NOVONIX

Driven by a passion for scientific innovation, Dr. Chris Burns embarked on a journey during his PhD candidacy under Dr. Jeff Dahn at Dalhousie University to unravel the challenges surrounding the longevity of lithium-ion batteries. This quest, far from being merely academic, held profound implications for a wide array of applications, from electronic devices to electric vehicles.

"These batteries were already very efficient, but when we started our research there was no easy way to quickly and accurately predict their life cycle," reflects Chris, now the CEO of NOVONIX. "We pioneered ultra-high precision coulometry, enabling us to assess lithium-ion battery efficiency in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take."

The groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Burns and his team soon garnered attention, leading to inquiries from companies eager to leverage their insights. In 2013, NOVONIX started to bring to market an innovative Ultra-High Precision Coulometry (UHPC) battery-testing system. Dr. Burns recalls, "We had to build everything from a blank slate. We were really starting from nothing."

Critical support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) proved instrumental during this pivotal phase. "ACOA's backing provided the confidence to expand our team and resources," Chris acknowledges. "It was a crucial source of stability."

Within a year, NOVONIX’s inaugural system was ready for deployment, attracting clientele ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to global battery manufacturers. Dr. Burns proudly states, "Our first deliveries in 2014 marked the beginning of a journey towards global recognition."

NOVONIX has since expanded greatly to employ almost 200 people across locations in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Nova Scotia. The company’s locations in Nova Scotia, one in Bedford and one in Dartmouth, house their battery pilot lines, UHPC equipment, and cathode pilot line. NOVONIX’s Nova Scotia facilities have been supported by ACOA in the form of funding, underscoring the government’s commitment to support the company’s growth.

Today, NOVONIX stands as a beacon of innovation with an esteemed international reputation. The company is a large player in the battery materials space, supplying high-performance synthetic graphite to the domestic lithium-ion battery market. A recent signing of a binding supply agreement with Panasonic Energy to provide them with 10,000 tonnes of their graphite from 2025-2028, along with agreements with KORE Power and LG Energy Solution, has positioned them as a leader in the space well into the future.  

NOVONIX epitomizes the spirit of innovation and resilience driving Atlantic Canada's economy forward. Through relentless ingenuity and strategic partnerships, NOVONIX is not only transforming battery testing but also contributing to a sustainable future, both domestically and globally.