Indian deep-tech startup Offgrid Energy Labs has raised $15 million in Series A funding to scale its zinc-bromine battery technology as an alternative to lithium-ion systems. The seven-year-old company, incubated at IIT Kanpur, aims to reduce dependence on China’s lithium supply chain while offering more cost-effective energy storage.
ZincGel Technology
The startup’s proprietary ZincGel batteries deliver 80-90% of lithium-ion efficiency but at significantly lower levelized storage costs India’s Offgrid raises $15M to make lithium optional for battery storage.
Key advantages include:
- 6-12 hour discharge capability with twice the lifespan of lithium batteries
- Fire-resistant water-based electrolyte
- Operation in temperatures as low as -10°C
- Reduced reliance on graphite, lowering production costs
Commercial Timeline
Offgrid plans to build a 10-megawatt-hour demonstration facility in the UK by Q1 2026, with commercialization following shortly after. A gigafactory in India is planned as the next phase India’s Offgrid raises $15M to make lithium optional for battery storage | TechCrunch. The company has secured over 25 IP families and 50+ patents across multiple markets.
Market Context
India aims to increase non-fossil energy capacity from 50 gigawatts to 500 gigawatts by 2030 and targets 236 gigawatt-hours of battery storage by 2031-32 India’s Offgrid raises $15M to make lithium optional for battery storage. However, China’s lithium supply chain dominance presents challenges for scaling renewable energy storage globally.
Funding and Partnerships
The Series A round was led by specialty chemicals manufacturer Archean Chemicals, which now holds a 21% stake, with participation from Ankur Capital. Early testing partners include Shell and Tata Power, with discussions underway with Europe’s Enel Group India’s Offgrid raises $15M to make lithium optional for battery storage.
The startup is valued at approximately $58 million post-money.
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