Electrochemistry Foundry partners with Top Material, Sepion Technologies, Anthro Energy, Sylvatex, Project K, and Arkema to launch battery innovation hub in California

Electrochemistry Foundry (ECF), a California-based nonprofit backed by a $28 million grant from the California Energy Commission, launched a partnership initiative to establish a 20,000-square-foot open-access pilot manufacturing facility for battery and electrochemical technologies in Hayward, California. The facility, expected to host its first users in Q1 2027, will produce at least 10,000 cells annually in both pouch and cylindrical formats, targeting early- and mid-stage battery startups. ECF has secured five initial customers, including Sepion Technologies, Anthro Energy, Sylvatex, Project K, and Arkema, with South Korean battery manufacturer Top Material operating the pilot line for its first two years. The nonprofit operates as an IP-neutral innovation hub, allowing researchers to refine cell assembly and process scale-up without relinquishing commercial stakes in their technologies. By providing shared infrastructure and entrepreneurial support, ECF aims to bridge the pilot-scale gap in battery manufacturing, enabling startups to scale their technologies and attract private capital or acquisition opportunities.

Counterparts (7)

Partner

Anthro Energy

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Alameda, California-based battery technology company developing advanced electrolyte solutions for next-generation batteries, including structural and high-energy-density applications for consumer electronics, micromobility, defense, and automotive sectors.

Sylvatex

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California-based advanced materials technology company developing precursor-free battery materials production processes to reduce capital costs and support domestic supply chains for energy storage, electric vehicles, and defense systems.

Arkema

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Colombes, France-based specialty materials company designing innovative and sustainable materials for industries including adhesives, coatings, batteries, hydrogen, and renewable energy applications.

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Top Material

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Sepion Technologies

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Alameda, CA-based materials science company developing advanced coated separators for lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries to improve EV energy density, safety, and cost efficiency through proprietary polymer chemistry and machine-learning-driven materials discovery.

Lender

California Energy Commission

company · 1 deals

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It plays a critical role in developing and implementing energy efficiency standards, promoting renewable energy sources, and supporting energy innovation to meet California's climate and energy goals.

Developer

Electrochemistry Foundry

company · 1 deals

Hayward-based battery innovation and pilot manufacturing facility providing shared infrastructure and expertise to scale electrochemical technologies from lab to commercial production. Backed by a $28M California Energy Commission award, targeting Q4 2026 launch with initial pilot capacity for 2027.