High precision battery testing equipment leader embarks on in-house development, evaluation of new battery materials

 “Novonix’s trail-blazing clean-tech work is helping to meet the world’s energy needs, while leaving a cleaner environment for future generations and creating a more vibrant, prosperous future for Atlantic Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to making further investments toward a healthy and sustainable low carbon economy.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Canadians understand that a clean environment and strong economy go hand in hand. The Government of Canada is proud to support an innovative company such as Novonix that makes clean technology a priority, provides highly skilled jobs, performs world-leading research and generates breakthrough ideas to grow a sustainable economy here in Atlantic Canada.”

     - Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville – Preston – Chezzetcook

“Novonix is thrilled to be receiving this support from ACOA to expand the capabilities we have here at our facility in Bedford. The ability to manufacture commercial lithium-ion cells on site opens up a number of opportunities from expanding our internal research and development, to offering further services to customers and it opens the door into small scale commercial cell manufacturing. We are excited to continue to grow Novonix and support battery development activities here in Nova Scotia.”

     - Chris Burns, President and CEO, Novonix Battery Testing Services Inc.

• Novonix Battery Testing Services Inc. received a $500,000 repayable contribution through ACOA's Business Development Program.
  

• The company, known as Novonix, was established in 2013 and is run today by co-founders Dr. Chris Burns and Dr. David Stevens. It was spun out of Dr. Jeff Dahn’s lithium ion battery research lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
  

• In addition to its founders, Novonix has 15 employees including scientists, engineers, and software designers. In the next year, it expects to add five to seven more highly skilled employees.
  

• Novonix has sold more than 1,000 testing units, with customers in 12 countries around the world. Approximately half of Novonix’s business is in North America (mostly in the U.S.). About 35 per cent of its business is in Asia and the remaining 15 per cent is in Europe.
  

• Novonix was wholly acquired by Australia’s GraphiteCorp Limited in June 2017. In July 2017, Graphitecorp changed its name to Novonix Limited. Chinese battery giant CATL was also an investor.
  

• The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations. Investments under the BDP address any gap that may arise if an application does not fit within ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
  

• The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
  

Associated links

• Introducing the people powering up the future

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Dr. Chris Burns
President and CEO
Novonix Battery Testing Services Inc.
902-449-9121
chris.burns@novonix.ca