Michigan-based developer of innovative energy storage technology, Our Next Energy, Inc. has appointed a new Chief Technology Officer to lead the development of a new research and development facility.
Dr. Steven Kaye has been tapped as the latest CTO to head Our Next Energy. Now, Dr. Kaye will oversee cell research efforts while focusing on bringing high energy chemistries and working with cell manufacturers to accelerate the scale-up of their technologies’ path to market.
Founded by Mujeeb Ijaz in 2020, Our Next Energy, Inc. is focused on developing safer battery chemistries that use sustainable raw materials. The goal is to create reliable, low cost and conflict-free materials in the supply chain. Launching the business after leaving Apple Inc as a senior director of energy storage, Ijaz is now charting a new path for electric cars.
“I am thrilled to welcome Steven to ONE as we invest in new facilities, labs, talent, and equipment that will accelerate commercialization of the company’s high energy density Gemini range extender cell product,” says Ijaz. “Steven is a proven innovator of global repute in the battery field and his expertise will help us continue to develop our goal to reach 450 Wh/L in the Gemini battery system.”
Though the development facility is based in the Bay Area of California, Kaye’s experience will help grow the Michigan company in technology and efficiency. The ONE R&D facility coupled with Dr. Kaye’s knowledge in accelerating technology development for commercialization will help to strengthen the company’s push to increase electrification with safer, more sustainable, more powerful energy storage technology.
“I am excited to take advantage of ONE’s hybrid architecture, which will enable us to accelerate ultra-high energy density chemistries’ path to market,” says Dr. Kaye. “We are looking for great partners to help us scale, which is why I have decided to base my facility here in the Bay Area.”
In his career, Dr. Kaye holds more than 60 patents covering a wide variety of battery-related innovations. This includes cathode, anode, electrolyte, cell architecture, and pack designs. Additionally, his patents comprise synthetic methods, thermal materials, microfluidics, and medical diagnostics. Also, his direct research has many implications in the scientific community, receiving more than 4,300 citations.
Dr. Kaye joined Wildcat Discovery Technologies after earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC-Berkeley. After two years, Dr. Kaye was promoted to Chief Scientific Officer for the company. During his tenure, the company developed several different breakthrough battery technologies and successfully collaborated on more than 60 research and development projects with large material suppliers, device manufacturers, and automakers. Upon leaving Wildcat, Dr. Kaye began his career with Mosaic Materials, which radically reduced the cost of chemical separations using metal-organic frameworks. Next, his career allowed Dr. Kaye to join Apple’s Special Projects Group, leading battery materials research and development.
Our Next Energy, Inc. will soon begin production of its first product, the AriesTM, in late 2022. The company will demonstrate a production prototype GeminiTM battery by 2023.
Recently, the company received $25 million from Series A funding from an investor group that encompasses two tech giants of today, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. The company tested its new battery in a Tesla Model S and the vehicle was able to ride for 752 miles before recharging.
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