Latest news with #Sicona
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Sicona's fast-charging battery tech to be developed by Himadri in India
A breakthrough Australian technology that promises 40 per cent faster charging times for lithium batteries has attracted interest from overseas. Wollongong startup Sicona has licensed the rights to its technology, SiCx, to Indian chemicals company Himadri. The product is a silicon carbon anode that is added to lithium-ion batteries to improve efficiency. As part of the deal, Himadri will make a $15 million investment in the Wollongong business and will have the right to create its own facility producing the product in India. "The revenue that it will generate for us in terms of royalties is in the tens of millions of dollars that will flow over quite a long period." In the initial stages, Himadri's investment will allow the Wollongong company to expand its laboratory operations in the Illawarra and employ more staff. In the long term, Himadri's plan to build its own manufacturing facility producing Sicona's product will form the blueprint for the Australian company establishing its own facility elsewhere, most likely in the US. Previously, Mr Jordaan has spoken out about the difficulty in setting up manufacturing facilities in Australia, forcing home-grown ideas into development overseas. "The Australian government needs to incentivise local manufacturing, as other governments like the US [have] ... there is a lot of protectionist trade policy being implemented." Mr Jordaan said not having to build a large, first-of-its-kind manufacturing facility would allow Sicona to learn from Himadri's experience. "This is a very neat way to overcome that challenge for us to get our first commercial-scale operation … our vision is to become the largest producer of these materials globally. "Over time, that means we want to build and operate ourselves and while we have that intention in the US already, we're looking at other opportunities … to build globally." Sicona previously proposed a commercial-scale lithium-ion battery factory in the Illawarra suburb of Shellharbour. Lithium-ion batteries have many uses, but they all have a cathode positive side and an anode negative side. The cathode side has materials like nickel, cobalt and manganese, while the anode is predominantly graphite. When Sicona's product was mixed in with an anode's graphite, Mr Jordaan said the impact was significant. "It boosts the storage capacity of the battery overall," he said. There are a number of sectors driving the need for better-quality lithium-ion batteries. Examples include artificial intelligence in personal devices that use batteries, militaries using autonomous drones, the development of humanoid robots and electric vehicles. "What I've observed in China most recently is almost every new vehicle that you find on the road is electric," Mr Jordaan said. "Artificial intelligence is driving higher power requirements for other devices, including mobile phones, laptops and robots. "All of that requires denser and better batteries … and is driving huge demand for our product and our technology."
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Sicona Signs Transformational Licensing Agreement with Himadri to Scale SiCx® Production
AU$15M investment to accelerate global commercialisation of SiCx® anode technology SYDNEY, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sicona, a leading innovator in next-generation battery materials, today announced a landmark strategic partnership and technology licensing agreement with Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (BSE: 500184 | NSE: HSCL), one of the foremost specialty chemical conglomerates in India. The deal includes AU$15 million cornerstone investment by Himadri and marks a pivotal milestone in the commercialisation of Sicona's flagship Silicon Carbon anode material, SiCx ®. The proceeds will be used to expand Sicona's pilot plant operations in Australia and scale up production to meet surging demand for sampling materials from major global cell manufacturers who service the electric vehicle (EV), 3C (consumer electronics, communications and computers), defence and space industries, who are actively qualifying SiCx ® for next-generation battery platforms. Licensing Deal Overview: Accelerating Global Production Under the agreement, Himadri will licence the full suite of intellectual property required to establish and operate a SiCx® production facility in India. The plant, which will be fully funded by Himadri, is being fast-tracked to meet rising global demand. Sales from the facility will be targeted primarily in the automotive sector—positioning Himadri and Sicona at the centre of global EV supply chains. "This deal is transformative for Sicona," said Christiaan Jordaan, CEO and Co-Founder of Sicona. "This partnership enables us to commercialise SiCx® at an unprecedented speed and scale, without shouldering the burden of the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) facility funding alone." Himadri's manufacturing pedigree and global reach make them the ideal partner." Strategic Benefits: Cost-Effective Global Commercialisation For Sicona, this licensing model offers a capital-light pathway to revenue generation, accelerating its timeline to commercial scale production. Royalties from SiCx ® sales in India will provide a steady income stream, while Sicona focuses on delivering its own large-scale facilities—cementing Sicona's position as a global leader in Silicon Carbon (Si/C) anode materials. "This partnership proves that early-stage climate tech startups can overcome the challenges of FOAK commercialisation with the right partners," Jordaan added. "We're now laser-focused on delivering the facilities in India and the USA." SiCx® Technology Edge Sicona's SiCx ® is a non-silane, mechanical Silicon Carbon material that delivers industry-leading electrochemical performance. Unlike silane-based products, which rely on expensive, volatile and emissions-intensive gas processes, Sicona's proprietary method uses inert and safe raw materials, allowing for location-agnostic manufacturing and competitive pricing. Furthermore, SiCx® makes no compromise in key specifications and performance. SiCx ® has been engineered to directly tackle two major barriers to EV adoption: limited range and long charge times. When blended with graphite (typically in proportions of 5–20%+), SiCx ® boosts energy density by over 20% and cuts charge times by more than 40%, all while maintaining compatibility with today's lithium-ion battery manufacturing lines. These improvements contribute meaningfully to reducing carbon emissions in transport, while also diversifying the critical minerals supply chain away from high-risk, concentrated regions and inputs. Himadri: A World-Class Manufacturing Partner With over 30 years of manufacturing excellence, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd brings deep experience, robust infrastructure and global distribution capabilities to the partnership. Operating eight zero-liquid discharge pitch facilities and with product availability in around 56 countries, Himadri has established itself as a key player in the advanced materials value chain. "This collaboration marks a turning point in the world's advanced battery materials journey," said Mr. Anurag Choudhary, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. "Sicona's SiCx ® delivers two core advantages—higher energy density for longer driving range, and faster charging capability that dramatically reduces wait time for EV users." "By integrating Sicona's technological might with Himadri's global scale and operational excellence, we are creating a blueprint for innovation-led clean energy leadership. We are throwing all our resources behind this project to get it operational on an accelerated timeline." Global Impact: From Pilot Plant to Global Leader This agreement is the latest in a string of strategic milestones for Sicona, which recently announced plans to build a 6,500tpa commercial production facility in the southeastern United States with long-term plans to expand capacity there to 26,500 tpa on a single site. With demand from EV manufacturers continuing to surge, Sicona is now positioned to scale rapidly across three continents—leveraging both direct operations and high-value partnerships to drive global impact. "We thank Himadri for their unwavering belief in our team, our technology, and our mission," said Jordaan. "Despite challenging capital markets, we are forging ahead, delivering on our goal to be the largest global producer of Si/C materials. This is how we win in climate tech, through smart partnerships, fast execution, and solutions that scale globally." About Sicona Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Wollongong, Australia, Sicona is a next-generation battery materials company developing and commercializing advanced Silicon Carbon (Si/C) anode materials. SiCx®, Sicona's flagship product, delivers breakthrough energy density and charging speed for lithium-ion batteries at industry leading cost and scale. Sicona's mission is delivering high-performance battery materials at mass-market scale, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. About Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd is a global speciality chemical conglomerate with a strong focus on research and development (R&D), innovation and sustainability. As pioneer in the production of lithium-ion battery materials in India, it continuously develops and innovates raw materials of lithium-ion battery value chain. It's diverse product portfolio includes speciality carbon black, coal tar pitch, refined naphthalene, advance materials, SNF, speciality oils, clean power, etc. catering to various industries such as lithium-ion batteries, paints, plastics, tyres, technical rubber goods, aluminium, graphite electrodes, agrochemicals, defence and construction chemicals. Himadri operates in both domestic and international markets, with its products available in around 56 countries across the globe. With a strong commitment to corporate governance, safety and sustainability, it has 8 zero-liquid discharge manufacturing facilities and utilizes in-house clean power for 100% of its electrical energy needs. Himadri is a people first organization and is making a positive impact on the industry, both in India and globally through its focus on innovation fuelled by extensive R&D, new business opportunities and sustainability.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sicona Signs Transformational Licensing Agreement with Himadri to Scale SiCx® Production
AU$15M investment to accelerate global commercialisation of SiCx® anode technology SYDNEY, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sicona, a leading innovator in next-generation battery materials, today announced a landmark strategic partnership and technology licensing agreement with Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (BSE: 500184 | NSE: HSCL), one of the foremost specialty chemical conglomerates in India. The deal includes AU$15 million cornerstone investment by Himadri and marks a pivotal milestone in the commercialisation of Sicona's flagship Silicon Carbon anode material, SiCx®. The proceeds will be used to expand Sicona's pilot plant operations in Australia and scale up production to meet surging demand for sampling materials from major global cell manufacturers who service the electric vehicle (EV), 3C (consumer electronics, communications and computers), defence and space industries, who are actively qualifying SiCx® for next-generation battery platforms. Licensing Deal Overview: Accelerating Global Production Under the agreement, Himadri will licence the full suite of intellectual property required to establish and operate a SiCx® production facility in India. The plant, which will be fully funded by Himadri, is being fast-tracked to meet rising global demand. Sales from the facility will be targeted primarily in the automotive sector—positioning Himadri and Sicona at the centre of global EV supply chains. "This deal is transformative for Sicona," said Christiaan Jordaan, CEO and Co-Founder of Sicona. "This partnership enables us to commercialise SiCx® at an unprecedented speed and scale, without shouldering the burden of the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) facility funding alone." Himadri's manufacturing pedigree and global reach make them the ideal partner." Strategic Benefits: Cost-Effective Global Commercialisation For Sicona, this licensing model offers a capital-light pathway to revenue generation, accelerating its timeline to commercial scale production. Royalties from SiCx® sales in India will provide a steady income stream, while Sicona focuses on delivering its own large-scale facilities—cementing Sicona's position as a global leader in Silicon Carbon (Si/C) anode materials. "This partnership proves that early-stage climate tech startups can overcome the challenges of FOAK commercialisation with the right partners," Jordaan added. "We're now laser-focused on delivering the facilities in India and the USA." SiCx® Technology Edge Sicona's SiCx® is a non-silane, mechanical Silicon Carbon material that delivers industry-leading electrochemical performance. Unlike silane-based products, which rely on expensive, volatile and emissions-intensive gas processes, Sicona's proprietary method uses inert and safe raw materials, allowing for location-agnostic manufacturing and competitive pricing. Furthermore, SiCx® makes no compromise in key specifications and performance. SiCx® has been engineered to directly tackle two major barriers to EV adoption: limited range and long charge times. When blended with graphite (typically in proportions of 5–20%+), SiCx® boosts energy density by over 20% and cuts charge times by more than 40%, all while maintaining compatibility with today's lithium-ion battery manufacturing lines. These improvements contribute meaningfully to reducing carbon emissions in transport, while also diversifying the critical minerals supply chain away from high-risk, concentrated regions and inputs. Himadri: A World-Class Manufacturing Partner With over 30 years of manufacturing excellence, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd brings deep experience, robust infrastructure and global distribution capabilities to the partnership. Operating eight zero-liquid discharge pitch facilities and with product availability in around 56 countries, Himadri has established itself as a key player in the advanced materials value chain. "This collaboration marks a turning point in the world's advanced battery materials journey," said Mr. Anurag Choudhary, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. "Sicona's SiCx® delivers two core advantages—higher energy density for longer driving range, and faster charging capability that dramatically reduces wait time for EV users." "By integrating Sicona's technological might with Himadri's global scale and operational excellence, we are creating a blueprint for innovation-led clean energy leadership. We are throwing all our resources behind this project to get it operational on an accelerated timeline." Global Impact: From Pilot Plant to Global Leader This agreement is the latest in a string of strategic milestones for Sicona, which recently announced plans to build a 6,500tpa commercial production facility in the southeastern United States with long-term plans to expand capacity there to 26,500 tpa on a single site. With demand from EV manufacturers continuing to surge, Sicona is now positioned to scale rapidly across three continents—leveraging both direct operations and high-value partnerships to drive global impact. "We thank Himadri for their unwavering belief in our team, our technology, and our mission," said Jordaan. "Despite challenging capital markets, we are forging ahead, delivering on our goal to be the largest global producer of Si/C materials. This is how we win in climate tech, through smart partnerships, fast execution, and solutions that scale globally." About Sicona Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Wollongong, Australia, Sicona is a next-generation battery materials company developing and commercializing advanced Silicon Carbon (Si/C) anode materials. SiCx®, Sicona's flagship product, delivers breakthrough energy density and charging speed for lithium-ion batteries at industry leading cost and scale. Sicona's mission is delivering high-performance battery materials at mass-market scale, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. About Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd is a global speciality chemical conglomerate with a strong focus on research and development (R&D), innovation and sustainability. As pioneer in the production of lithium-ion battery materials in India, it continuously develops and innovates raw materials of lithium-ion battery value chain. It's diverse product portfolio includes speciality carbon black, coal tar pitch, refined naphthalene, advance materials, SNF, speciality oils, clean power, etc. catering to various industries such as lithium-ion batteries, paints, plastics, tyres, technical rubber goods, aluminium, graphite electrodes, agrochemicals, defence and construction chemicals. Himadri operates in both domestic and international markets, with its products available in around 56 countries across the globe. With a strong commitment to corporate governance, safety and sustainability, it has 8 zero-liquid discharge manufacturing facilities and utilizes in-house clean power for 100% of its electrical energy needs. Himadri is a people first organization and is making a positive impact on the industry, both in India and globally through its focus on innovation fuelled by extensive R&D, new business opportunities and sustainability. ENDS For more information, interview requests or images please contact Julian O'Brien, Sicona PR and Comms manager, +61 419 155 376 or jobrien@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sicona Battery Technologies Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Himadri inks pact with Aussie firm for lithium tech, says 10-12% IBC stake talks speculative
Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd on Wednesday said that in a bid to strengthen its lithium-ion battery material business, it has decided to pump in additional ₹81 crore for an undisclosed additional stake in Australian battery materials firm Sicona Battery Technologies . This investment would be made apart from the 12.39 per cent stake of Sicona that Himadri bought in 2023 at ₹58 crore. The company, however, termed the talks on buying a 10-12 per cent stake in US-based lithium-ion battery cell maker International Battery Company (IBC) as speculative. The Indian speciality chemicals maker has also entered into an exclusive technology licensing agreement with the Australian firm to bring next-generation silicon-carbon anode technology to India that aims at improving energy density by 20 per cent and reducing charging time. Under the agreement, Himadri will get exclusive rights to access, localise and commercialise Sicona's proprietary anode technology in India, which may significantly enhance lithium-ion battery performance, a company statement said. Himadri will invest an additional ₹81.48 crore (approx AUD 15 million) in Sicona through Compulsorily Convertible Notes (CCNs). The conversion will be over 18 months, and the price is not yet fixed, officials said. Explaining the tie-up with Sicona, the company stated that the material, when blended with traditional graphite in ratios of 5-20 per cent, increases energy density by 20 per cent and improves charging performance by 40 per cent, a feature that addresses key concerns around EV range and fast-charging capabilities . Himadri management in a concall said that the company will continue to remain focused in the domain of lithium-ion battery materials .
The Print
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Print
Himadri inks pact with Aussie firm for lithium tech, says 10-12pc IBC stake talks speculative
The company, however, termed the talks on buying a 10-12 per cent stake in US-based lithium-ion battery cell maker International Battery Company (IBC) as speculative. This investment would be made apart from the 12.39 per cent stake of Sicona that Himadri bought in 2023 at Rs 58 crore. Kolkata, May 14 (PTI) Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd on Wednesday said that in a bid to strengthen its lithium-ion battery material business, it has decided to pump in additional Rs 81 crore for an undisclosed additional stake in Australian battery materials firm Sicona Battery Technologies. The Indian speciality chemicals maker has also entered into an exclusive technology licensing agreement with the Australian firm to bring next-generation silicon-carbon anode technology to India that aims at improving energy density by 20 per cent and reducing charging time. Under the agreement, Himadri will get exclusive rights to access, localise and commercialise Sicona's proprietary anode technology in India, which may significantly enhance lithium-ion battery performance, a company statement said. Himadri will invest an additional Rs 81.48 crore (approx AUD 15 million) in Sicona through Compulsorily Convertible Notes (CCNs). The conversion will be over 18 months, and the price is not yet fixed, officials said. Explaining the tie-up with Sicona, the company stated that the material, when blended with traditional graphite in ratios of 5-20 per cent, increases energy density by 20 per cent and improves charging performance by 40 per cent, a feature that addresses key concerns around EV range and fast-charging capabilities. Himadri management in a concall said that the company will continue to remain focused in the domain of lithium-ion battery materials. PTI BSM NN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
