December 20, 2023 – GDI was among 15 winners, out of hundreds of applicants, in the U.S. Army’s 2023 xTechPrime competition for a total of $40,000 in cash prizes and an invitation to submit for a Direct to Phase II Army SBIR contract worth up to $1.9 million.

The xTechPrime Program is focused on “uncovering transformative technology solutions to solve Army problems.” By partnering with experienced defense-industry integrators, small businesses can more rapidly address Army modernization challenges.

GDI’s winning submission was for the implementation of 100% silicon anodes into high-energy, increased safety, cold weather lithium-ion batteries. Navitas Systems, Michigan, a leader in defense battery systems, will be the integrator and cell/battery builder for this program. These next-generation Li-ion batteries can be used in multiple mission-critical military applications to increase operational flexibility and capabilities. GDI’s silicon anode can increase the energy density of Li-ion batteries by over 30% and triple their charging speed compared to those with graphite-based anodes. The anodes can operate in low temperatures and will enable increased safety of cells, as demonstrated in recent 3rd party nail penetration testing.

GDI is headquartered in Rochester, New York with a pilot production facility located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. GDI, in partnership with AGC, is qualifying its first MWh-scale ‘roll-to-roll’ production facility in Lauenförde, Germany. GDI has spent the last decade researching and developing industry-transforming, next-generation energy storage materials, and has 13 issued patents and 39 pending patents. GDI is backed by leading venture capitalists, industry experts, and strategic investors.