Floatech, the first spin-off company created by IMDEA Materials Institute, has been awarded the Multidisciplinary Innovation Award for a project that combines materials science, process engineering and industrial transfer to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries.

The award, granted by the SAMCA Chair for Technological Development of Aragón, recognises the collaborative work carried out across different fields of knowledge and the ability to transform advanced research into solutions with industrial potential.

Specifically, the award-winning project aims to drive a technological leap in electric vehicle batteries through the large-scale use of silicon, with the goal of reducing dependence on critical materials such as graphite.

The initiative focuses on developing a technology capable of producing silicon nanowires in large quantities, a key breakthrough for manufacturing next-generation batteries with higher energy capacity.

The collaboration between IMDEA Materials, the University of Zaragoza and the company NablaDot has been essential in advancing this initiative from technological validation towards future industrial implementation.

In particular, the work with NablaDot is enabling the development of a digital model of the process, an essential tool for accelerating the technology’s industrialisation. This type of simulation makes it possible to identify the most relevant parameters, optimise reactor design and reduce the number of experimental trials required.

As a result, development times are shortened, scale-up efficiency is improved and the risks associated with moving from laboratory to industrial plant are reduced.

“In a project like this, where process robustness and industrial repeatability are decisive, having an advanced simulation tool makes a strategic difference,” explained Floatech CEO Fernando Celaya.

“The importance of this breakthrough lies not only in improving battery performance, but also in enabling a more scalable, efficient manufacturing process aligned with the needs of European industry,” he added.

The technology developed by Floatech aims to provide high-capacity silicon anodes compatible with different battery chemistries and with the potential to enable electric vehicles with greater range and faster charging times, while also helping to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported graphite.

This recognition represents significant support for both Floatech and IMDEA Materials, highlighting the value of collaboration between research and industry as a pathway for bringing deep-tech innovation to market.

“The next step will be to continue with industrial validation and process scale-up, supported by simulation tools, product integration and coordinated work with technological and industrial partners,” concluded Celaya.