By Battery Power Online Staff
March 26, 2026 | Two winners were named yesterday at the International Battery Symposium Best of Show Awards. Anthro Energy’s Proteus electrolyte technology took home the top award with Variant Energy’s 2-station heat sealing machine being honored as well.
Twenty-eight companies showcased new products at the event this week and the community voted on which product to recognize as Best of Show winners. Selection is based on community votes, not on level of sponsorship or exhibit participation.
Phase Change Electrolyte
Anthro Energy, with their Proteus electrolyte technology, took the top award. “Anthro Proteus is a new class of injectable phase change electrolytes that allows for the production of high-performance batteries while using existing manufacturing processes,” according to the company’s description. “The liquid-to-solid phase transition stabilizes high-energy-density silicon anodes by forming an elastic binder network and improves cell ruggedness, mechanical strength, and safety.”
The company has announced two new facilities in the past year, investing $42M in new manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, and a new headquarters facility including a laboratory, R&D facilities, shipping and storage space, conference rooms, and private offices in Alameda, California. Anthro hopes to produce over 12,000 metric tons of the Proteus electrolyte per year at the Kentucky facility.
Pouch-Sealing Improvements
The 2026 runner up was Variant Energy’s upgraded Two-Station Heat Sealing Machine. “One of the most critical steps in battery cell prototyping, the pouch cell sealing process must be finely controlled to create an impermeable seal that keeps electrolyte in and moisture and oxygen out,” the company says. Variant’s approach, “enables reliable and reproducible cell prototyping, now with tighter PID temperature control, high-definition capacitive touchscreen, and flexibility for future upgrades.”
For the full list of finalists, see Battery Power Online.
