UNIGRID Battery is a San Diego-based technology company specializing in sodium-ion battery development. Founded in 2021 as a University of California San Diego spin-off, UNIGRID creates advanced energy storage solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The company’s foundation builds on extensive Ph.D. research by co-founders Dr. Darren H. S. Tan and Dr. Erik A. Wu, conducted under the guidance of renowned battery researchers Prof. Zheng Chen and Prof. Shirley Meng. UNIGRID’s focus on sodium-ion technology offers a practical alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, addressing critical issues in the energy storage sector through innovative solutions that eliminate the need for rare earth materials.
Battery Technology
UNIGRID’s sodium-ion battery technology represents a significant advancement in energy storage solutions. The company’s proprietary alloy anode technology successfully addresses traditional energy density limitations, achieving higher volumetric energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing infrastructure, enabling efficient production scaling without requiring specialized equipment.
- Enhanced safety through non-flammable solid-state design
- Superior performance across wide temperature ranges
- Sustainable materials excluding lithium, cobalt, and nickel
- Cost-effective production using abundant resources
- Closed-loop recycling capability
UNIGRID’s batteries serve both stationary energy storage and electric mobility applications. The stationary solutions cater to residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations, while mobility applications include light electric vehicles, passenger vehicles, and off-highway equipment.
Recent Projects
In January 2025, UNIGRID established a significant partnership with Sodion Energy, securing a 10 MWh supply agreement for the Southeast Asian market. This collaboration marks a substantial step in expanding UNIGRID’s presence in international markets.
The company joined the prestigious CalTestBed Cohort in August 2024, gaining access to world-class laboratory facilities for advanced testing and validation of their technologies. These developments demonstrate UNIGRID’s continuous progress in commercializing their sodium-ion battery technology.
Investors
UNIGRID has attracted substantial investment from prominent venture capital firms. In 2024, the company completed a $12 million Series A funding round, co-led by Transition VC and Ritz Venture Capital, with participation from Union Square Ventures. LG Technology Ventures provided additional investment support, strengthening UNIGRID’s market position. Foothill Ventures, an existing investor, continues to support the company’s growth initiatives.
Business Details
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Website: https://unigridbattery.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/92573907
