Following a £14.2 million investment, solid state battery technology provider Ilika, has updated the market on the implementation of its manufacturing plans for its Stereax range.
The Stereax miniature solid state batteries aim to address the challenges of powering next-generation, disruptive medtech devices – both implantable and small wearables or hearables. With an ultra-thin form factor, miniature footprint (mm-scale) and customisable in shape and dimensions, they can be stacked for increased energy density whilst remaining safe for implantable devices.
In its trading update of 9th July, Ilika confirmed that the contract had been awarded for "Tool 1", a custom-designed evaporation tool for the rapid deposition of cathode materials for Ilika’s Stereax batteries. It is still expected that this will be ready for delivery to Ilika for process development in Q4 2020.
Ilika has now also placed the order for Tool 2, which deposits the remaining battery layers on top of the cathode. The delivery of this tool is synchronised with the delivery of Tool 1, aimed to ensure optimal deployment of capital. Tools 1 and 2 are balanced to deliver a 70x productivity increase relative to Ilika’s current pilot line capability.
Ilika has issued Requests for Information (RFI’s) to four third party fabrication facilities (FABs), two in Europe and two in North America, to prepare for the selection of its preferred fab partner. Ilika has now entered into detailed commercial discussions with two of the FABs, with a view to concluding discussions in Q4 2020.
Ilika’s CEO Graeme Purdy said: “We remain entirely focused on agile project execution as we prepare our Stereax technology to meet the rigorous demands of full commercialisation. We are pleased to report that everything is on schedule, post shareholder support from the recent capital raise, despite the recent challenging economic market conditions.”
