GDI has secured $15 million in funding to advance the commercialisation of its 100 percent silicon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries. The round includes participation from W. L. Gore & Associates, InnoEnergy, Impact NY, Helios Climate Ventures, SIA/NOM, and other investors, supporting the installation of initial production lines in the United States and Europe.
The investment will fund two industrial-scale roll-to-roll production lines in Germany and New York State, with initial output expected this year. These facilities are intended to support product qualification across multiple lithium-ion battery applications, including defense, medical technology, and consumer electronics, while contributing to ongoing development in electric mobility.
GDI’s silicon anode technology is designed to replace conventional graphite-based anodes entirely. The company states that this approach removes the need for binders and carbon, materials that can limit battery performance and present supply chain risks. Graphite supply in particular has come under increasing scrutiny as manufacturers seek to localise and secure battery material sourcing.
The company has reported performance results from third-party lithium-ion cells produced at a partner defense facility. These include energy densities of 350Wh/kg and 1000Wh/L, alongside operation at temperatures as low as −40º C and without the need for external compression. According to GDI, compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure allows for faster integration into established production lines in both the US and EU.
“GDI has developed a differentiated silicon anode platform that pairs breakthrough performance with a capital efficient path to industrial scale,” said Ed Rubin, leader of W. L. Gore & Associates’ venture funds. “As demand grows for advanced battery materials that can be manufactured domestically and at scale, GDI stands out for both its technology and execution.”
The company has spent the past decade developing its silicon-based anode platform, positioning it as a next step in lithium-ion battery development. Silicon anodes have long been considered a route to higher energy density and faster charging, though challenges related to durability and manufacturability have slowed widespread adoption.
GDI’s manufacturing process is based on Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), which removes several traditional production steps such as mixing, wet coating, drying, and calendering. The company notes that PECVD is already used at scale across industries including glass, automotive, and energy, supporting its approach to industrial deployment.
Through a partnership with AGC, a global glass and materials manufacturer, GDI is targeting gigawatt-hour scale production by 2031. This expansion is expected to rely on existing supply chains in North America and Europe, alongside the company’s proprietary PlasmaMax technology.
Battery performance improvements remain a central focus. GDI states that cells using its silicon anodes can deliver charging speeds more than three times faster than conventional designs, alongside over 30 percent higher energy density at the cell level. The technology is also designed to maintain performance in low temperature conditions below −30º C, which is a key requirement for applications in colder environments and certain industrial uses.
Rob Anstey, Co-Founder and CEO of GDI, said: “This latest round of funding is a strong market signal that our 100 percent silicon anodes have broad intellectual property (IP) protection, a credible path to volume manufacturing, and advanced performance that will benefit end users, national security, and the environment in both Li-ion production and use.”
Intellectual property remains a core component of the company’s strategy. GDI reports a portfolio of 80 active patent documents, including 44 issued or allowed patents across North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as 36 pending applications. These are grouped into 26 patent families, with initial filings dating back to 2018.
The development of alternative battery materials has become a priority across the energy and transport sectors, as demand for electrification continues to rise. Silicon-based anodes are one of several approaches under investigation to improve battery performance while reducing reliance on constrained or geopolitically sensitive materials.
GDI’s approach also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen domestic battery supply chains in the US and Europe. Policymakers in both regions have introduced incentives to support local production of critical materials and technologies, particularly those linked to energy storage and electric vehicles.
The company’s near-term focus is on scaling production and completing qualification processes with partners and customers. Initial commercial products are expected to be launched within the next 18 months, following validation across target applications.
“Together with our investors and partners, we look forward to collaborating to drive continued innovation, start commercial production, and launch our initial products over the next 18 months,” said Anstey.
