Group1.ai, established in late 2021 in Austin, Texas, is a materials engineering company specializing in Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). The company originated from the laboratory of Professor John B. Goodenough, the 2019 Nobel laureate and co-inventor of lithium-ion batteries. Under the leadership of CEO Alexander L. Girau, CSO Yakov Kutsovsky, and CPO Leigang Xue, Group1.ai develops sustainable energy storage solutions that eliminate dependence on critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
Battery Technology
Group1.ai’s flagship innovation is Kristonite™, a 4V cathode material belonging to the Potassium Prussian White (KPW) class. This material enables the production of KIBs that deliver superior charging speeds and enhanced safety compared to traditional lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The technology integrates seamlessly with current lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure, supporting domestic supply chain development.
The company has achieved significant technical milestones, including the development of the world’s first Potassium-ion battery in the standardized 18650 cylindrical format. These batteries utilize commercial graphite anodes, separators, and electrolyte formulations, demonstrating excellent cycle life and discharge capabilities. The design philosophy prioritizes practical implementation, ensuring that manufacturers can adopt the technology without substantial modifications to their existing production lines.
Group1.ai’s battery technology offers distinct advantages in applications where rapid charging and long-term stability are essential. The absence of critical minerals in their design addresses supply chain vulnerabilities while maintaining competitive performance metrics, making them particularly suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and stationary storage applications.
Recent Projects
In August 2024, Group1.ai introduced its breakthrough 18650 Potassium-ion battery, marking a significant advancement in sustainable energy storage. The company began delivering sample batches to major OEMs and cell manufacturers, facilitating industry adoption of their technology.
In June 2023, Group1.ai secured an exclusive technology license agreement with Sharp Corporation, gaining access to Sharp’s patent portfolio for Potassium-based cathode materials. This partnership strengthened their intellectual property position and enhanced their capabilities in developing sustainable KIB solutions.
Investors
Group1.ai has secured approximately $7.5 million in funding from various investors. Notable supporters include Discovery to Impact at The University of Texas at Austin, which invested $250,000 in August 2023 through its Seed Fund. Additional investors include Steel Atlas and Impatient Capital, with potential involvement from Hayman Capital, whose founder Kyle Bass has expressed support for the company’s partnership with UT Austin.
Business Details
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Website: https://group1.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/group1-ai
