SiNode Systems, started in 2011 during Northwestern University’s (NU) highly competitive NUvention program, has been recognized by multiple prestigious nationwide competitions for its superior business plan and innovative product. The company offers a technology that extends battery life in electric vehicles, smart phones, and other devices, requiring less charges or battery replacements. With electronics and mobile technology such an important part of our daily lives, if this company’s promise is realized, it will meet one of society’s most pressing needs. SiNode Systems commercializes NU professor Harold H. Kung’s patented composite of silicon nano-particles and porous graphene. SiNode anodes offer 10 times higher battery capacity and a tenfold decrease in charging time compared with current technology. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded SiNode Systems first prize in their 2013 National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition, receiving $100,000. The competition was created as part of President Obama’s Startup America Initiative to encourage university entrepreneurs to pursue business ventures in the clean energy.
In addition, SiNode Systems won the 2013 Rice Business Plan Competition, recognized as the largest and most generous university business plan competition in the World. $911,000 was awarded to SiNode. Samir Mayekar, SiNode’s CEO and co-founder, is confident that this disruptive and scalable product will do extremely well in the market. According to Samir, “Lee Bruno, SiNode’s EFN mentor and Director with E-Cubed Ventures, benefited our team greatly because of his knowledge of the battery market and introductions he made to battery experts who were able to give us great feedback.
How does this team’s technology compare to other battery technologies for mobile phones?
They claim to offer 10 times higher battery capacity and a tenfold decrease in charging time compared with current technology