An agreement between the University of Windsor and an industry partner will focus on advancing new battery and energy storage technologies in Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

The partnership with NEO Battery Materials, a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, will leverage synergies between industry and academia to drive innovation and competitive advantages in battery and sustainable mobility technologies, says UWindsor vice-president, research and innovation, Shanthi Johnson.

“Our institution has a proven commitment to pursuing bold, impactful research in collaboration with industry,” Dr. Johnson said. “This partnership with NEO Battery Materials is an example of that commitment with tangible benefits to the EV sector, the Canadian economy, and society as a whole.”

Under the agreement, NEO will collaborate with researchers in the Faculty of Engineering on projects focused on optimizing silicon anodes, fabricating multi-layer lithium-ion battery cells, and developing novel component materials.

Along with research and development, the collaboration aims to create commercialization pathways for new innovations and explore work opportunities to equip students with practical experience and create a pipeline of highly qualified personnel to fill the needs of the growing EV workforce.