Battery tech startup establishes R&D facility in Port Melbourne

Invest Victoria has announced that battery technology startup Voltavate is establishing its Australian headquarters and R&D facility in Port Melbourne. The project will support Voltavate’s move from lab-scale development to pilot-scale manufacturing, helping the company validate its technology in real-world conditions and build a foundation for future commercialisation.

Voltavate is focused on improving how batteries are manufactured through innovation in the battery separator — a critical component inside batteries. Its technology is designed to integrate directly into the manufacturing process, enabling in-line separator production while improving battery performance, safety and lifespan and supporting more efficient, cost-effective manufacturing at scale.

The Port Melbourne facility will help Voltavate expand its local capability in research, development and pilot-scale production. It will also support independent testing of its separator technology in battery cells under commercially relevant testing conditions.

“Victoria has been a strong base for Voltavate as we build the next phase of the company,” said Amir Hooshang Taheri, CEO and co-founder, Voltavate. “The combination of technical talent, research capability and advanced manufacturing potential makes it a very attractive place to develop and scale battery technologies.

“As we move from lab-scale development toward pilot-scale manufacturing, we see Victoria as an important part of Voltavate’s long-term growth.”

Voltavate has also received ARENA funding to help establish pilot-scale manufacturing and demonstrate the performance and safety benefits of its technology. This will support the development of a valuable new capability for Victoria’s battery manufacturing and clean energy innovation ecosystem, helping strengthen the state’s position in advanced battery technologies.

Invest Victoria supported Voltavate’s expansion by supporting Voltavate’s establishment and growth in Victoria, and by providing introductions to Victoria’s and Australia’s energy ecosystem. This support has enabled Voltavate to access R&D and business development opportunities, accelerate recruitment and scale its facility.

Image: Supplied