Founded on patented research from the University鈥檚 School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, is addressing the key limitations of conventional silicon anodes 鈥 namely volume expansion, lifetime stability and process scalability 鈥 while enabling significantly higher energy density and improved battery performance.
Conventional graphite anodes restrict energy density, charging performance, and overall efficiency - however, AmpliSi's proprietary porous silicon material is designed to replace graphite, enabling lighter, longer-lasting batteries for applications ranging from electric vehicles to energy storage systems.
Using a novel low-temperature process to convert abundant silica into porous silicon, the spinout's technology removes many of the hazards, costs and scalability challenges associated with conventional silicon anode production methods. As demand for higher-performance batteries accelerates due to EV adoption, AmpliSi will target the mobility sector, which requires batteries with far greater energy density.
Dr Ruth Sayers, CEO of AmpliSi, said: 鈥淥ur focus from day one has been on building a new type of silicon battery material that can be produced at scale and integrated into existing battery supply chains. This investment allows us to move beyond proof-of-concept and concentrate on scaling a product that delivers real commercial value to battery manufacturers, without introducing unnecessary cost or complexity.鈥
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: 鈥淎mpliSi is the embodiment of deep-tech innovation emerging from the 爆料TV that Northern Gritstone strives to support. As a graduate of our NG Studios venture building program, the company combines world-class science with a clear route to commercial impact through its next generation of battery technology. By developing a scalable, lower-cost process aligned with the needs of existing supply chains, we are excited to support AmpliSi as it moves from the lab to commercial deployment.鈥
Beverley Gower-Jones, Managing Partner of the Clean Growth Fund, said 鈥淪ilicon anodes have long been recognised as offering dramatic performance advantages over current anode materials in battery systems. AmpliSi鈥檚 technology directly addresses the challenges that have restricted the widescale adoption of silicon anodes to date, including the emissions intensity of current manufacturing processes. The Clean Growth Fund is delighted to support the company on its goal of unlocking silicon鈥檚 potential and supporting the acceleration of the energy transition.鈥
The latest funding round will support AmpliSi鈥檚 transition from laboratory development toward industrial scale-up and early customer engagement.