ADVANO

Founded in 2016 and based in New Orleans, ADVANO specializes in silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Their proprietary REALSi™ technology boosts energy density, performance, and cost-efficiency, enabling advancements in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.

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ADVANO, founded in 2016 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a battery technology company specializing in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The company focuses on improving the performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability of Li-ion batteries, which are essential for applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. ADVANO’s goal is to address the increasing demand for better battery performance while reducing production costs. Its innovative approach involves using silicon as an anode material, which offers significantly higher energy density compared to traditional graphite. With a commitment to safety, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, ADVANO is positioning itself as a significant contributor to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Battery Technology

ADVANO’s core innovation lies in its use of silicon anode materials to enhance the energy density of Li-ion batteries. Traditional graphite anodes have limitations in energy storage capacity, but silicon offers approximately nine times the energy density, enabling batteries to store more power and last longer. The company’s proprietary technology, branded as REALSi™, integrates highly engineered silicon active materials into existing Li-ion battery designs as a “drop-in” solution. This allows manufacturers to improve battery performance without requiring major changes to their production processes.

REALSi™ is designed to mitigate the challenges commonly associated with silicon anodes, such as mechanical stress and electrode degradation during charging and discharging cycles. By creating a porous and conductive architecture, ADVANO’s technology accommodates the volume changes of silicon, ensuring better cycle stability and faster charging capabilities. Additionally, the company emphasizes sustainability by using metallurgical-grade silicon, which is widely available and cost-effective, and by avoiding the use of hazardous materials like silane gas.

ADVANO’s solutions are scalable and compatible with established manufacturing practices, making them accessible to a wide range of industries. The company’s focus on cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility aligns with the growing need for sustainable energy storage solutions. Its technology not only enhances the performance of Li-ion batteries but also supports the transition to cleaner energy systems, particularly in the EV sector.

Recent Projects

In recent developments, ADVANO has made significant progress in scaling its production capabilities. The company has commissioned an industrial pilot plant in New Orleans East, which began operations in 2024. This facility, equipped with commercial-grade equipment, demonstrates the scalability of ADVANO’s silicon anode materials and accelerates the production of REALSi™. The plant’s location near NASA’s Michoud Assembly Center underscores the company’s commitment to establishing a robust domestic supply chain for advanced battery materials.

ADVANO has also strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of industry veterans Jim Stonecipher as Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Sung H. Lim as Chief Technology Officer. Their expertise is instrumental in transitioning ADVANO’s proprietary production methodologies from the laboratory to industrial-scale manufacturing. These advancements position the company to meet its target of delivering 3,000 tons of REALSi™ by 2026 and scaling production to 20,000 tons by 2030.

Investors

ADVANO has secured significant financial support from a diverse group of investors. The company’s Series A funding round was co-led by Mitsui Kinzoku SBI Material Innovation Fund, Tony Fadell’s Future Shape, and PeopleFund. Other notable participants include Peter Thiel’s Thiel Capital, DCVC, and Y Combinator. ADVANO has also raised $20.8 million in debt financing to further support its growth and commercialization efforts. These investments enable the company to accelerate its research and development, expand production capabilities, and bring its innovative battery materials to market.