6K Inc., based in North Andover, Massachusetts, is a cutting-edge technology company focused on sustainable manufacturing of advanced materials. Through its proprietary UniMelt® microwave-based plasma platform, the organization is reshaping material production across industries such as renewable energy, additive manufacturing, aerospace, and consumer electronics. With additional production facilities in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, 6K Inc. is committed to addressing modern manufacturing and environmental challenges by supporting efficient processes that reduce resource consumption while delivering high-performance materials.
UniMelt technology allows for rapid production in seconds rather than days, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and a contamination-free output. By creating value from recycled materials like scrap metal and used batteries, 6K Inc. promotes a circular economy that reduces dependency on scarce resources, addressing sustainability concerns in critical sectors, including electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage. Their efforts position them as an innovator in creating advanced materials that meet today’s industrial demands responsibly.
Battery Technology
6K Energy, a division of 6K Inc., is advancing the production of sustainable battery-grade materials for applications like EVs, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. By utilizing the UniMelt® platform, the company produces cathode active materials (CAM) such as Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) with unmatched precision and environmental responsibility. Unlike traditional production methods that may take several days and consume significant amounts of energy and water, UniMelt reduces production time to mere seconds while cutting water usage by over 90% and lowering energy consumption significantly.
Additionally, their processes generate minimal solid or liquid waste, resulting in up to a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For applications like EV batteries, 6K Energy produces single-crystal cathode materials, known for durability, longer life cycles, and enhanced safety. The company is also exploring advanced battery components such as silicon-dominant anodes and solid-state electrolytes, which promise to improve charging times, energy density, and safety.
In partnership with Aqua Metals, 6K Energy is developing a domestic circular supply chain to reduce reliance on international sources for critical minerals. At their PlusCAM facility in Jackson, Tennessee, recycled battery materials such as nickel and lithium carbonate are used as feedstock for the production of high-quality CAM. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but ensures a reliable and localized supply chain for the U.S. battery industry.
Recent Projects
In the past year, 6K Inc. has continued to expand its reach and capabilities with several notable developments. The company raised $82 million as part of its Series E funding round to scale up production capacity for IRA-compliant CAM at its PlusCAM facility. This plant, capable of producing up to one ton per month of CAM, is designed to meet the growing demand for EV and storage batteries in a more environmentally friendly manner.
In collaboration with Albemarle Corporation, 6K Inc. entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to create innovative lithium battery materials. By utilizing UniMelt technology, this partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70%, minimize water usage, and eliminate wastewater. The company also strengthened its executive team in 2024 with the appointment of Dr. Saurabh Ullal as CEO and the addition of industry veterans to its board.
Investors
6K Inc. has received investments from a wide array of prominent venture capital and strategic firms. Among the key backers are Anzu Partners, Energy Impact Partners, LaunchCapital, Material Impact, and Volta Energy Technologies. Leading its Series C funding round, Volta Energy Technologies played a significant role in fostering the company’s growth. New investors such as Catalus Capital and S Cap/Prithvi Ventures joined this effort, further enabling the company’s expansion.
The Series E funding round in 2024, totaling $82 million, reinforced investor confidence in 6K’s initiatives, with strong participation from existing investors. This funding underscores the trust and support from the investment community in 6K Inc.’s focus on sustainable material production and long-term innovation.
Location: North Andover, Massachusetts, USA
Website: https://6Kinc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6k-inc/
