SOLiTHOR

SOLiTHOR specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of solid-state lithium battery technology. The company was founded in September 2021 by Huw Hampson-Jones and Dr. Fanny Bardé and became fully operational in early 2022. It was established as a spin-off from imec, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, building on ten years of patented research.

Dr. Bardé, an expert in battery technology, serves as the Chief Technology Officer, while Hampson-Jones, former CEO of Oxis Energy, initially served as CEO. In May 2022, SOLiTHOR secured €10 million (approximately $10.4 million) in a seed funding round led by imec.xpand, with participation from LRM, Nuhma, and FPIM. This capital is intended to advance the technology to enable the further electrification of the transport industry.

The company's core technology centers on a nano-Solid Composite Electrolyte (nano-SCE) and a nano-anode, which aim to improve energy density, charging speeds, and safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This technology is designed to be compatible with existing Li-ion battery manufacturing processes, facilitating rapid and low-cost industrialization. The firm targets the aviation, urban air mobility, maritime, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Its business model is based on the commercial development, production, and sale of its advanced battery cells to partners in these markets.

Recent milestones include achieving 1,000 charge-discharge cycles with over 80% capacity retention in its prototypes, a key performance indicator for the aviation and maritime sectors. SOLiTHOR has established a Centre of Excellence for solid-state battery systems in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, and operates from the EnergyVille R&D hub. Keywords: solid-state batteries, lithium metal, electromobility, energy storage, aviation technology, maritime technology, battery manufacturing, nano-electrolyte, energy density, battery safety