Sionic Energy, a leader in electrolyte and silicon battery technology, has been awarded a $200,000 SuperBoost grant from the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. The funding will accelerate the development and commercialization of Sionic's 100% silicon lithium-ion battery platform, which delivers industry-leading energy density, ultra-fast charging and seamless compatibility with existing battery manufacturing infrastructure.
The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York is led by Binghamton University and includes Cornell, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), Launch NY and C4V. Cornell leads the engine's technology translation pillar through the SuperBoost program. SuperBoost is designed to expedite commercialization timelines, reducing development cycles from five or more years to under two years by providing targeted funding and connections to battery startups. This effort is intended to advance U.S.-based energy storage and bolster economic growth in upstate New York.
As demand for high-performance, sustainable battery solutions grows, Sionic's technology offers an advantage by boosting energy density by up to 42% over conventional lithium-ion batteries while cutting charge times to as little as 10 minutes. By leveraging a proprietary silicon anode and advanced electrolyte system, the platform enhances battery efficiency without requiring costly manufacturing overhauls, ensuring a scalable, cost-effective path to commercialization.
"Sionic's work in silicon anode battery technology is a game-changer for lithium-ion energy density while ensuring fast-charging capability aligns perfectly with the engine's mission to foster breakthrough technologies that can transform the energy storage landscape," said Fernando Gómez-Baquero, director of the engine's translational pillar. "Through SuperBoost, we are helping companies bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization to ultimately strengthen upstate's role as a leader in next-generation mobility solutions."
Sionic Energy was co-founded by Lynden A. Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering and James A. Friend Family Distinguished Professor in Engineering. Archer remains a member of Sionic Energy's board and a supporter of Cornell's involvement in supporting technology development through the engine. Jim Zuidema '88, MBA '94 is the company's Chief Financial Officer.
Zuidema is looking forward to the impact Sionic Energy can make with the help of the engine.
"While graphite has long been the industry standard for battery anodes, silicon promises significantly greater capacity and performance," he said. "Realizing these benefits, however, involves overcoming complex technical hurdles. We have spent the last few years working through these hurdles and with the help from SuperBoost, we are now well positioned to bring the solution to market."
With this funding, the startup will validate and prototype its technology for automotive applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and accelerating its entry into commercial markets.
