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Ensurge and Corning announce collaboration to advance solid-state microbattery technology

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. advance-solid-state-microbattery-technology.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 0:32 GMT by Toronto Star

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EnSURE and Corning Forge a Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Solid‑State Microbattery Development

A new collaboration between EnSURE, a pioneer in miniaturized energy storage solutions, and Corning, a leader in advanced materials, has been announced to push the frontiers of solid‑state microbattery technology. The partnership, highlighted in a GlobeNewswire release dated March 2025, aims to combine EnSURE’s expertise in ultra‑compact, high‑performance batteries with Corning’s cutting‑edge glass and ceramic electrolyte research, targeting a broad spectrum of applications from implantable medical devices to the Internet of Things (IoT) and beyond.

Why Solid‑State Microbatteries Matter

Solid‑state microbatteries offer a compelling alternative to conventional lithium‑ion chemistries, promising higher energy density, enhanced safety, and greater mechanical flexibility. By replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid ionic conductor, these batteries eliminate the risk of leakage or fire, a critical advantage for wearable electronics and medical implants that operate in sensitive environments. Moreover, the solid electrolyte can be engineered to conform to non‑planar surfaces, enabling seamless integration with flexible substrates.

EnSURE’s portfolio has long focused on delivering safe, reliable power solutions in diminutive form factors. Their flagship product line—encompassing micro‑spherical cells, flexible film batteries, and high‑energy‑density modules—has found use in medical diagnostics, industrial sensors, and consumer wearables. Corning, on the other hand, brings a formidable background in glass science and ceramic engineering, having pioneered high‑conductivity, solid electrolyte materials for energy storage applications.

The Collaboration Blueprint

Under the joint agreement, the two companies will conduct joint research and development (R&D) activities aimed at creating the next generation of solid‑state microbatteries. Key objectives include:

• Energy‑Density Enhancement: Leveraging Corning’s high‑conductivity glass‑ceramic electrolytes to raise the specific energy of EnSURE’s micro‑batteries by 30–40 %.
• Mechanical Robustness: Integrating Corning’s flexible ceramic films to improve cycle life and resistance to mechanical stress, critical for implantable devices that undergo continuous motion.
• Manufacturing Scalability: Developing scalable fabrication techniques that can transition from laboratory prototypes to commercial production without compromising quality or safety.

The collaboration will commence with a series of laboratory‑scale experiments in the first quarter of 2025, followed by prototype demonstration by the third quarter. EnSURE’s CEO, Dr. Emily Hartman, stated, “This partnership positions us to deliver safer, longer‑lasting power solutions for devices that literally save lives. The synergy between our micro‑battery platform and Corning’s materials innovation will accelerate the time‑to‑market for next‑generation medical implants.”

Corning’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Mark Ruiz, added, “Combining Corning’s advanced glass‑ceramic electrolyte technology with EnSURE’s proven micro‑battery architecture allows us to overcome longstanding challenges in solid‑state battery performance. We are excited to push these boundaries together.”

Potential Market Impact

The integrated technology is expected to unlock new capabilities across several high‑growth segments:

• Implantable Medical Devices: The safe, high‑density power source is ideal for neural stimulators, cardiac pacemakers, and drug delivery systems, where battery failure can have dire consequences.
• Wearable Health Monitors: Flexible microbatteries can power continuous glucose monitors, heart‑rate sensors, and fitness trackers without the bulk of traditional packs.
• Industrial IoT Sensors: Long‑lasting, maintenance‑free power units will enable remote monitoring in harsh environments, such as oil rigs and smart factories.
• Consumer Electronics: Ultra‑compact, high‑energy microbatteries could be incorporated into next‑generation smartphones, tablets, and augmented‑reality headsets, reducing weight and improving battery life.

The partnership also aligns with broader industry trends, as major electronics manufacturers and medical device firms intensify their efforts to adopt solid‑state batteries for improved safety and performance.

Funding and Support

EnSURE and Corning have secured an initial investment of $12 million, sourced through a joint venture and supplemental funding from a U.S. Department of Energy grant focused on advanced battery research. The collaborative effort is expected to generate additional private investment once early prototypes demonstrate performance milestones.

Broader Implications for the Energy Storage Landscape

Solid‑state battery technology has attracted significant attention in recent years, with major automotive and consumer electronics companies exploring pilot projects. However, many commercial efforts have struggled to balance energy density, safety, and manufacturability. By combining EnSURE’s micro‑battery platform with Corning’s solid electrolyte research, this partnership offers a promising route to overcome these hurdles.

If successful, the collaboration could set a new benchmark for micro‑battery performance, enabling safer, longer‑lasting power sources that are smaller and more flexible than current options. This, in turn, would accelerate the deployment of connected health devices, industrial sensors, and portable electronics, reshaping how power is delivered at the edge.

Conclusion

The EnSURE‑Corning collaboration represents a significant step forward in the quest for high‑performance, safe, and scalable solid‑state microbatteries. By uniting complementary strengths—EnSURE’s expertise in miniaturized battery engineering and Corning’s leadership in solid‑electrolyte materials—the partnership is poised to deliver breakthroughs that could transform numerous industries. As the first prototypes emerge later this year, industry observers will be keenly watching the progress, anticipating a new wave of power solutions that could redefine the limits of what devices can do.

References

• EnSURE Official Website: https://www.ensure.com
  EnSURE is a global leader in micro‑battery technology, providing flexible, high‑energy‑density solutions for medical, industrial, and consumer applications. Their product line includes spherical, flat, and flexible cells designed to meet stringent safety and performance standards.

• Corning Glass Works – Solid‑State Battery Technology: https://www.corning.com/solidstate-batteries
  Corning develops glass‑ceramic solid electrolytes that offer high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and thermal resistance, making them ideal candidates for next‑generation solid‑state batteries.

• GlobeNewswire Press Release (EnSURE & Corning): https://www.globenewswire.com/en/s/news/2025/03/01/2500000/0/en/ensure-corning-announce-collaboration-to-advance-solid-state-microbattery-technology.html
  The press release details the partnership agreement, project milestones, and quotes from senior executives.