Ilika plc (LON:IKA), a pioneer in solid-state battery technology, has taken the opportunity to update the market on the implementation of its manufacturing plans for Stereax, Ilika’s miniature solid-state batteries designed for industrial wireless sensors in hostile environments and medical implants.
In the Company’s Trading Update issued on 9 June 2020, Ilika explained that it had issued Requests for Information (RFI’s) to four 3rd party fabrication facilities (FABs), two in Europe and two in North America, to prepare for the selection of its preferred fab partner. Ilika has now entered into detailed commercial discussions with two of the FABs, with a view to concluding discussions in Q4 2020.
Ilika confirmed, in the Final Results announcement on the 9 July 2020, that the contract had been awarded for the most significant long-lead equipment item, Tool 1, a custom-designed evaporation tool for the rapid deposition of cathode materials for Ilika’s Stereax batteries. The Company continues to expect that this will be ready for delivery to Ilika in Q4 2020 for process development.
Ilika has now also placed the order for Tool 2, which deposits the remaining battery layers on top of the cathode. The delivery of this tool is synchronised with the delivery of Tool 1 to ensure optimal deployment of capital. Tools 1 and 2 are balanced to deliver a 70x productivity increase relative to Ilika’s current pilot line capability.
Ilika, has strengthened the Company’s Senior Management team by appointing Paul Marron to the newly created position of Technology Transfer Director, to oversee the implementation of Ilika’s process at FAB scale. Paul has extensive operational experience in the semiconductor, automotive and aerospace industries.
Ilika’s CEO Graeme Purdy, stated, “We remain entirely focused on agile project execution as we prepare our Stereax technology to meet the rigorous demands of full commercialisation. We are pleased to report that everything is on schedule, post shareholder support from the recent capital raise, despite challenging economic market conditions and the constraints of the pandemic.”
