imec.xpand helps create innovative technology companies that have the potential to become global players by transforming the field in which they operate. SOLiTHOR is a perfect example of an ambitious company in an area of strategic importance for the region and the continent,” says Peter Vanbekbergen, Partner at imec.xpand.
SOLiTHOR aims to become the world leader in solid-state battery technology. The company aims to become a major player in the European battery value chain and make an important contribution to European exports by supplying global markets and decarbonizing society.