The Battery Innovation Center (BIC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2012 through a public-private partnership in Indiana, USA. As a leading facility for energy storage solutions, BIC bridges the gap between research and commercialization by providing essential services for battery development, testing, and certification. The center serves commercial enterprises, academic institutions, and defense organizations, offering specialized expertise in prototype creation, engineering support, and educational programs. BIC’s commitment to innovation and technology advancement has positioned it as an essential partner for over 400 customers across various sectors, contributing significantly to the growth of the battery industry.
Battery Technology
BIC’s technological capabilities encompass various aspects of battery development and manufacturing. Their advanced cell fabrication facilities include small and large-batch mixing equipment, coating technologies, and manufacturing capabilities for multiple battery types, including coin cells, single-layer cells, and prismatic cells. The center houses the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Battery Energy Storage Test lab (BEST), providing comprehensive validation services for cells and systems.
The center’s recent expansion includes nearly 4,000 square feet of dry room space dedicated to cell manufacturing and assembly. This addition enhances BIC’s ability to support prototype development and low-volume production of advanced battery cells. Their expertise extends to carbon nanotube technology integration, which improves energy and power density in batteries. BIC also specializes in microgrid applications, developing and testing large grid array battery systems for future energy storage solutions.
Recent Projects
In late 2023, BIC announced a significant expansion of its Indianapolis facilities, with new dry room capacity scheduled to begin operations in May 2024. This development includes dedicated incubation areas for companies to optimize their manufacturing processes. The center has also enhanced its educational offerings through collaboration with Vincennes University, launching new courses to address workforce development needs in the battery industry. Additionally, BIC partnered with X-BATT, Semplastics, and Princeton NuEnergy on an innovative energy storage project, supported by a Phase II Small Business Innovation and Research Grant from the Department of Energy.
Investors
BIC operates through partnerships with various stakeholders, including major corporations such as Duke Energy, IBM, Cummins, Delphi, Allison Transmission, and Navistar. Academic partnerships include Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, and Ivy Tech Community College. The center also maintains strong ties with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. While specific financial investors are not publicly disclosed, BIC receives support through government grants and industry collaborations, operating as a non-profit initiative focused on advancing battery technology development.
Business Details
Location: Newberry, Indiana, USA
Website: https://bicindiana.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3820933
