Piersica, Inc. has been awarded a $1 million Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. The grant will support the research and development of a new class of highly conductive solid polymer separator membranes compatible with high-voltage cathodes.
The company’s next-generation solid-state battery aims to extend battery capacity for a wide range of rechargeable products, including mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), and robots. With its high energy density, the technology may also enable new applications such as electric aircraft and long-range electric delivery drones.
Founded by battery industry veteran Dr. Claudiu Bucur, Piersica is pioneering innovative battery technology using proprietary materials. The company’s advancements include:
- A new lithium-conductive polymer
- A highly conductive solid polymer electrolyte layer
- A solid 3D lithium-metal anode layer
- A solid, high-voltage, cobalt-free cathode layer
These innovations aim to deliver a battery with an energy density of 630 Wh/kg, approximately 2.5 times higher than current lithium-ion batteries.
“We are honored to receive NSF’s Phase II grant,” said Claudiu Bucur, CEO of Piersica Inc. “This funding will enable us to further validate our advanced technology and proprietary materials. It marks a critical step as we advance our developmental cells into a multi-layer prototype of our next-generation solid-state battery, which will be ready for demonstration to potential customers in 2025.”
The NSF Phase II grant is the sixth SBIR/STTR award Piersica has received since 2022, totaling $1.9 million in non-dilutive capital. In April 2024, the company also received a grant from the Shell GameChanger program, in which it remains an active participant.
About NSF’s Small Business Programs
America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF awards $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Startups working across nearly all areas of science and technology can receive up to $2 million to support research and development, helping de-risk technology for commercial success.
About Piersica, Inc.
Piersica is an innovative solid-state battery technology company specializing in the development of ultra-high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. With a strong foundation in research and a commitment to sustainability, the company aims to lead the transition to a greener future through advanced battery solutions. Piersica develops batteries with proprietary new materials and utilizes technologies that offer higher voltage, greater storage capacity, and faster charging capabilities for a variety of existing rechargeable products and future applications.
Source: BusinessWire
