When David Mackanic graduated from Stanford University in December 2020, he came away with a great idea. His university mentor had already told him, “David, you have to do this. You have to start this company. This technology is amazing.” But how could David be sure that a polymer electrolyte for all batteries he invented, would actually take wings and fly?
Putting a Foot in The Water With a Polymer Electrolyte
David had already tested the market for collaborators in 2019, via a pitch deck and the research paper we link to below. He had the technology wrapped up in his mind, but he was shy on entrepreneurial skills. He closed the gap by inviting Joe Pap to join him as co-founder and CTO.
An innovation grant from Stanford’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy, provided initial funds for practical support, such as hiring interns and conducting external technology validations. However, it was a $600,000 grant from National Security Innovation Capital, that really got the ball rolling.
“The TomKat Center allowed me to push this technology to a little bit bigger scale,” David explains. “And do research that was more focused on industrialization and commercialization, rather than doing pure fundamental R&D.”
Within four years his company had 35 employees, $20 million in Series A funding, and $43 million in grants and federal support. David and Joe were ready to roll!
More About Their Polymer Electrolyte For All Batteries
“Maybe we should start with how our battery is different,” David suggests. Our polymer electrolyte for all batteries does the same job as the liquid in lithium-ion batteries, except it is neither toxic nor dangerous. And, as we know, making those batteries more powerful decreases their safety further.
“Our technology replaces the liquid electrolyte with a polymer one. This is kind of a stretchy elastic rubber material that goes inside the battery in place of the liquid.
“By replacing the liquid with this polymer, you’re able to improve the safety and life cycle. And also enable the next-generation of higher energy-density batteries. Our technology can help make most batteries better, regardless of the application.”
More Information
New Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte
Electrically Conducting Polymers Shuttle Fast
Preview Image: Founders of Anthro Energy
Link to YouTube Video That We Share Here
