During the silence of the lockdown in 2020, an innovation in the energy sector came to life in the corridors of the Milan Polytechnic University. Two young researchers had a bold idea: to create rechargeable lithium metal batteries.

These batteries, known for their enormous storage capacity but so far disposable, could revolutionize the energy sector. The ETH team overcame a significant challenge: how to make these batteries durable and rechargeable. Their solution? An innovative insulator that prevents wear and tear and increases rechargeability. This discovery could double the range of batteries compared to current lithium-ion batteries.

The start-up Lift Energy, born out of this research, is now at the forefront of industrializing this technology. With the leadership of Sansotera, Marziani, and Gibertini and the support of experts such as Luca Magnin and Emanuele Franceschini, Lift Energy is making great strides.

The advantages of these new batteries are extraordinary: they weigh half as much and charge twice as much as conventional batteries, use less lithium, and are compatible with future technologies such as solid-state batteries. They also offer a lower risk of combustion and have vast applications, from automotive to biomedical.

Lift Energy has already attracted the attention of the investment world, with Ground Control Holding, a venture builder specializing in cleantech, acquiring a stake in the start-up. The goal is clear: to bring this revolutionary technology to market, preferably in Italy, within the next eighteen months.

This innovation is not just a technological breakthrough, but a potential game changer in the way we manage energy and address environmental challenges. It is a shining example of how research and innovation, starting with an idea in a university corridor, can pave the way for a more sustainable and connected future.