Piersica, Inc. is Chosen by Plug and Play for its 2025 NeoCity Accelerator Program

Startup to Advance Innovation of Ultra-High Energy-Density Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

TALLAHASSEE and KISSIMMEE, Fla. – (April 25, 2025) – Piersica, Inc., an innovative solid-state battery technology company, today announced it was chosen by Plug and Play and the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners to be a NeoCity Accelerator 2025 Cohort.

Piersica is one of 20 companies worldwide that was chosen as a cohort because of its transformative contributions to next-generation technologies. The company is pioneering ultra-high energy-density lithium-ion battery technology that will deliver next-generation performance, enhanced safety, and longer cycle life for applications ranging from electric vehicles and consumer electronics to electric aircraft and long-range electric delivery drones. The company is to deliver a battery that is more than double the density of current lithium-ion batteries.

“Piersica is honored to be selected to join Plug and Play’s NeoCity Accelerator Program and looks forward to collaborating with fellow innovators and industry leaders,” said Claudiu Bucur, CEO of Piersica Inc.

The NeoCity Accelerator Program was created to foster breakthrough advancements across semiconductors, photonics, aerospace, dual-use, advanced sensing, and deep tech technologies. The NeoCity Accelerator will provide startups with access to mentorship from Plug and Play’s global network of corporate partners, investors and industry leaders.

“The NeoCity Program is not just an accelerator—it’s a catalyst for regional and global innovation,” said Keely DeGroot, director of Plug and Play Semiconductors in NeoCity. “These startups are developing technologies that can redefine entire industries, and we’re proud to support their growth right here in the heart of Central Florida.”

In addition to mentorship, the NeoCity Accelerator will also provide companies with workspace and on-the-ground support at the NeoCity tech campus in Central Florida. Through the program, Piersica will participate in pilot opportunities that support commercialization and market entry.

“We’re excited to be a part of the future of startups here in the U.S.,” said Osceola County Board of County Commissioners Chairwoman Viviana Janer. “Our goal of attracting and growing the best and brightest in next-generation technology is becoming a reality. We welcome these companies as they work to revolutionize and expand Osceola as the destination for innovation.”

The program will culminate in a high-profile Expo event, where Piersica and fellow startups will showcase their technologies to investors, corporate partners and public sector leaders, positioning them for future growth and strategic collaborations.

About Piersica, Inc.

Piersica is a solid-state battery technology company specializing in ultra-high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. The company is developing batteries with proprietary new materials and leveraging cutting-edge technologies that produce very light, energy-dense batteries that can be used for a wide range of current and future applications. With its innovative approach, Piersica’s battery technology will enable unprecedented, extended battery life and exceptional safety in consumer electronics, electronic vehicles, drones, energy storage and more. For more information, please visit https://piersica.com.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across five continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies, including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal and Rappi. For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com.

About NeoCity

NeoCity’s growing momentum includes the creation of the Florida Semiconductor Engine as the result of a National Science Foundation award. NeoCity, a 500-acre, master-planned technology district, has also received critical funding from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the Florida Department of Commerce. NeoCity is home to SkyWater Technology, imec USA, BRIDG, the University of Florida’s Florida Semiconductor Institute, Seoul National University, TEL, SUSS MicroTec and LocatorX.

In addition, the Osceola County School District’s NeoCity Academy, located next to the 109,000-square-foot fab (Center for Neovation), has reaped kudos in just a few years: the No. 1 public high school in Central Florida, 11th in the state and top 100 in the nation, as well as recognition as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. It works with partners at NeoCity to provide internships for high school students to work on-site.

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Dr. Joseph B. Schlenoff is a Distinguished Research Professor and Leo Mandelkern Professor of Polymer Science in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida State University. He graduated with his doctorate in chemistry from UMass-Amherst in 1987 and joined the faculty at Florida State University in 1988. Dr. Schlenoff is a leading global authority on polymers, specializing in water-soluble polymers and biocompatible polymer composites and blends. 

During his career, Dr. Schlenoff’s primary polymer science research focused on polyelectrolytes, the absorption of polymers to interfaces, polymer thin films, polymers in separations and analysis of polymers. He has received numerous honors and awards, including being selected as one of three researchers globally awarded a Gutenberg Chair in 2011 at the Université de Strasbourg in France. In 2013, Dr. Schlenoff was awarded the Florida Award from the American Chemical Society, was a U.S.-France Fulbright Fellow in 2019, and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2024.

Currently, Dr. Schlenoff holds 42 issued patents, has several filed patents under review, and has published more than 180 scientific papers, which have gained more than 23,000 citations.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Schlenoff discovered a process for creating biomaterials that can be used in surgical implants designed to prevent biofouling. Additionally, he is the founder of the start-up nanoStrata Inc., a company that manufactured novel robots to create biocompatible films.

David’s career accomplishments include the following:

· Founder, President and CEO of Deportes Media, a company formed in partnership with ESPN to operate major market ESPN Deportes affiliates. At its peak, the Company operated the leading Spanish sports radio stations in Miami, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco, four of the seven largest Hispanic markets in the U.S., and owned and operated Copa ESPN, a national youth soccer tournament.

· As the CFO of Imagine Exhibitions, David spearheaded the financial operations of a Company that launched 22 travelling exhibitions and associated retail shops globally and grew revenue from $15 million to more than $50 million in less than two years.

· Led an investor group in the acquisition of GFRC Shelters, a company that manufactured prefabricated concrete shelters used in a variety of industries including electric utility, chemical, oil & gas, telecommunications, broadcasting, government services, etc.

· Spent the first 12 years of his career as an investment banker at Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers Trust Company / BT Alex Brown / Deutsche Bank. During his investment banking career, Jacobs was involved in more than 100 completed transactions in the media & telecom industries, including advising on $30 billion of mergers and acquisitions and raising more than $23 billion of public and private equity and debt capital.

David graduated with honors from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Senior Vice President & General Manager for the Label & Graphics materials (LGM) EMEA at Avery Dennison. Approximately, $2.3 Billion P/L with 3300 teammates & 20+ manufacturing, distribution & R&D centers including our high value segment, Hanita business unit. Executive sponsor for the global Graphics business

People leader, start-up investor, prolific networker, disruptive thinker, innovator, motivator & philanthropist

Highlights:

-Private Investor/advisor for several start-ups

Piersica.com *Solid state 🔋 disruptor of the
disruptors

ULimo.co *The “Uber” of Limos

Spinethera.com *Sustained release “form factor”
replacing painful & repetitive
epidurals

Classcalc.com. *Disrupting the scientific calculator

-Prolific networker
-Strategy thought leader
-Fearless & thoughtful decision maker
-Diversity & inclusion passionate believer
-Global P/L leadership & value creation thru profitable growth organically & inorganically
-Cultural & organizational change/bridge agent specifically in M&A across 3 MNCs across 5 continents
-Relentless operational execution
-Contagious passion, energy & empowerment

-Global Innovation Centers of Excellence, corporate venturing & open collaborations across the value-chain with suppliers, customers, universities & numerous start-ups

-Dual Commercial & Technical expertise in: specialty chemicals, cellulosics, acrylics, Process Engineering, Material science, Water-soluble & emulsion polymers, hot melts Polyurethanes, Plastics & reactives

-Market segment expertise: Automotive, Personal care, Pharma, Food, Construction, Paint, Coatings, Electronics, Hygiene, Labels, Graphics, reflective, PSA & structural Adhesives

-Built several High performance global cross-functional highly engaged teams

-30+ published science articles cited by 165 references/authors with ~ 500 citations (Attached)

President & General Manager for the Label & Graphics materials (LGM) EMEA at Avery Dennison. Approximately, $6.5 Billion P/L with 10,000 teammates & 20+ manufacturing, distribution & R&D centers including our high value segment, Hanita business unit. Executive sponsor for the global Graphics business

People leader, start-up investor, prolific networker, disruptive thinker, innovator, motivator & philanthropist

Highlights:

– Private Investor/advisor for several start-ups
– Piersica.com *Solid state 🔋 disruptor of the disruptors
– ULimo.co *The “Uber” of Limos
– Spinethera.com *Sustained release “form factor” replacing painful & repetitive epidurals
– Classcalc.com. *Disrupting the scientific calculator
– Prolific networker
– Strategy thought leader
– Fearless & thoughtful decision maker
– Diversity & inclusion passionate believer
– Global P/L leadership & value creation thru profitable growth organically & inorganically
– Cultural & organizational change/bridge agent specifically in M&A across 3 MNCs across 5 continents
– Relentless operational execution
– Contagious passion, energy & empowerment
– Global Innovation Centers of Excellence, corporate venturing & open collaborations across the value-chain with suppliers, customers,   universities & numerous start-ups
– Dual Commercial & Technical expertise in: specialty chemicals, cellulosics, acrylics, Process Engineering, Material science, Water-soluble &     emulsion polymers, hot melts Polyurethanes, Plastics & reactives
– Market segment expertise: Automotive, Personal care, Pharma, Food, Construction, Paint, Coatings, Electronics, Hygiene, Labels, Graphics,   reflective, PSA & structural Adhesives
– Built several High performance global cross-functional highly engaged teams
– 30+ published science articles cited by 165 references/authors with ~ 500 citations

Bob is an Energy Storage technology executive with experience in large corporations (ATL, CATL, Magna, Delphi, GM) and small entrepreneurial businesses (Tawas, Indy Power Systems, World Energy Labs). He recently received the prestigious China “Friendship Award”​ in 2015 and received the title “National Distinguished Expert”​ from the Peoples Republic of China Government Talent 1000 Plan in 2014. Bob is currently CTO of Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited in NingDe, Fujian Province, PRC. CATL specializes in clean technology lithium ion battery systems used in electric vehicles and high efficiency storage systems. He one of the favored speakers on the xEV and ESS conference programs. In professional organizations he has held the Chairmanship of SAE International Battery Standards Steering Committee for 8 years (with 22 Committees reporting to him) and is Chairman of NAATBatt International. He also serves on Senator Lugar’s Advisory Board for Renewable Energy at IUPUI, the Dean’s Executive Advisory Council at Ball State University and the National Fire Protection Agencies Board of Advisers. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and has 40 years experience in battery technology. Bob was first ever front cover individual feature story for Batteries International and has feature articles on a regular basis. He serves on Board of Directors and Technology Advisory Boards for multiple companies.

One of the most innovative and promising technologies is Piersica’s fast charge, 3D Li-metal anode. This technology allows for a longer cycle life (>4000 cycles), higher energy density, faster charging capability, and a significantly lower cost of production compared to other anode technologies. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this revolutionary technology so special.

Known challenges associated with lithium metal anodes are a) extreme thickness change between charged and discharged state, since the lithium metal completely dissolves during discharge and is reformed during charge. This behavior significantly reduces the battery cycle life; b) Low safety due to dendrite formation during fast charge. Commercial solid state batteries with lithium metal anodes (Blue Solutions) must charge slowly in 4-6 hours.

The secret behind Piersica’s new anode lies in a lithium (Li) conductive mat or sponge material which consists of lithium conductive ceramic fibers. This scalable architecture yields a zero-thickness change lithium metal anode. Also, the high surface area provided by the fibers enables safe fast charge and high cycle life.

Piersica has created something very special with their fast-charge 3D Li-metal anode technology, superior performance at a fraction of the cost of other existing technologies on the market today! Investing in this technology could yield big rewards in terms of reducing costs while simultaneously increasing efficiency and performance for battery applications across many industries including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy storage systems (ESS), renewable energy sources (RES), military equipment, etc. This innovative new technology has huge potential to revolutionize how batteries are used across multiple industries! With its high-performance levels, low production costs and abundance of potential applications; Piersica’s fast-charge 3D Li-metal anode is the next generation anode technology.

Separator technology works by creating an electrically insulating barrier between the positive and negative electrodes of a battery cell. This barrier prevents short circuits but allow lithium ions to flow freely. Piersica’s separator is made from a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) which is both light and compatible with high voltage cathode (>4.7 V), allowing for increased energy in batteries. It also boasts several other benefits over traditional glass or ceramic separators such as being flexible, having low interface resistance, not reacting with water molecules or air, and having much smaller mass density.

Benefits of Piersica’s Separator Technology

The use of Piersica’s separator technology has numerous benefits that makes batteries more efficient than ever before. For one thing, it yields more energy in the battery than traditional batteries due to access to higher voltages and reduced overall weight. Additionally, since they do not require heating like existing solid-state batteries do, they are significantly less expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, since they are light and durable at the same time, they can be used in many different applications from consumer electronics to electric vehicles as well as military applications.

In addition to providing greater capacity and voltage output than competing solid separators, Piersica’s new SPE also enables longer cycle life due to increased chemical stability when exposed to high temperatures or external stressors making it ideal for use in long duration applications where maintaining optimal performance is key.

Separator technology stands to revolutionize the energy storage industry for years to come. Not only does it offer increased performance and capacity, but it also requires fewer resources for production which makes it cost-effective for both companies and consumers alike.

The global battery market is expected to reach a value of $124.1 billion by 2026, growing at an impressive CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period. As such, it’s no surprise that the race is on to develop the most efficient and reliable technology for powering batteries. Enter Piersica – an innovative company developing cutting-edge 3D lithium metal anode technology coupled with a proprietary solid polymer electrolyte separator, aiming to increase the capacity and voltage of solid-state batteries and demonstrate a battery with 3x the energy density of commercial lithium ion baterries. The Company believes it can showcase a cell with an ultra-high energy density of 650 Wh/kg in 2023. Let’s take a closer look at how this revolutionary technology works.

How it works:

Piersica brings together a high rate, safe, lithium metal anode with a lightweight, highly conductive, solid polymer separator and with a “leak-free” cathode layer, composed of next generation, cheap, manganese based, lithium rich, 4.7V cathodes. Piersica’s revolutionary solid separator is made of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) that is light and compatible with high voltage cathode (>4.7 V), which allows the highest energy increase. Our separator is soft and flexible, has low interface resistance, can operate at room temperature and below and can reduces cost as well as time to market compared to rigid ceramic/glass solid separators used by competitors. This allows for more efficient power systems in terms of capacity and voltage output while reducing overall costs associated with solid state batteries used in applications such as automotive vehicles or aircrafts.

In conclusion, Piersica’s new battery offers investors tremendous promise for increased performance while reducing overall costs associated with existing solid state batteries. With its unique technologies this revolutionary battery will surely be one you’ll want to keep your eye on!

Solid-state batteries are the latest development in energy storage technology, offering numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are smaller, lighter, and offer longer time of use, making them ideal for applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), electric bikes, wearables, and consumer electronics, power tools, stationary storage and electric planes. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of solid-state batteries and how they are revolutionizing the energy storage industry.

Solid-state batteries are made up of three main components: an anode, a separator, and a cathode. The anode is usually made of lithium metal, which has the highest capacity for storing charge. The lithium metal anode forms during charge and dissolves during discharge. The separator is typically made of lithium condutive ceramics, glasses, or polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer and acts as a physical barrier between the anode and cathode. The purpose of the separator is to facilitate transport of lithium ions into the anode during charging and into the cathode during discharging. The separator also does not conduct electrons and blocks the physical touching of anode and cathode which would be a fatal internal short circuit. Finally, the cathode is usually made of metal oxides such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, or iron which lithiate during discharge.

Except for polymers, ceramic or glass-based solid separators are significantly heavier than legacy separators used in commercial batteries which use liquid electrolytes. This works against the goal of increasing the energy density of the battery. As such, the promise of high energy density solid state batteries can only be delivered with NEW lightweight polymer electrolytes coupled with the use of Holy Grail lithium metal anodes.

One of the main benefits of solid-state batteries is their improved safety profile. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, which is a flammable fuel and prone to leaks if the cell is damaged. In contrast, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, which significantly reduces the risk of fires and leaks. This makes them ideal for use in all battery applications such as electric transport, consumer electronics and other applications where safety is a priority.

Solid-state batteries also have a higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells due to their low weight and small size. This means they can store more charge per unit volume and weight than other types of battery cells. This makes them particularly suitable for use in EVs, and electric planes where every gram counts towards extending the transportation range.

Solid-state batteries offer numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion cells, including improved safety profiles, higher energy densities, lighter weight, smaller size, and longer lifetime. Piersica’s ultra-high energy density battery with its lightweight solid polymer separator and fiber based is the most powerful solutions available today for energy storage. These benefits make it clear why solid-state batteries will be powering our world well into the future.

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries are a type of energy storage technology that utilizes solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones. This technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve upon traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of safety, efficiency, and power density.

One of the key advantages of solid-state lithium-ion batteries is their improved safety profile. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, which is flammable and prone to leaks. In contrast, solid-state lithium-ion batteries use a solid electrolyte, which significantly reduces the risk of fires and leaks.

Another advantage of solid-state lithium-ion batteries is their increased energy density because they enable the use of Holy Grail lithium metal anodes. This means that they can store more energy in a given volume or weight. The commercial use of lithium metal anodes in batteries with liquid electrolytes has been attempted throughout the 1980’s and failed due to low safety. Since then, commercial lithium ion batteries with liquid electrolytes have settled for lower capacity graphite anodes.

Piersica’s thesis is the pilot level demonstration for the manufacturing of a new type of lithium-based battery with 3x the energy density of the commercial lithium-ion battery – an impressive 650 Wh/kg. The company’s proprietary cell designs are enabled by two main innovations: a) separators built from a new, lightweight, lithium conductive polymer; b) anodes built via a new manufacturing process yielding lithium conductive ceramic fiber mats or sponges. Piersica, a leading research and development company, is at the forefront of the solid-state lithium-ion battery revolution with its proprietary conductive polymer separator and innovative fiber-based lithium metal anode technology.

For 50 years, the only lithium conductive polymer available to companies has been polyethylene oxide (PEO) or variations thereof. This material has low lithium conductivity and requires heating of the solid-state battery for operation and has been commercialized for EV applications by the French company Blue Solutions since 2010. For the first time in 5 decades, Piersica has demonstrated the successful polymerization of a new lithium conductive polymer with high molecular weight, and high stability in solvents, which is chemically different than the PEO family. This proprietary material has higher conductivity than PEO and can operate at room temperature or below. Also, unlike PEO, it is natively compatible with high voltage cathodes.

The Company manufactures both porous and solid polymer separators from its proprietary polymer. Due to higher conductivity, both types of separators have been shown to significantly reduce the amount of liquid electrolyte required in test cells with legacy anodes and cathodes. Less electrolyte in a battery equates to higher energy density.

Piersica’s lithium metal anode technology also has the potential to revolutionize energy storage systems for all applications. It reduces weight, reduces charging time, increases safety and, extends cycle life, making it a valuable opportunity for investors looking for innovative solutions.

The company has already demonstrated the advantages of using its solid polymer separators in legacy pouch cells and is rapidly developing its anode technology. Piersica will mary the separator and anode tech into pouch cell prototypes in 2023 and is on track for pilot testing in 2025 (1 million cells). With further testing and refinement in the coming years, it is likely that solid-state lithium-ion batteries will become more widespread in battery applications worldwide.

In conclusion, solid-state lithium-ion batteries offer numerous benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including improved safety, increased efficiency, and higher power density. Piersica’s solid polymer separator and lithium metal anode technology is at the forefront of this space, and has the potential to revolutionize energy storage systems for all applications.