Nano-Diamond Battery is a young company working on the cutting edge of new energy Technology. They are in the process of making Nanotechnology Batteries that use Radioisotopes from Nuclear waste as an abundant power source that doesnt run out.
By taking Radioisotopes and locking them into a sealed nanostructure and transforming the radioactive decay into electrical energy, they are building a safe abundant power source for a very wide range of use cases.
Not only are they they building a transformative technology that can change the future of our economy, they are also solving the problem of miniaturisation of energy supply, meaning their batteries have a very flexible and varied use cases, providing power to any system that needs it, big or small.
To Understand the concept in more detail, please see their explainer video below:
What gave you the inspiration for this Idea?
The inspiration for the idea of NDB came from our deep-rooted love for humanity and a strong desire to bring about positive change and peace in the world. We have always been passionate about exploring innovative solutions that can improve the lives of people across the globe, and this drive led us to the concept of NDB.
One of the key challenges in modern society is finding sustainable and long-lasting energy sources that can power devices and systems for extended periods. The concept of NDB aims to address this issue by harnessing the energy from radioactive decay to generate electricity. These batteries could potentially provide power for decades or even centuries, making them an attractive solution for various applications, including medical devices, remote sensors, and space exploration.
As we delved deeper into the subject, we realized that this technology could revolutionize the way we power our devices and systems. This was a breakthrough that aligned with our vision of creating a better, more sustainable world.
These batteries could empower communities in remote areas, provide life-saving power to medical devices, and fuel our pursuit of knowledge in space. Ultimately, our inspiration came from the hope that this technology could contribute to a brighter, more peaceful future for all of humanity.
What are the backgrounds of your team, how big is it, where are you based, and how long have you been working on this? How did you assemble a team of knowledge workers and domain experts capable of making something like this?
The NDB team is composed of specialists from a wide range of disciplines, such as materials science, nuclear engineering, chemistry, and physics, as well as professionals in business and management. Most of the team members are located in the United States, which is home to numerous cutting-edge technology firms, while the remainder of the team is based in the United Kingdom.
NDB has assembled a team of knowledge workers and domain experts capable of developing such advanced technology. This includes researchers and scientists from top universities and research institutions, as well as industry professionals. Additionally, the company has formed strategic partnerships with organizations that can provide expertise and resources to help advance our research and development efforts.
NDB’s CEO is Dr. Nima Golsharifi an entrepreneur and scientist who has focused on developing innovative energy solutions. As the founder and CEO of NDB Inc., he has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of innovative technologies. Dr. Golsharifi earned his Ph.D. in Nanotechnology from University College London (UCL). His research interests include nanotechnology, energy storage, and electronics. His academic background, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for sustainable energy, positions Dr. Golsharifi as a trailblazer in the field of materials science and nanotechnology. His relentless pursuit of innovative energy solutions serves as an inspiration to scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
NDB’s CTO is Prof. Sir Michael Pepper is a renowned British physicist who has made significant contributions to the fields of semiconductor physics and condensed matter physics. He is well known for his work in the development of low-dimensional electron systems, including the discovery of the quasi-one-dimensional electron gas and the two-dimensional electron gas, which have been essential for understanding quantum phenomena in semiconductors. Throughout his career, Prof. Pepper has held various positions at prestigious institutions, including the University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), and the Toshiba Cambridge Research Centre. He has also been a Fellow of the Royal Society since 1983 and was knighted for his services to physics in 2006. Prof. Sir Michael Pepper’s research has greatly impacted the understanding of electronic properties in semiconductors and laid the groundwork for many advancements in the field of nanotechnology and quantum computing.
The research and development efforts have spanned several years, with continuous improvements and refinements being made as new insights and discoveries are made.
How much support or lack of support are you getting from government agencies around the world, and other parties interested in energy?
NDB has garnered significant support and recognition from government agencies, research institutions, and other parties interested in clean energy solutions. Here are a few highlights of the support NDB has received:
- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized a collaboration between NDB and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), further demonstrating the government’s support and commitment to fostering the development of innovative energy solutions like NDB’s nano-diamond batteries.
- The Government of South Australia recently recognized NDB as the winner of the Thinking Critical South Australia challenge, acknowledging the company’s potential to address the world’s energy problems.
- NDB emerged as the grand winner of the Orano International Startup Call, competing against 8,000 contenders from around the world. As a result, NDB received highly selective accreditation from Orano, a leading French nuclear power company.
- In 2020, NDB joined the Alchemist Accelerator, which has previously helped grow game-changing companies like Skype, Tesla, and Baidu. NDB was chosen from over 800 applicants, showcasing its potential to make a significant impact in the energy sector.
- NDB became part of Polihub in Italy to expand its European activities. Polihub, recognized as one of the top five university incubators globally by the UBI Index 2019-2020, focuses on the automotive industry, aerospace, and medical applications. This partnership provides NDB with an ideal environment to grow and develop its technology.
- The International Trade Council selected NDB as the Energy/Energy Technology Business of 2022, awarding them the Go Global Award for their commitment to innovation and perseverance despite challenging circumstances.
These achievements demonstrate that NDB has received substantial support and recognition from various stakeholders in the energy sector, further validating the potential of their nano-diamond battery technology to revolutionize energy storage and use.
How much funding support do you have at the moment, how much do you need to have a realistic chance at making a prototype? How far are you from a working prototype you can show to raise a lot of investment? Do you have a location you have in mind for manufacturing?
For a company like NDB, which is developing an innovative energy solution, the required investment could be significant. It would cover research and development, lab facilities, testing equipment, hiring skilled professionals, and other expenses.
NDB has already invested millions of dollars in research and development to advance their innovative technology. With a strong commitment to innovation and a dedicated team of experts, NDB has made significant progress in developing this groundbreaking energy solution.
As NDB continues to secure millions more in funding, the chances of successfully delivering a commercial product increase. The additional financial resources will enable the company to tackle remaining technical challenges, refine their prototypes, and conduct rigorous testing to ensure the safety and performance of their batteries.
Given the potential advantages of NDB’s technology, the investment in research and development is well-justified, as it could lead to a revolutionary product that transforms the energy storage market and benefits numerous industries worldwide. With sufficient funding and continued dedication to innovation, NDB is well-positioned to bring its technology to fruition, making a significant impact on the way we power our world.
Regarding the location for manufacturing, it would depend on various factors such as access to skilled workforce, proximity to key partners or customers, availability of raw materials, and regional incentives. The company might consider establishing manufacturing facilities in regions with a strong focus on clean energy technology and a history of supporting innovative startups.
NDB has chosen the state of Florida as the location for its manufacturing facilities. This strategic decision is influenced by several factors, including the availability of a skilled workforce, access to key partners or customers, regional incentives, and Florida’s commitment to supporting clean energy and technology innovation.
By selecting Florida for its manufacturing base, NDB aims to capitalize on the state’s resources and support systems while contributing to the local economy and fostering innovation in the energy storage market. This move positions NDB well to continue developing and scaling its groundbreaking technology, ultimately bringing their revolutionary energy solution to market.
You will be pleased to learn that NDB is partnered with the renowned Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the development of its prototype. This collaboration has received authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out this groundbreaking research and development work.
NDB is committed to establishing a state-of-the-art innovation center dedicated to fostering new technologies. Within this facility, our primary focus will be on advancing the nano-diamond battery technology by creating and refining innovative prototypes.
By investing in NDB there is an opportunity to support a company at the forefront of energy innovation, working alongside partners like ORNL to develop game-changing solutions that have the potential to transform the energy landscape.
What has been your progress so far? Prototypes? What have they been like?
At the heart of our technology lies our transducer, which has undergone significant evolution. Our latest transducer, known as T3, represents a significant advancement over our earlier version, T1. To better understand this key component and the underlying technology, let’s take a closer look at the basics.
During the decay of a radioactive material, different particles including alpha, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons can be released.
The specific type and amount of energy released depend on the particular radioactive material and the type of decay that occurs. These different types of energy can be harnessed and utilized in various ways, including in the development of NDB Cell.
During the decay of radioisotopes, energetic electrons are released. These electrons can be harnessed to generate electricity through a process called decay. Radioactive decay involves the emission of high-energy electrons. When a particle is emitted, it carries a negative charge and high kinetic energy. This kinetic energy can be used to generate electricity by passing the particles through a material that slows them down and converts their energy into electrical energy. This material is often a semiconductor, such as silicon, which is commonly used in solar cells. Our design includes different materials, but our main focus is Silicon Carbide, Diamond and particularly liquid semiconductors.
Overall, decay can damage a semiconductor by damaging the crystal lattice structure of a semiconductor and introduce defects that can degrade its electrical properties, reduce its performance, and shorten its lifespan. To mitigate the impact of decay our design uses various techniques such as radiation hardening, passivation, encapsulation, or thermal management to protect the material and improve its reliability.
However when it comes to higher power applications, as our design is focused on alpha particles the use of liquid semiconductors is essential. Unlike solid semiconductors, liquid semiconductors do not have a crystal lattice structure.
In addition to what has already been explained, heat is also generated during the decay of radioactive isotopes. The amount of heat generated during decay depends on the specific isotope and its decay rate. Some isotopes release energy at a much faster rate than others, leading to more significant amounts of heat being generated. This heat can be harnessed and converted into electricity through a variety of means, including thermoelectric generators and heat exchangers. The ability to convert decay heat into usable energy is a crucial factor in the development of T2.
Finally light can also be emitted during radioactive decay through a process called radioluminescence. The energetic particles released during the decay can interact with the surrounding material, causing it to become excited and emit light in the visible or ultraviolet spectrum. Radioluminescent materials can be used to convert ionizing radiation into visible light, which can then be harnessed to generate electricity through a process called photovoltaics.
T3 which is our latest design involves harnessing all energies generated during the decay which is described above leading to a higher efficiency.
What isotopes do they use and what is their power output?
NDB’s cell can convert power from multiple types of radiation, resulting in a wide range of radioisotopes that can be used to power the battery. As a result, the final output of the battery will vary depending on the specific application and the type of radioisotope utilized. Depending on the radioisotope chosen, the voltage and current of the battery will differ, reflecting the unique characteristics of the radioactive material.
By leveraging this broad spectrum of radioisotopes, NDB can develop batteries that are optimized for a diverse range of applications, each with their own specific voltage and current requirements.
What are your biggest challenges, technical and others?
Challenges can be broadly categorized into technical and non-technical aspects.
Technical Challenges:
- Material Development: Developing new materials, used in NDB, may require extensive research and experimentation to optimize performance, stability, and safety.
- Manufacturing Process: Designing and implementing a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing process for an entirely new technology may prove challenging, as it involves solving production and quality control issues that may arise.
- Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing is necessary to validate the performance, safety, and reliability of the NDB under various conditions. These tests must be compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Integration: Adapting the new battery technology to work seamlessly with existing devices and systems may require overcoming compatibility and form-factor challenges.
Non-Technical Challenges:
- Funding: Securing adequate funding to support R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts can be a significant challenge, especially given the capital-intensive nature of developing new energy storage technologies.
- Regulation and Compliance: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding storage and disposal can be challenging. Ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations is crucial to avoid potential legal issues and delays.
These challenges are common for companies developing and commercializing innovative energy storage technologies. Overcoming them requires a combination of technical expertise, effective management, strategic partnerships, and a solid understanding of the market and regulatory landscape.
What is your roadmap and milestones planned for the next 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years?
One of our top priorities is to launch our new state-of-the-art innovation facility where we will conduct research and development for new technologies. This facility will allow us to bring together some of the most talented minds in the industry to work collaboratively on new innovations that have the potential to change the world for the better.
This facility will not only serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, but it will be able to provide a space for collaboration and idea-sharing among some of the most talented and innovative minds in the field.
With the launch of this facility, we aim to drive forward our mission to create advanced technologies that can revolutionize the world. We are confident that we can develop groundbreaking solutions that will help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from environmental sustainability to energy.
In addition to the innovation facility, we are very excited to announce that we will be delivering prototypes for our nano diamond battery.
Another key priority for us is to finalize agreements with major partners across the world. This will allow us to expand our reach and bring our innovative technologies to even more people around the world. We are very excited about the possibilities that these partnerships hold for our future.
Finally, we are also in the process of closing our ongoing crowdfunding campaign. This campaign has been a huge success, and we are very grateful for the support of our backers. The funds we raise through this campaign will allow us to continue our research and development efforts, and bring our innovative technologies to market faster.
How much support are you getting from academia?
NDB Inc. has a collaboration agreement with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) which involves leveraging ORNL’s expertise and resources in areas such as materials science, nuclear science, and advanced manufacturing to further develop and refine NDB’s technology. Collaborating with a leading institution like ORNL could help NDB address technical challenges, validate their technology, and accelerate the path to commercialization.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a multi-disciplinary institution, under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE is a federal government agency responsible for overseeing the nation’s energy policies, scientific research, and technological innovation related to energy. ORNL is one of the 17 national laboratories funded by the DOE, and it plays a crucial role in advancing the department’s mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. As part of the national laboratory system, ORNL conducts cutting-edge research in various fields such as materials science, nuclear science, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, contributing to the DOE’s broader research and development goals.
NDB Inc. has entered into a facility agreement with the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. This collaboration allows NDB to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources available at the prestigious Cavendish Laboratory, which can help accelerate the research and development of their nano-diamond battery technology. By working with renowned experts and leveraging the advanced equipment at the laboratory, NDB aims to further refine and optimize their innovative energy solutions, bringing them closer to commercialization and widespread adoption.
NDB participated in the post-accelerator program and innovation space provided by IDEALondon. This partnership enabled NDB to access valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities offered by the center.
IDEALondon is a post-accelerator center and innovation space located in London, United Kingdom. It is a partnership between University College London (UCL), Cisco, and EDF Energy. The center was established to support and nurture high-potential tech startups and help them scale their businesses.
NDB participated in the Research, Innovation, and Emerge program spearheaded by Brunel University. In addition to this, they collaborated to explore R&D opportunities through the UK Innovate program.
NDB recently received recognition from the South Australian government and emerged as a winner in the Thinking Critical South Australia challenge, highlighting its potential to address global energy issues. As a result, the company’s expansion into South Australia has garnered support from various organizations, including the Government of South Australia, the Department for Energy and Mining, the Department for Trade and Investment, the University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia.
What made you decide to look for crowdfunding, and is this in addition to traditional start-up funding from angels and VCs?
These are general reasons why a NDB considered crowdfunding in addition to traditional startup funding:
- Gain public support and validation: Crowdfunding campaigns can help raise awareness about a NDB and its products, generating public interest and support. Successful crowdfunding campaigns can validate the market potential and demand for a product or service, which may attract further investment from traditional sources.
- Diversify funding sources: Crowdfunding can serve as an additional source of funding alongside more traditional avenues like angel investors and VCs. By utilizing crowdfunding, NDB can diversify its funding sources, reducing reliance on any single source and potentially mitigating risks.
- Engage with potential customers: Crowdfunding provides an opportunity for NDB to engage directly with potential customers and early adopters. This interaction can help companies gather valuable feedback and build a community of supporters, which can be crucial for the successful launch and growth of a product or service.
I once read how futurists in the 50s predicted nuclear powered cars, and how people look back on those predictions as naïve, But with your technology, such a thing might actually happen after all?!? Do you have any particular beachhead customers in line or in mind?
Imagine a world where the futuristic vision of the 1950s comes to life, with nuclear-powered cars zipping through city streets and highways, defying the limits of conventional energy. As implausible as it may have seemed back then, with the groundbreaking technology developed by NDB Inc., we might be closer to making that dream a reality!
Harnessing the power of nuclear decay processes, NDB can potentially unlock a whole new era of sustainable and long-lasting energy. The applications are virtually limitless, and the world is waiting with bated breath to see which industries will dive headfirst into this cutting-edge innovation.
Picture some of the most daring and forward-thinking early adopters embracing this revolutionary power source:
- Intrepid space explorers: Satellite manufacturers and space agencies could take a giant leap into the cosmos, propelling spacecraft and probes deeper into the unknown, powered by the boundless energy of nano-diamond batteries.
- Lifesaving medical device pioneers: Imagine the impact on millions of lives as manufacturers of implantable medical devices like pacemakers and neurostimulators incorporate nano-diamond batteries, providing patients with longer-lasting, maintenance-free solutions.
- Fearless remote monitoring trailblazers: Industries venturing into environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, and infrastructure monitoring could conquer the most hard-to-reach or hazardous locations, deploying devices powered by the relentless energy of NDB’s technology.
- Visionary IoT disruptors: As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand its horizons, companies daring to push the boundaries could employ nano-diamond batteries to create low-maintenance, long-lasting power sources that reshape our connected world.
As we stand on the precipice of a new age, the possibilities seem endless. The question is: who will be the first to harness the power of NDB’s game-changing technology and write their names in the annals of history? The excitement is palpable as we wait to see which industries take the plunge and make the impossible possible with NDB’s technology.
Are there any particular use cases that you are particularly excited about, perhaps technologies that would not be practical or even possible without this type of power supply. What doors will this open for the technology world?
NDB’s nano-diamond battery technology could be particularly transformative for various industries and technologies.
Space exploration: The long-lasting power supply provided by NDB could be ideal for space missions, where conventional batteries might not suffice due to their limited lifespan. This could enable the development of more advanced and sustainable spacecraft, satellites, and probes, furthering our understanding of the universe.
Medical devices: Implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and neurostimulators, could greatly benefit from the extended lifespan of NDB. This could reduce the need for battery replacement surgeries, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
Remote monitoring and sensing: NDB could revolutionize remote sensing and monitoring applications, particularly in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations where maintenance and battery replacement can be challenging. This could include environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, and infrastructure monitoring.
IoT devices: The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding, and the demand for low-maintenance, long-lasting power sources is on the rise. NDB could enable the development of IoT devices that require minimal maintenance, reducing costs and improving the efficiency of smart homes, cities, and industries.
Underwater exploration: The extended lifespan and durability of NDB could make it suitable for powering underwater vehicles and equipment, allowing for longer and deeper exploration of the world’s oceans.
Electric vehicles: While not a direct replacement for current electric vehicle batteries, NDB could potentially supplement existing battery technology, increasing the range and lifespan of electric vehicles and reducing the environmental impact associated with battery disposal.
These are just a few examples of how NDB’s nano-diamond battery technology could open doors in the technology world and enable the development of new devices and applications that were previously impractical or impossible due to power supply limitations. The true potential of this technology will be revealed as it matures and becomes more widely adopted across various industries.
How safe are your products going to be?
NDB has implemented a “lock-in” system within the transducer to ensure that the radioisotopes used in our power source are not accessed in bulk and used for unintended purposes. This is achieved through nano-scale ion implantation of the radioisotopes within the structure, which provides additional safety measures and helps us meet various consumer safety requirements.
By utilizing this lock-in system, we can prevent unauthorized access to the radioisotopes to some extent and ensure that they are only used for their intended purpose in NDB’s power source. This added level of security provides peace of mind for consumers and helps to mitigate potential risks associated with the use of radioactive materials.
Furthermore, our use of nano-scale ion implantation allows for precise control and placement of the radioisotopes within the structure, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the power source.
Overall, these measures not only enhance the safety of our product, but also improve its performance and reliability.
What are your thoughts on scale? How are you planning for scale with manufacturing?
NDB is currently taking or planning the following approaches toward scaling and manufacturing:
Vertical integration: NDB planned the development of its manufacturing facilities, enabling greater control over the production process and ensuring consistent quality. This may require significant capital investment and time to establish, but it can lead to long-term cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Scaling manufacturing often requires significant capital investment. NDB might seek future funding to finance the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities.
Ramping up R&D: To scale production efficiently, NDB is interested in investing in research and development to optimize the manufacturing process and address any technical challenges. This involves hiring additional R&D personnel, collaborating with research institutions, or leveraging government grants or other funding sources to support innovation.
Modular production: NDB’s design will use a modular production approach to scale manufacturing. By breaking down the manufacturing process into smaller, standardized modules, the company can potentially increase production capacity by adding more modules as needed.
Strategic partnerships: NDB plans partnerships with established manufacturing companies or suppliers to help scale production for some applications. These partnerships can provide access to existing infrastructure, resources, and expertise, making manufacturing the nano-diamond batteries at a larger scale easier.
Licensing and technology transfer: NDB will license its technology or engage in technology transfer agreements with established manufacturers, allowing other companies to produce using NDB’s technology when it comes to particular applications. This can help NDB scale production without having to build its specialized manufacturing infrastructure.
How does someone invest in the crowdfunding round, and please explain that? Where should people go to find out more or get in touch?
To invest in a crowdfunding round of a company like NDB Inc., you would follow these steps:
- Visit crowdfunding platform: NDB is using PicMii crowdfunding platform to raise funds. You should be able to find NDB’s campaign on PicMii’s website (https://www.picmiicrowdfunding.com/deal/NDB).
- Review the campaign details: Before investing, it’s essential to thoroughly review the crowdfunding campaign’s details, including the NDB’s plans, use of funds, investment terms, risks, and potential rewards.
- Create an account and invest: If you decide to invest, you’ll need to create an account on the crowdfunding platform and follow the steps to complete your investment. This may include providing personal information, agreeing to terms and conditions, and transferring funds.