W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES JOINS GDI’S $15M FUNDING ROUND TO COMMENCE MEGAWATT SCALE PRODUCTION OF PATENTED 100 PERCENT SILICON ANODES
March 27, 2026
|
Rochester
NY
United States
GDI (www.gdinrg.com), a global leader in 100 percent silicon anodes for advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, is taking the next step toward volume production of its game-changing silicon anodes.
The $15 million funding round included the venture arm of W. L. Gore & Associates, InnoEnergy, Impact NY, Helios Climate Ventures, SIA/NOM, and a syndicate of other investors over the last 12 months. This investment will enable two industrial megawatt scale roll-to-roll lines to commence initial production this year in Germany and New York State.
These lines will drive qualifications of GDI’s 100 percent silicon anodes for Li-ion cell architectures in defense, medtech, and consumer electronics, and continue to support e-mobility roadmaps. GDI has demonstrated third party Li-ion cells that achieve 350Wh/kg and 1000Wh/L at a partner’s defense cell production facility, without the need for external compression (critical for many applications), as well as operation at −40º C. This is a huge advantage as it leverages existing cell production lines and US and EU supply-chains thereby shortening time to market and providing resiliency.
“GDI has developed a differentiated silicon anode platform that pairs breakthrough performance with a capital efficient path to industrial scale, said Ed Rubin, leader of W. L. Gore & Associates’ venture funds. “As demand grows for advanced battery materials that can be manufactured domestically and at scale, GDI stands out for both its technology and execution.”
Rob Anstey, Co-Founder & CEO, GDI, said: “This latest round of funding is a strong market signal that our 100 percent silicon anodes have broad intellectual property (IP) protection, a credible path to volume manufacturing, and advanced performance that will benefit end users, national security, and the environment in both Li-ion production and use.”
GDI has spent the past decade developing its industry transforming, 100 percent silicon anode technology for next generation Li-ion batteries. GDI is one of the only silicon anode companies delivering on completely replacing graphite, binders, and carbon in the anode, which limit Li-ion performance. Graphite, in particular, is increasingly becoming a supply chain risk in today’s volatile world and limits Li-ion performance.
GDI removes all mixing, wet coating, drying and calendering steps by utilizing advanced Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) manufacturing. PECVD is used economically at massive scale by glass, automotive, fabric, and energy industries.
GDI, in partnership with AGC, one of the world’s leading glass, material and chemistry companies, targets GWh scale by 2031 using existing North American and European supply chains and their patented PlasmaMax technology.
GDI’s silicon anodes provide customers with a superior product. Battery cells that substitute their existing anodes with GDI’s silicon anodes can deliver over three times faster charging times, more than 30 percent greater energy density (achieving 1000Wh/L on a cell level), and enhanced low temperature performance below −30º C.
Strong IP rights are vital in transforming concepts into protected, valuable assets, and help to drive competitive advantage and enhance returns on investment in today’s technological world. GDI has built one of the most comprehensive silicon dominant anode patent portfolios globally, comprising 80 active patent documents, including 44 issued/allowed patents in North America, Europe, and Asia alongside 36 pending patents. These 80 patent documents are divided into 26 patent families encompassing one or more active patents with initial priority dates back to 2018.
GDI and its investors, partners, and customers collectively bring an exceptionally strong and highly differentiated advantage via a step change in performance, in advanced manufacturing, and a strong IP position at every stage of product development, from concept to commercial launch. Giving end users a superior Li-ion offering enables a collective positive impact on their lives, the world, and our society.
“Together with our investors and partners, we look forward to collaborating to drive continued innovation, start commercial production, and launch our initial products over the next 18 months,” said Anstey.
# # #
About GDI
gdinrg.com
GDI’s pure silicon anodes are designed to adapt to any lithium battery architecture and are engineered for mass manufacturing that can scale. GDI has partnered with state-of-the-art manufacturers to use existing fabrication equipment, making its silicon anodes cost-efficient. The first anode is the same as the tenth—or the millionth.
About W. L. Gore & Associates
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With approximately 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5.3 billion.
Gore’s venture funds accelerate innovation through investments in promising technologies that address society’s most complex technology challenges, primarily focused in healthcare and sustainability. Learn more at ventures.gore.com.
