How can the latest energy innovations and battery discoveries move from an idea in a university lab to a product in the world? The University of Chicago’s Energy Transition Network is working to help solve that challenge. The Network brings together University scholars conducting fundamental research with early-stage startups and major corporations to develop the products and talent pipeline of tomorrow.
After launching last year with three industry partners—Thermo Fisher Scientific, SES AI and MTI Corporation—the Network is now expanding to include Ensurge Micropower, UNIGRID Battery and South 8.
“Universities serve as incredibly powerful incubators for talent and ideas—but to allow that talent and those ideas to make an impact in the world, we need to go beyond our walls,” says co-director Shirley Meng, director of the Energy Technologies Initiative and the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering in the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). “This Network builds bridges with our friends at national laboratories and with industry partners to solve the real challenges companies face today as we transition to our renewable future.”
Meng leads the Network with Laura Gagliardi, the Richard and Kathy Leventhal Professor in the Department of Chemistry and PME. Through the Network, researchers and member companies work together to scope and facilitate research projects, host thematic workshops and events, foster workforce development through internships and career opportunities, and engage in other collaborative ideation around enabling the clean energy transition.
“Joining the Energy Transition Network enables Ensurge to accelerate our materials roadmap, tap into top talent, and explore cutting-edge uses for AI in our battery manufacturing processes,” says Arvind Kamath, Executive Vice President Technology Development at Ensurge Micropower. “We’re excited to collaborate with world-class researchers and industry leaders to drive real-world impact and innovation.”
Jungwoo Lee, CEO and co-founder of South 8, says: “A strong connection between academic laboratories and industry is crucial to bridge world-class innovation to real-world applications. South 8 is excited to partner with ETN and support the capabilities being developed at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. Access to the cutting edge research, novel computation and analysis techniques, along with top talent will help South 8 continue to take lithium-ion places it’s never gone before.”
—Article originally appeared on the Energy Technologies Initiative website