Cellerate is a UK-based company specializing in innovative automated systems for battery research, production, and scale-up, with a focus on streamlining cell assembly and quality control processes. Headquartered in Manchester, the firm serves global clients across academia, government, and industry, offering equipment that accelerates battery development from lab experiments to commercial manufacturing. Their technologies reduce labor-intensive tasks, minimize human error, and improve throughput, enabling precise, scalable production of battery formats like coin cells, single-layer pouch cells, and multi-layer pouch cells.
By addressing critical gaps in the midstream battery value chain, Cellerate helps bridge the gap between R&D and industrial-scale output, supporting breakthroughs in energy storage efficiency and reliability. The company’s partnerships with institutions such as the University of Manchester and CPI (Centre for Process Innovation) highlight its collaborative approach to advancing automated manufacturing standards and sustainable battery technology.
Battery Technology
Cellerate’s core products revolve around automated systems designed to optimize battery cell assembly and quality control. Their flagship solutions include the Cell Assembly & Sealing System, which automates the creation of coin cells and single-layer pouch cells for material testing and quality assurance. For advanced applications, the Multi-Layer Pouch Cell Assembly System provides a flexible platform adaptable to evolving cell designs, saving laboratory space while maintaining precision.
Key technologies include:
- Laser Processing: UV (355 nm) and picosecond pulsed lasers are deployed for cutting and de-coating battery electrodes with minimal thermal damage, enhancing material integrity and cell performance.
- Quality Control Integration: Systems embed data capture features, recording process parameters, images, and other metrics to ensure traceability and statistical consistency, vital for scaling production.
- Modular Design: Fully adjustable automation frameworks enable compatibility with a range of cell sizes and types, while bespoke solutions address specific manufacturing needs.
The company’s design-of-experiments (DOE) approach, often in collaboration with partners like the National Physical Laboratory, refines parameters such as laser power and scan speed to maximize processing efficacy. These advancements minimize defects in electrode fabrication and ensure high repeatability in cell assembly.
Recent Projects
From March 2024 to April 2025, Cellerate advanced multiple initiatives to support battery manufacturing innovation. Notable efforts include:
- Laser-Processing Optimization: Enhanced precision in UV and picosecond laser systems reduced defects during electrode and separator cutting, improving cell assembly yields.
- Automation Scalability: Development of adaptable systems supported lab-to-gigafactory transitions, aiding clients in ramping up production efficiency.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with the University of Manchester and the National Physical Laboratory focused on standardizing quality control protocols and scaling novel battery chemistries for commercial viability. These strides align with global demand for reliable, high-volume battery manufacturing in the EV and renewable energy sectors.
Investors
In March 2024, Cellerate secured £100,000 in funding through NPIF – River & GC Microfinance, managed in partnership with GC Business Finance and River Capital under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. This investment fueled ongoing innovation in automation systems and quality control tooling.
Business Details
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.cellerate.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69713822
