NanoGraf develops patented silicon-anode technology designed to enable long-lasting, high-energy, and high-power lithium-ion batteries. The company works with more than 50 companies across consumer electronics, household appliances, and power tools, and counts over 12 strategic partners in electric mobility. Led by CEO Dr. Francis Wang, NanoGraf is a spinout of Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory and is based in Chicago, IL. It recently secured a $10M contract from the U.S. government to build a large-volume silicon oxide anode manufacturing facility in the Midwest. NanoGraf raised $65M in a Series B to accelerate growth, expand operations, and broaden its business reach. The company plans to use the proceeds to scale manufacturing and commercial partnerships. NanoGraf develops a patented graphene-wrapped silicon anode battery material aimed at improving performance and runtime of lithium-ion cells for applications from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and grid storage. The company’s core product is a silicon-anode material designed to deliver higher energy and power than traditional graphite anodes. NanoGraf has positioned the technology for use across next-generation batteries and is a spinout of Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory. In July 2020 the company announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop silicon anode–based lithium-ion cells compatible with portable batteries. The DoD award underlines NanoGraf’s near-term plan to demonstrate substantial runtime gains and meet military-grade operating requirements. Financially, the company received a $1.65 million SBIR grant to fund this development work. SiNode Systems is a Chicago, IL‑based energy startup led by CEO Samir Mayekar. The company developed an advanced battery material—a silicon and graphene layered structure—originating at Northwestern University. Its technology is designed to increase the amount of energy a battery for cell phones and portable electronics can store and to enable faster charging. SiNode received an investment from Energy Foundry to accelerate development of this technology. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed. No operating metrics or additional financing details were reported in the article.

Total raised

$67M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Feb 2023