Molyon raises £3.6m to advance lithium-sulphur battery technology.
- Company aims to manufacture at pilot facility for drones and robotics.
- Sulphur is used for higher energy density compared to traditional batteries.
- Funding led by Plural VC and IQ Capital with multiple institutional backers.
- Battery technology innovations are crucial in the shift from fossil fuels.
Molyon, a Cambridge-founded company, has successfully raised £3.6m in a recent funding round. The startup is focused on developing lithium-sulphur batteries, which are noted for their potential to deliver higher energy density compared to the commonly used lithium-ion batteries. This advancement holds promise for making batteries lighter with greater range and recharge capacity.
The newly acquired funding will facilitate the establishment of a pilot manufacturing facility specifically aimed at creating batteries for drones and robotics. The intention is to ultimately extend these advancements to the wider transportation sector, with a focus on reducing the weight and enhancing the efficiency of batteries used in such applications.
Molyon is leveraging the abundant element sulphur, which is expected to alleviate some of the current supply chain challenges associated with materials like nickel, manganese, and cobalt that are vital to traditional battery technology. This approach not only aims to enhance battery performance but also addresses pressing concerns regarding resource availability.
Dr. Ismail Sami, co-founder and CEO of Molyon, emphasised the significance of this development by stating, “The promise of lithium-sulphur batteries has been envisaged for decades but until now it has not been possible to realise this potential because of the inherent chemistry challenges of working with sulphur.” He noted that the use of MoS2 marks a significant milestone in battery innovation.
The investment round was co-led by Plural and IQ Capital and was endorsed by major institutions including the University of Cambridge, the Faraday Institution, and the European Research Council. Plural partner Carina Namih remarked on the impact of Molyon’s technology, highlighting its potential to revolutionise battery applications across various fields such as drones, robots, electric vehicles, and energy storage.
As global efforts intensify to combat climate change, innovations in battery technology are increasingly seen as vital. The progression towards electrification necessitates efficient energy solutions, positioning companies like Molyon at the forefront of this essential transition.
Molyon’s groundbreaking work in battery technology underscores its potential to significantly impact the future of energy storage and usage.