A Phoenix-based startup is graduating from Plug and Play accelerateAZ following the launch of its sustainable battery module that it expects to be a “game changer” in sustainable energy storage technology.
SorbiForce’s batteries are composed of ultra-porous carbon, water and salt, eliminating the need for metals in its manufacturing process. The nonflammable battery — built from renewable materials — requires no cooling and can be recycled without any toxic waste, according to the company.
Its 100 kilowatt-hour pilot battery charges from sources such as solar panels, wind turbines or the electric grid, making it ideal for balancing energy demand peaks throughout the day, according to the company.
SorbiForce is graduating from Plug and Play accelerateAZ’s sustainability cohort on Sept. 25. What’s more, the company is launching a second crowdfunding campaign next week on Republic, a global investing platform. Plug and Play is a California-based firm with offices in Phoenix and around the world that backs startups with funding and other resources.
SorbiForce raised $340,000 from more than 530 investors in its initial crowdfunding round on Republic and is expecting even greater participation in its upcoming capital raise.
The company is seeking partners for pilot projects involving its target markets, which are data centers, utilities and electric vehicles. After that, it plans to roll out an industrial version of its battery system.
“We are looking for some great partners here in Arizona to start using this battery in real life and in real applications,” SorbiForce CEO Serhii "Serge" Kaminskyi said. “That's the goal for this pilot project — to find the best partners here in Arizona to start using this battery.”
Company originated in Ukraine
SorbiForce was founded as an Arizona-based startup in 2022 but the company originates from Ukraine, where it established a research and development center in 2019.
The U.S. Department of State assisted SorbiForce with relocating to the University of Arizona’s Center for Innovation via its Global Advantage Soft Landings program, which provides resources and mentoring to help international businesses expand to the U.S.
“There’s a lot of battery innovation going on in Arizona. It's an important place to be. Obviously, there's major companies developing batteries in Arizona,” Kaminskyi said. “We really feel like the stars are lining up to both make a name for Arizona and SorbiForce, and make something that the world will really benefit from.”
SorbiForce has 15 employees, most of whom are based in Ukraine. The company is looking at plans to ramp up hiring in Arizona as it considers relocating its research and development center from Ukraine to Arizona.
“We are preparing to set up production here in Arizona. I'm looking for facilities. I'm looking for engineers, technicians and other team members,” Kaminskyi said. "I’ve had a lot of conversations with potential team members, and I believe we will have a great big team here in Arizona, for sure. It's question of time.”
