Ilika plc is a leading innovator in solid-state battery technology, with a focus on applications in transportation and healthcare. Founded in 2004 as a spin-out from the University of Southampton, the company has established itself as a key player in the battery market. Ilika’s headquarters are in Romsey, UK, and it operates facilities in the UK, USA, and Japan. The company develops and manufactures solid-state batteries, offering solutions that aim to enhance safety, efficiency, and performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Ilika’s products are designed for specific markets, including electric vehicles (EVs), medical devices, and industrial IoT sensors. Its mission is to drive innovation in energy storage, enabling advancements in critical sectors like transportation and healthcare.
Battery Technology
Ilika specializes in solid-state battery (SSB) technology, which replaces the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with a ceramic-oxide electrolyte. This design provides significant safety advantages, eliminating flammability and reducing failure risks. The company’s battery portfolio includes two main product lines: Goliath and Stereax.
- Goliath Batteries are large-format solid-state batteries designed for EVs and consumer electronics. Using a silicon anode and oxide electrolyte, these batteries simplify packaging, cooling systems, and battery management, offering lighter weight, higher energy density, and faster charging. The Goliath D5 prototype has demonstrated superior safety, passing rigorous tests like nail penetration without catching fire or exploding.
- Stereax Batteries are micro-format solid-state batteries tailored for medical implants and IoT devices. These batteries offer miniaturization, non-toxic properties, and high energy density, making them ideal for “fit and forget” applications. Stereax batteries are already commercially viable through a licensing agreement with Cirtec Medical, enabling use in pacemakers, neurostimulation devices, and smart orthopedics.
Ilika’s solid-state technology is positioned to address challenges in EV adoption and medical device reliability, offering safer, more efficient alternatives to traditional battery systems.
Recent Projects
In recent developments, Ilika has made progress with its Goliath and Stereax batteries. The Goliath D5 prototype successfully demonstrated a 300 °C lower failure temperature compared to lithium-ion cells, passing safety tests and moving closer to commercial readiness. Upgraded prototypes are expected in 2025, with customer evaluations planned later that year.
For Stereax batteries, Ilika has commissioned manufacturing equipment at Cirtec Medical’s facility in Lowell, Massachusetts. Process qualification is underway, with commercial sales anticipated in 2025. Additionally, Ilika is working on the SISTEM project, a £2.7 million program to build an automated assembly line for EV cells, upgrading production capacity to approximately 1.5 MWh per year. These advancements reflect Ilika’s strategy to scale up manufacturing and validate its solid-state batteries in real-world applications.
Investors
Ilika has attracted investment from several notable entities, including IP Group, Nomura Holdings, Invesco Perpetual, Artemis Investment Management, and St Peter Port Capital. These investors have supported Ilika’s growth and development in solid-state battery technology. The company has raised funds through venture capital, an IPO in 2010, and subsequent placings in 2012, 2018, and 2020. With a robust patent portfolio of 62 patents and an asset-light business model, Ilika continues to position itself as a key player in the solid-state battery market.
Locations
Ilika plc is headquartered in Romsey, UK, with additional operations in the UK, USA, and Japan. The company maintains a strong online presence, providing detailed information about its products, leadership, and governance practices. Through its innovative solid-state battery technology, Ilika is shaping the future of energy storage in transportation and healthcare.
Headquarters: Romsey, UK
Website: https://ilika.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilika-plc/
