ION Storage Systems is leading a significant shift in energy storage with innovative battery technology. Comprised of seasoned industry experts, the company reimagines traditional battery manufacturing, breaking away from the limitations of decades-old Lithium-Ion technology.
By merging two groundbreaking technologies, ION has developed safer, stronger, lighter, and more rugged batteries, overcoming design barriers that have constrained the industry.
In a significant move to boost Maryland’s advanced manufacturing and innovation position, Governor Wes Moore announced an $11 million investment during his visit to ION Storage Systems in Beltsville, MD. This investment is a part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s broader strategy to enhance Maryland’s competitiveness on the national and global stage.
ION Storage Systems, a company that emerged from the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute at the University of Maryland, has been at the forefront of developing solid-state batteries, which are crucial for various industries, including defense, aerospace, and electric vehicles. The company’s cutting-edge technology replaces traditional lithium-ion with ceramic, significantly advancing battery safety and efficiency.
Governor Moore’s visit to ION Storage Systems, which recently launched the first pilot production line capable of producing 100,000 military-grade batteries annually, underscores Maryland’s growing leadership in the high-tech and clean energy sectors. The company’s success is a testament to Maryland’s robust innovation ecosystem and highlights the state’s strategic importance in the nation’s energy transition.
The $11 million in state funding will be allocated to two key programs designed to propel Maryland’s advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Governor Moore’s commitment to advancing Maryland’s innovation economy was echoed during the event. “ION Storage Systems is a Maryland original. Their success underscores our state’s growing leadership in science, technology, and advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Moore. “Today, we take another step toward driving public investment in the innovation economy, creating jobs, and spurring growth for years to come. In partnership, we will make Maryland the best place in the world to change the world.”
This sentiment was shared by Congressman Glenn Ivey, who emphasized the importance of federal and state partnerships in driving technological advancements and job creation within the state. “I’m proud to partner with Governor Moore and the great State of Maryland to ensure that ION and other companies like it are creating jobs right here in Prince George’s County,” said Congressman Ivey.
The support for ION Storage Systems is a strong signal of Maryland’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the companies that are driving technological progress. With significant federal and state investments, Maryland is positioning itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
ION Storage Systems CEO Ricky Hanna expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The support from the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program is a testament to the governor’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting companies like ours that are driving technological progress. This grant, along with $20 million in federal DOE funding, will accelerate our mission to provide cutting-edge solid-state battery solutions.”