Cellmates by Lumicity

Battery cathode materials startup Nascent Materials: founded by a former Tesla Gigafactory engineer fixing the supply problem he saw from the inside.Mike Norton and Jackson Lyons kick off Series 8 with Chaitanya Sharma, founder and CEO of Nascent Materials - a battery cathode materials startup based in Newark, New Jersey, that just closed its seed round.Chaitanya's CV is unlike most founders in this space. He was one of the first engineers hired at Tesla's original Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada - the facility where the term Gigafactory was literally coined. From there: a stint at Lithium Americas working on novel lithium extraction from soil deposits in Nevada, then co-building Imperium 3 New York - a ground-up Gigafactory startup in upstate New York.Every step pointed to the same problem: getting hold of consistently high-quality cathode materials is one of the hardest things a battery startup has to do. Nascent Materials exists to change that.In this episode:Why materials control ~80% of a battery cell's cost - and yet get a fraction of the attentionThe brutal reality of scaling up from lab to production - why a process that works perfectly in a small container can fail completely in a larger oneWhy the Western world can't simply copy the Chinese manufacturing model - the raw materials, labor structures, and government support systems are fundamentally differentHow Nascent is designing cathode materials with the end-use case embedded from day one, drawing on Chaitanya's experience running factories that consume these materialsClosing a seed round in a tough investment climate - and why the technology spoke for itselfWhat it actually means to be a CEO: speaking every department's language and aligning your whole team behind the missionIf you work in battery manufacturing, materials supply chains, or you're building a deep tech startup and want a masterclass in thinking from the ground up - this is the episode.Chaitanya Sharma | LinkedIn(35) Nascent Materials: Overview | LinkedIn

In this closing episode, we sit down with Dean Hossein Haj-Hariri to reflect on the major themes of the series and look ahead to the future of CIBI. We cover:Key learnings from across the seriesWhy the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation is central to South Carolina's energy strategyThe power of partnerships and ecosystem buildingA vision for the future of US Battery InnovationCIBIUniversity of South Carolina

This episode spotlights Phenogy, with CEO PeterBraun and Director North America Suzanne Dickerson,exploring how industry partnerships accelerate energy storage innovation.CIBIUniversity of South Carolina

In this week's episode, we speak with Sam Phillips, Digital Strategies Lead at Siemens, about the company’s role in driving innovation at the intersection of research and industry. We cover:CIBIUniversity of South Carolina

This week's exciting episode spotlights SC Nexus, a key player in building the collaborative ecosystem surrounding CIBI. We talk with one of the most informed and influential women in South Carolina, Cristina Paredes (Executive Director of SC Nexus) covering:How SC Nexus connects research, industry, and investmentThe strategic importance of ecosystem thinking for energy innovationSouth Carolina's role in strengthening US clean energy leadershipCIBIUniversity of South Carolina

This week's episode highlights how USC alumni are driving impact across national labs and industry.We hear from:Drew Pereira, NREL – early-career researcher at the frontline of battery R&DWill Rigdon, Stanley Black & Decker – mid-career leader bridging engineering and real-world deploymentVenkat Srinivasan, Argonne National Lab – late-career visionary shaping the national research agenda for energy storageKey themes:How USC talent is contributing to global battery leadershipBridging academic research, government labs, and industryAlumni insights on scaling innovation in a fast-moving sectorCIBI University of South Carolina

In Episode 2 of our CIBI Series, we turn the spotlight on the University of South Carolina (USC) faculty driving battery and energy storage research forward.This episode explores how researchers at different career stages — from early-career innovators to established leaders — are shaping the growth of the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI).You’ll hear insights from:Goli Jalilvand – early-career researcher leading fresh approaches in energy storage innovationXinyu Huang – mid-career faculty member advancing applied battery science and technologyRalph White & Adel Nasiri – late-career experts whose decades of research, mentorship, and leadership continue to influence global energy storage researchKey themes covered include:How diverse perspectives strengthen USC’s research communityThe role of faculty in connecting cutting-edge science with industry needsUSC’s long-standing leadership in energy storage research and its central role in CIBI’s growthThis conversation highlights why the University of South Carolina remains a cornerstone of U.S. battery research and how faculty expertise is powering the future of clean energy innovation.

In this episode, we speak with the leaders of 6 companies driving innovation in battery technology and energy storage, and carefully selected for the NENY Charge Up Accelerator.Amel Energy – non-toxic solvents and PFAS-free binders for sustainable lithium-ion manufacturingValgotech – developing lithium–sulfur batteries to diversify and secure supply chainsFastLion Energy (FLE) – improving performance and efficiency of next-generation batteriesvsNew – scaling solutions for U.S. battery manufacturing capacityCoulomb Technology – advancing smarter tools for battery monitoring and integrationLiBAMA Power – innovating new approaches in energy storage and power systemsThe NENY Charge Up Accelerator provides funding, lab access, mentorship, and ecosystem connections, supporting startups across four pillars: Innovation, Workforce Development, Equity & Justice, and Supply Chain.

This episode launches our special 7-part series on the Carolina Istitute for Battery Innovation (CIBI), founded in 2024 and adding to South Carolina’s long history in battery research dating back to the 1980s.We’re joined by William Mustain, key leader from the University of South Carolina, to explore how CIBI is positioning itself as a hub for world-class battery innovation.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:The origins of CIBI and its role in South Carolina’s clean energy ecosystemPlans for a 20,000 sq. ft. pilot-scale battery manufacturing facilityNew research labs and office space for 40+ researchers, opening in just 18 monthsStrategic partnerships with companies and national labs driving the initiative forwardHow USC is connecting decades of research expertise to shape CIBI’s growthThis series will also feature insights from Siemens, Phenogy, Stanley Black & Decker, SC Nexus, Argonne National Lab, NREL, and more — offering a rare look at how partnerships and infrastructure are accelerating the next chapter in battery research and energy storage innovation.(3) Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation: Overview | LinkedIn(3) University of South Carolina: Overview | LinkedIn(3) William Mustain | LinkedIn

We’re joined by Moshiel Biton, CEO of Addionics, to explore a battery component that rarely gets attention but plays a crucial role in performance: current collectors.Addionics is pioneering a new 3D current collector architecture that promises to dramatically improve energy density, safety, and charging speed — while being compatible with existing manufacturing processes.In this conversation, you’ll learn:What current collectors are, and why they’re so critical to battery design.How Addionics’ 3D architecture enables more efficient ion transport and thermal management.The potential impact on battery lifespan, safety, and fast-charging capability.Why innovation at the materials level matters for scaling the next generation of EVs and energy storage systems.How companies like Addionics are balancing cutting-edge research with commercialisation pathways.Moshiel Biton | LinkedInAddionics: Overview | LinkedIn

We sit down with Gary Ong, CEO of Celadyne Technologies, to hear the story of building a startup in one of the toughest markets — clean hydrogen and fuel cells.We discuss:Founding Celadyne in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemicDeveloping proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with breakthrough durability and performanceSecuring early contracts in the defense sector and navigating government partnershipsThe challenges of scaling deep-tech innovation from lab to real-world deploymentHow fuel cells fit into the broader energy transition and hydrogen economyGary shares the highs, lows, and practical lessons from building a company at the cutting edge of clean energy.Home | Celadyne(6) Gary Ong | LinkedIn

This episode kicks off our new Charge Up Series , following 6 start-ups in the NENY Charge Up Accelerator — a program created to strengthen domestic manufacturing and accelerate innovation in battery technology and clean energy.The NENY Charge Up initiative is built around four key pillars:Innovation – supporting breakthrough ideas in energy storageWorkforce Development – preparing talent for the clean energy economyEquity & Justice – ensuring opportunities are shared across communitiesSupply Chain – building resilience through local and domestic productionFounders and leaders share their journey so far — the challenges of scaling early-stage technology, securing investment, and bringing ideas from the lab to market.In six months time, we’ll return to each of the seven companies to see how far they’ve come, what hurdles they’ve faced, and what success looks like in the next stage of their journey.If you want an inside look at how the next generation of battery innovators are being built and supported, this series delivers both inspiration and practical lessons from the people at the forefront of the energy transition.ChargeUp | New Energy New York(5) Bandhana Katoch, Esq., MBA, MS, RTTP | LinkedIn(5) Andy Simon | LinkedIn

This week we’re joined by Gabrielle Pierre (裴家佳), Executive Director of the Georgia Network for Electric Mobility (GNEM), to discuss how Georgia is becoming a hub for electric vehicles, battery supply chains, and clean mobility policy.Gabrielle explains the state’s rapid EV growth, the importance of public-private partnerships, and how investment in electrification and battery manufacturing is positioning Georgia as a national leader in the energy transition.Georgia Network for Electric MobilityGabrielle Pierre (裴家佳) | LinkedIn

In this episode, we speak with Nika Ptushkina of PDF Solutions about how data analytics is transforming battery manufacturing and why representation matters in clean energy.We cover:How AI and predictive analytics are being applied to battery production linesImproving cell performance, yield, and quality control through smarter data useNika’s career journey from physical science into data scienceWhy more scientists are moving into AI and software roles as the industry evolvesThe importance of women in batteries and mentorship in energy careersThis episode combines technical insights with career perspectives, showing how digital tools and diverse talent are shaping the future of energy storage.(2) Nika Ptushkina | LinkedIn(2) PDF Solutions: Overview | LinkedIn

In this episode, co-hosts Mike Norton and Jackson Lyons sit down with Emily Dickens, Chief Commercial Officer at Octet Scientific, to explore how her company is advancing energy storage through smart chemistry.Emily discusses:Her journey from chemical engineering graduate to startup innovator at Octet ScientificThe development of specialty electrolyte additives designed to improve rechargeability, efficiency, and longevity in zinc-based batteriesWhy zinc batteries—safer and more sustainable—could be key to grid-level storage if challenges like dendrite formation are overcomeEarly-stage R&D wins, including NSF funding and global testing partnershipsHow Octet’s approach combines organic chemistry and electrochemistry to make zinc-air battery technology commercially viableLearn more hereEmily DickensOctet Scientific

In this episode, we’re joined by Roshan Pujari, founder and CEO of Stardust Power, a fast-rising player in the American battery-grade lithium refining space. As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage explodes, Roshan and his team are building one of the first large-scale lithium refineries in the U.S.—designed to process domestic and imported raw lithium into high-purity material ready for battery manufacturing.Topics covered include:Securing the lithium supply chain: how domestic refining helps reduce dependence on China and other global processing hubsFrom raw ore to battery-ready: the technical and logistical challenges of producing high-purity lithium hydroxide and carbonateUnlocking U.S. critical minerals potential: why refining capacity—not mining—is the bottleneck in America's battery materials supply chainScaling a lithium refining business: how Stardust Power is navigating regulation, investment, and infrastructure at the national levelA vision for energy independence: Roshan’s long-term strategy to support the entire U.S. EV and energy storage ecosystemTune in to hear how Stardust Power is bringing strategic lithium refining back onshore - laying the foundation for a more resilient and competitive American clean energy future.

Discussions with Derek Ramsell, co‑founder of Battery Metals Inc, on how he’s applying his hard-won experience in the gold mining industry to revolutionise battery recycling. Operating from North Carolina, Battery Metals is harnessing mining-style operations to recover valuable metals from used battery packs—essential to scaling the domestic energy storage supply chain.Topics covered include:Transferring mining expertise: how gold‑industry best practices translate to battery recycling processesBattery-to-metal recovery: challenges in collection, processing, and refining spent battery modulesSustainable supply chain innovation: what recycling means for reducing reliance on global raw mineral extractionStrategic insights: what's required to build a profitable, scalable recycling business in the USFuture goals: Derek’s vision for Battery Metals as a “striking‑gold” moment in clean energy supply chainsTune in to discover how mining methodology is transforming the battery recycling sector—delivering both economic opportunity and critical support to the renewable energy transition.Battery Metals, Inc.

John Busbee, a member of Xerion’s leadership team, talks about the long and winding road of building a cleantech company; sharing candid reflections on overcoming technical setbacks, refining their product offering, and maintaining belief through moments of doubt. As we map Xerion’s evolution—from early R&D struggles to pioneering sustainable battery materials—John’s authentic account highlights the resilience required to be successful in energy storage innovation.Topics covered include:How Xerion faced and overcame technical and strategic obstaclesAdjustments, pivots, and product-market alignment in battery materialsLeadership in innovation: communicating vision under pressure and mentoring through uncertaintyCompany evolution: lessons learned as Xerion scaled from lab research to commercial readinessBalancing persistence and adaptability in entrepreneurial leadershipLearn more hereLeadership Team | Xerion

Aaron Wade offers a deep dive into the financial landscape of the battery industry, sharing unique perspectives on investment strategies, valuation trends, and funding challenges.Topics covered:Financing in focus: How capital flows into battery startups and what investors seekValuation dynamics: Methods for assessing worth in high-growth energy techMarket trends: Emerging patterns in clean energy investing and venture capitalThe investor-founder balance: What founders should know about fundraising and termsSector outlook: Aaron’s predictions for future financial opportunities in battery innovationWhether you're a startup founder, investor, or energy professional, this episode provides actionable insights to navigate funding, valuation, and investment strategies in the rapidly evolving battery ecosystem.GaussionAaron is a Volta Foundation Director and you can contact him at - [email protected]

Mike Norton and James Lang sit down with  Mykela DeLuca, a battery data scientist and product manager at Micantis, to explore her transition from physical sciences to cutting‑edge AI and data science in battery diagnostics.Mykela shares her story of how data science is reshaping the battery industry—particularly in predictive modeling for cycle life tests, cell health analytics, and quality control. She explains:Moving from traditional lab science to programming, algorithms, and battery data interpretationAI in diagnostics: how Micantis uses machine learning to predict battery performance and failure before it happensData-driven acceleration: stitching large datasets and generating test reports in minutes instead of weeks Key platforms, workflows, and KPIs used in real-world R&D and manufacturing settingsWhy domain knowledge plus data fluency is becoming essential in energy storage innovationIf you're curious about how AI and analytics are transforming battery R&D, and how scientists are redefining their roles with code, this episode is full of real-world context and forward-thinking insight.MicantisContact Mykela - [email protected]

Brad Reed, VP of Corporate Development at Microporous (the U.S. leader in lithium-ion battery separator technology) shares his career journey, the story of building multiple battery-focused businesses, and how Microporous secured a $100 million Department of Energy grant to expand domestic manufacturing.Highlights include: Key takeaways from founding and growing battery material venturesMicroporous today: Scaling up as the leading U.S. separator company, backed by DOE funding Plans for a $1.4 billion separator plant in Virginia—creating ~2,000 jobs—to support EV and energy storage supply chainsMaterial innovation: How advanced separators improve safety, performance, and efficiency in lithium-ion cellsWhat federal support and domestic scale mean for U.S. battery manufacturing resilienceWhether you're interested in battery materials, manufacturing scale-up, or government-supported innovation, this episode delivers key insights into building critical infrastructure for energy storage technologies.MicroporousIf you wish to talk about any details on today's show, please contact [email protected]

A talk with Les Alexander, President & CEO of the Battery Innovation Center (BIC), exploring how the BIC is shaping the future of US battery R&D. With over 25 years of leadership in national defense and private sector Research & Development—including prior roles at Navitas Systems and the US Navy—Les brings both technical and strategic depth to the conversation.Key topics include:How a public-private partnership, backed by universities, government, and private industry, came together to address US battery infrastructure needsInsight into prototype fabrication, abuse testing, dry-room capacity, and the expansion of 4,000 sq ft of dry-room space to support advanced cell manufacturingWorkforce Development: Hands-on training programs in collaboration with Vincennes University, addressing the growing need for skilled talent in the battery ecosystemPartnerships with defense agencies, academia, and industry to accelerate commercialization and testing standardsLes’s vision to position the BIC—and the U.S.—as a global leader in energy storage infrastructure and supply-chain resilienceHome - The Battery Innovation CenterLes Alexander

Neil brings over 14 years of expertise building US based energy business's to talk about his collaborative solutions and the changing landscape of the battery energy storage space!

Tal founded Voltaiq in 2012 and is joining us to discuss the growth and journey of Voltaiq! His background as a creative materials engineer, he has a great ability to explain complex problems in a simple and laid back way, enjoy listening to him! (16) Tal Sholklapper | LinkedIn

Curt Collar joins us from Nanotech to talk to us all about their market leading graphene powere batteries! Curtis Collar - Nanotech

A thrilling insight from Natasha about her journey and the rapid evolution of her idea of fuel cell transportation that has led to an extremely exciting business, Ayrton Energy!

Ultrasound devices working to help identify battery defects? A journey from a community college graduate to a director of Engineering? Hear all of that and more here!

Co-Founder of Lumafield joins us to discuss their product portfolio and how he helped them build best in class battery scanning machines!

A great episode highlighting Kris's nomadic journey and how that has positioned him in a perfect way to help ABTC become the leading force they have been within battery recycling extraction and Primary Reource Development! Powering the Future of Sustainable Energy – American Battery Technology Company

Jesse joins us to discuss Sublime Systems & their recent announcements and partnerships to make sustainable cement! I know this is not technically cells, please don't be to hard on me, We are building a podcast (get it, Cement) Home - Sublime Systems

Peter joins us from Glimpse to talk about his journey through Tesla, juggling startup ownership and fatherhood & why Glimpse will make a huge impact on battery technology! Glimpse

Valentin joins us to discuss the growth of his opensource platform that is designed to help battery modeling experts and novices alike across the world!

Daniel Li joins us to talk through his journey within automotive batteries and the impact SES AI will have!

Raj joins to discuss the groundbreaking product that is planned to disrupt the battery market, the difficulties with scaling a startup & more.

Solving the energy crisis with cans of Coca-cola, Ariel Jackson talks us through his journey & his current chalenge as CSO of found energy! A very interesting speaker & a wonderfully intriguing company! Join us at the battery show in Detroit for series 2 in two weeks!

Taylor joins us to discuss her journey of managing the balancing act of having a chemical and business focused input into a business and the journey that brought her to where she is. NANTGPOWER | Working together to create next generation batteries for a sustainable future

Robert joins us from United Kingdon to discuss the future of battery technology and ones to watch!

Andrew joins us this week to talk through his journey as an early-stage tesla employee through to his pathway into academia.

Bob Gowell joins us to talk about the well-established Chinese Na-Ion business and its launch in the USA as Sodium Power. AMANDARRY Company News - News Center - AMANDARRY

Claudiu Bucur joins us from Piersica. Claudiu brings us his unique mindset on what it takes to launch the best battery.