Founded in 2022 as an affiliate of Canadian firm HPQ Silicon, Novacium SAS is a materials science startup driving advancements in energy storage and sustainable resource management. Headquartered in Solaize, France, Novacium focuses on innovating next-generation materials solutions to boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries and enable scalable green hydrogen production. The team, led by three materials engineers—Jed Kraiem, Julien Dégoulange, and Oleksiy Nichiporuk—works at the Site AXEL’ONE innovation hub.
Novacium’s silicon-anode battery technology significantly enhances energy density compared to conventional graphite anodes, while its patented process for converting aluminum waste into hydrogen feedstock addresses environmental and economic challenges in industrial recycling. By aligning with strategic partners, including HPQ Silicon, Novacium aims to accelerate the shift to net-zero systems across industries like electric vehicles, defense, and grid storage.
Battery Technology
At the core of Novacium’s work is its silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Its latest iteration (Gen3) produces 18650-size cells exceeding 4,000 mAh capacity, retaining 80% efficiency after 1,000 cycles—outperforming traditional cells by 18% in capacity and 31% in energy output. The Coulombic efficiency of 99.88% in Gen3 validates its stability and longevity. Gen4 targets even higher capacities (over 4,300 mAh) while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.
Novacium’s anodes blend 10% silicon-oxide (SiOx) with graphite, minimizing the need for facility overhauls and enabling rapid commercial scaling. This approach reduces costs for manufacturers, a critical factor in battery tech adoption. Applications span electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and military systems, including high-capacity batteries for unmanned drones and tactical communications. The materials also improve cycle life, extending the operational lifespan of energy systems and reducing waste.
Recent Projects
Recent advancements include a collaboration with France’s military technical office (STAT, part of the French Army) to design ultra-high-capacity batteries for defense systems like anti-drone networks and surveillance equipment. Prototypes using Gen3 (and Gen4 if ready) are scheduled for testing by Q1 2025.
In February 2025, HPQ Silicon raised its equity stake in Novacium from 20% to 28.4%, reflecting confidence in the startup’s innovations.
The company also moved forward with its hydrogen initiative by refining a process that repurposes toxic aluminum waste (black dross) into hydrogen production feedstock. This approach eliminates landfill costs for aluminum recyclers and creates revenue through hydrogen generation. A provisional patent was filed for this process, signaling progress in circular economy solutions.
Investors
Novacium’s strategic partnerships underpin its growth. Parent company HPQ Silicon expanded its ownership stake to 28.4% by early 2025, aligning interests with its parent’s material supply chain. Founders also hold equity in HPQ, fostering unified development goals across both entities.
In late 2023, the French Bank of Public Investments (BPI) provided a €90,000 grant to support R&D into novel industrial partnerships and sustainability frameworks. These steps bolster Novacium’s ability to scale production and commercialize its technologies.
Business Details
Location: Solaize, France
Website: https://novacium.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98038200
