Novacium

What Novacium does

Novacium is a French R&D startup founded in 2022, headquartered at the AXEL'ONE technology park in Solaize near Lyon, that develops silicon-based technologies for sustainable energy applications. The company operates three technology pillars: (1) GEN4 silicon anode materials and HPQ ENDURA+ lithium-ion battery cells in cylindrical formats (18650, 21700, 26650, 32650) incorporating a proprietary FLUOCAR® fluorination process, delivering 25%+ capacity improvement over graphite anodes at neutral industrial implementation cost; (2) METAGENE™, an autonomous hydrogen generation platform producing hydrogen on demand via controlled hydrolysis of a proprietary silicon-based alloy, eliminating the need for external power, heavy infrastructure, or flammable gas storage; and (3) a Waste-to-Energy (W2E) process that converts toxic black aluminum dross into hydrogen and reusable industrial byproducts, currently in pilot-scale validation.

Novacium monetizes through three streams: direct B2B sales of ENDURA+ battery cells and battery packs (e.g., first commercial order from a European drone manufacturer in April 2026), technology licensing — notably via HPQ Silicon Inc., which holds 36.8% equity and exclusive North American commercialization rights — and non-dilutive R&D funding, including up to $3 million in government support for a 50 tonnes-per-year continuous GEN4 production system. The company targets four primary segments: drone and eVTOL manufacturers, defense and military (notably the French Army Technical Section STAT), consumer electronics, and light mobility / off-grid applications using METAGENE. Battery cells have achieved IEC 62133, UN 38.3, and UL 1642 safety certifications, removing key regulatory barriers to global commercialization.

The company is closely tied to strategic partners that form an integrated ecosystem: LN Innov' (electric motors, IDPS system integrator), Groupe Zekat (electronic speed controllers), AD-VENTA (hydrogen dispensing stations), Pragma Industries (hydrogen mobility), and GH Technologies (Asia expansion). The founding team — Jed Kraiem (CEO), Julien Dégoulange (Innovation Director), and Oleksiy Nichiporuk (Technical Director) — previously worked together at Apollon Solar from 2006 to 2022, providing 20+ years of combined silicon-materials expertise. Operating with a 1-10 employee team, Novacium remains a small but technology-validated startup transitioning from R&D to early commercial revenue.

Name

Novacium

Legal name

SAS NOVACIUM

Website

https://novacium.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Novacium is a French R&D startup developing silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, autonomous hydrogen generation (METAGENE), and waste-to-energy processes, serving drone manufacturers, defense (French Army), and mobility customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Advanced Battery Materials

NAICS

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing (335), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353)

SIC

Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

Battery Cells (Li-ion, LFP, Sodium-ion, Lead-acid, NiMH) (IMAGAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Battery Pack Manufacturing & Module Assembly (EUAFABAI), Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly) (IMAGAHAB), Battery & Energy Storage High-Purity Chemicals (Electrolyte salts/solvents, additives) (IMAEAKAM)

Keywords

• Silicon anode materials
• Lithium-ion battery cells
• Hydrogen generation systems
• Waste-to-energy processing
• Advanced battery materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Solaize

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Battery Cell and Material Sales: Sales of HPQ ENDURA+ lithium-ion battery cells (18650 and 21700 formats) incorporating Novacium's silicon-based anode materials to commercial customers including drone manufacturers.
2. Technology Licensing: Licensing of Novacium technologies including GEN4 silicon anode materials and METAGENE hydrogen production. HPQ Silicon holds exclusive North American commercialization rights.
3. R&D Partnerships and Government Funding: Non-dilutive government funding (up to $3 million secured) for 50 TPY continuous production system development. R&D collaboration agreements with industrial partners.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Novacium develops and sells silicon-based anode materials and lithium-ion battery cells (18650, 21700, 26650, 32650 formats) under the HPQ ENDURA+ brand, incorporating proprietary FLUOCAR fluorination technology. The company also produces the METAGENE autonomous hydrogen generation platform and a Waste-to-Energy process converting black aluminum dross into hydrogen and reusable industrial byproducts. Products are sold directly to enterprise customers including drone manufacturers, defense organizations, and industrial partners.

Product overview

Novacium is a French R&D startup founded in 2022 specializing in silicon-based technologies for sustainable energy solutions. The company's product portfolio centers on three core technology pillars: (1) GEN4 silicon anode materials and ENDURA+ lithium-ion battery cells (18650, 21700, 26650, 32650 formats) that increase cell capacity by 25%+ with optimized cyclability beyond 1,000 cycles, incorporating proprietary FLUOCAR fluorination technology; (2) METAGENE autonomous hydrogen generation platform producing hydrogen on demand via hydrolysis of silicon-based alloys without external electricity or infrastructure; and (3) Waste-to-Energy process converting black aluminum dross into hydrogen and reusable byproducts. These technologies integrate with third-party systems including LN Innov' electric motors, Groupe Zekat electronic speed controllers, and AD-VENTA hydrogen dispensing stations to form complete solutions such as the Integrated Drone Propulsion System. HPQ Silicon Inc. holds 36.8% equity interest with exclusive North American commercialization rights.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GEN4 Silicon Anode Material Fourth-generation silicon-based anode material for lithium-ion batteries that increases cell capacity by more than 25% while maintaining optimized cyclability and industrial production costs neutral to existing processes. Incorporates proprietary FLUOCAR fluorination technology that increases conductivity and improves cell lifespan.
• HPQ ENDURA+ 18650 Battery Cells Commercially certified 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells integrating Novacium's silicon-based anode material, delivering 4,030 mAh capacity and 306 Wh/kg energy density with 80% capacity retention beyond 1,000 cycles. Designed for 3C markets and military applications.
• HPQ ENDURA+ 21700 Battery Cells Commercially certified 21700 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells integrating Novacium's GEN4 silicon-based anode material, achieving up to 6,600 mAh capacity and 320 Wh/kg energy density with 80% capacity retention beyond 1,000 cycles. Used in drone battery packs and targeted for high-growth markets including drones, consumer electronics, and industrial/grid storage applications.
• HPQ ENDURA+ 26650 Battery Cells 26650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells integrating Novacium's silicon-based anode material with 8,385 mAh capacity and 306 Wh/kg energy density, designed for applications requiring higher capacity than 21700 format while maintaining the format-flexible platform technology.
• HPQ ENDURA+ 32650 Battery Cells 32650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells integrating Novacium's silicon-based anode material with 12,757 mAh capacity, designed for applications requiring maximum capacity within the cylindrical format range.
• METAGENE Hydrogen Generation Platform Autonomous hydrogen generation platform producing hydrogen on demand through controlled hydrolysis of a proprietary silicon-based alloy. Modular, scalable system designed for containerized deployment with 10 to 25 reactor units per system, eliminating reliance on external power sources and traditional hydrogen infrastructure. Generates high-pressure hydrogen without electricity, heavy infrastructure, or complex logistics.
• Waste-to-Energy (W2E) Process Additive-based waste-to-energy process converting black aluminum dross—a toxic byproduct of aluminum recycling—into hydrogen and reusable industrial byproducts. Currently in pilot-scale validation with commercialization targeted within 12 months. Could generate potential savings estimated between €900-€1,500 per tonne processed while reducing environmental burden of landfilling.
• Integrated Drone Propulsion System (IDPS) Complete European drone powertrain solution combining Novacium's silicon-enhanced lithium-ion battery technology, LN Innov' electric propulsion motors, and Groupe Zekat's intelligent electronic speed controllers. Designed and manufactured in France with LN Innov' acting as system integrator, presented at Eurosatory 2026 for drone and defense markets.

Quantifiable outcome

• 395 Wh/kg achieved in semi-solid drone battery pack, representing 23-36% improvement over LiPo/NMC benchmarks
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major and foundational.

• LN Innov'flagshipTechnology or Integration · 16 June 2026French electric propulsion developer serving as system integrator for the Integrated Drone Propulsion System (IDPS). LN Innov' provides high-performance electric motors combined with Novacium's silicon-enhanced batteries (HPQ ENDURA+ brand). Has over 20 testing customers and over a dozen commercial orders, scaling to 20,000 drone motors per month. Companies signed LOI to evaluate Canadian-based electric propulsion platform for North American drone and defense markets.
• Groupe ZekatcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 June 2026Partner providing intelligent electronic speed controllers for the Integrated Drone Propulsion System showcased at Eurosatory 2026. Contributes to the complete European drone powertrain solution alongside Novacium's batteries and LN Innov' motors.
• GH TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Letter of Intent signed for supply of GEN4 Li-Ion cells and batteries in Asia. Agreement positions Novacium to expand battery technology commercialization into the Asian market, leveraging partnership with HPQ Silicon.
• AD-VENTAmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2025Industrial cooperation agreement to scale up METAGENE green hydrogen production technology, increasing capacity from 1-10 kg/day to up to 20 kg/day. Novacium's hydrogen-generation reactor integrated into AD-VENTA's existing high-pressure hydrogen dispensing station in France. Work began September 2025 with pilot phase planned for 2026. Aims to commercialize for hydrogen vehicle fleets, inspection drones, and autonomous off-grid power stations.
• Pragma IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025French company that created the first hydrogen electric bicycle in 2013. Historical collaboration on hydrogen topics. New 2025 partnership to develop independent hydrogen stations equipped with METAGENE technology, enabling autonomous, cost-reduced energy supply for light mobility applications without depending on traditional hydrogen infrastructure.
• STAT (Section Technique de l'Armée de Terre)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Strategic collaboration with French Army Technical Section for developing new high-performance energy sources adapted to operational needs. Focus on improving performance, costs, portability, and weight. Projects include very high-capacity military batteries for surveillance, electronic sights, anti-drone systems, and telecommunications; and autonomous green hydrogen for field applications.
• Apollon SolarfoundationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Origin company of Novacium's three founding engineers, who worked at Apollon Solar from 2006-2022. The founding team decided to create Novacium when Apollon Solar faced difficulties during COVID. HPQ Silicon was their R&D consulting client before becoming their primary investor.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Sila Nanotechnologies: California-based developer of silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Direct competitor in the same silicon-anode material category, serving automotive and consumer electronics OEMs with similar capacity-gain and cycle-life value propositions.
• Group14 Technologies: US-based manufacturer of silicon anode materials (SCC55) for Li-ion batteries. Closely comparable as a silicon-anode materials specialist targeting automotive, consumer electronics, and aviation applications.
• Amprius Technologies: US-based producer of silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries for aviation, defense, and EV markets. Direct overlap with Novacium's ENDURA+ cylindrical cells and drone/defense customer focus.
• Enevate Corporation: US-based developer of silicon-dominant anode battery technology for EVs and other applications. Direct competitor in silicon-anode chemistry with similar capacity and fast-charging performance claims.

Emerging players

• Enovix: US-based advanced battery maker using a 3D cell architecture and silicon-containing anodes. Comparable as an emerging player in next-generation Li-ion cells targeting consumer electronics and mobility applications.
• Solid Power: US-based developer of sulfide-based solid-state batteries and related materials. Comparable as an emerging player in advanced battery materials and cells targeting automotive and defense customers.
• QuantumScape: US-based solid-state lithium-metal battery developer. Comparable as an emerging player in next-generation battery technology with automotive OEM partnerships.
• SES AI Corporation: US-based developer of lithium-metal batteries with hybrid anode architecture. Comparable as an emerging advanced-battery player pursuing automotive and eVTOL applications.

Broad incumbents

• Albemarle Corporation: Global specialty chemicals company and one of the world's largest lithium and battery-materials producers. Relevant as a broad incumbent shaping the battery-materials supply chain that Novacium's silicon anode material serves.
• Plug Power: US-based broad incumbent in the green hydrogen ecosystem, producing and distributing hydrogen for material handling, mobility, and stationary applications. Comparable to Novacium's METAGENE program as an established hydrogen player addressing off-grid and mobility use cases.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlnkd.in/eV2gXXEg

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Novacium