Queens Carbon has developed a revolutionary new process that significantly reduces the temperature needed to make cement from over 1,500 °C to under 540 °C. This innovation will help make the production of cement more efficient and sustainable. The company will receive $14.5 million in funding to help with the construction of a pilot plant with a major cement producer. The goal is to scale up to a full-size plant by late 2028 or 2029.
Ion Storage Systems, based in Maryland, is working on solid-state lithium-metal technology for batteries, which could lead to higher energy density and longer range in electric vehicles. The company plans to initially produce batteries for military customers, with the hope of expanding to the wider electric-vehicle market. With $20 million in funding, Ion Storage Systems aims to scale up manufacturing and make its technology ready for mass production.
On a press call, Queens Carbon’s CEO, CTO, and co-founder Daniel Kopp emphasized the importance of using renewables to supply the electricity needed for the cement production process. Ion Storage Systems’ CTO Greg Hitz discussed the benefits of their solid-state batteries, highlighting that they do not require high pressure or heating within cells, making them easier to integrate into battery packs. Both companies are at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields and are receiving funding to further develop their technologies.
