Nascent Signs MOA with UP Diliman for Battery Development

In the recent Annual Stockholders' Meeting held on May 30, First Philippine Holdings (FPH) shared exciting updates on its strategic initiatives. Francis Giles B. Puno (President and COO) highlighted various achievements and plans across FPH's diverse platforms. A notable announcement was the partnership between First Philec and Nascent Batteries. First Philec, a key player under the FPH umbrella, is a pioneer and leader in transformer solutions in the Philippines. While its portfolio focuses on power distribution solutions, its product innovation goes into initiatives and solutions for the transitioning grid, including EV chargers and energy storage. This prompted First Philec's partnership with Nascent Technologies, a local organization composed of talented Filipino scientists and engineers looking for ways to develop sustainable sodium ion battery storage as an alternative to the looming scarcity of Li-ion energy storage. First Philec is set to lead the funding round for Nascent Batteries, a promising startup specializing in innovative battery solutions. The partnership with Nascent Batteries is expected to drive significant advancements in the field of battery energy storage, aligning with FPH's vision of fostering sustainable and resilient energy infrastructures. About FPH First Philippine Holdings (FPH) is a leading holding company in clean energy, real estate, manufacturing, and construction industries in the Philippines. Since 1961, FPH has been a trailblazer, focusing on sustainable practices for a better future. Their clean energy portfolio aims to reduce coal dependence and uplift community lives. Know more About First Philec First Philec is a leading provider of electrical distribution equipment and solutions in the Philippines, serving various sectors for nearly sixty years. As part of the Lopez Group, it supports manufacturing and technology investments to boost the country's economy and enhance global competitiveness. Know more About Nascent Nascent Technologies, headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines, is an emerging energy leader in the nation's shift towards renewable energy sources. Specializing in battery energy storage technology for both stationary and transportation applications, Nascent Technologies recognizes the critical role of energy storage in balancing the variability of renewables and meeting growing energy demands. With a focus on decarbonizing industries, Nascent Technologies emphasizes the potential of emerging energy storage solutions to support the clean energy transition, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in providing innovative and effective solutions for a sustainable future. Know more

Nascent played a significant role in the recently concluded Battery Summer School 2024, organized by the Advanced Batteries Center Philippines from May 20 to 24, 2024. The event gathered over 50 participants from industry, academia, and research institutions. Nascent team members delivered insightful presentations on topics such as DFT, multi-physics, and material characterization techniques in battery research, alongside the latest advancements in battery technology. In addition to presenting, Nascent served as one of the sponsors, underscoring its commitment to industry education and collaboration. The sponsorship facilitated various workshops and interactive sessions, offering valuable learning opportunities for attendees, including new hires from Nascent’s Electrochemistry Division. Engaging with such a diverse and knowledgeable audience significantly enhanced Nascent's visibility in the battery technology sector. The connections made and knowledge exchanged during the Battery Summer School are invaluable, contributing to the ongoing advancement of battery technology. About the Advanced Battery Center in the Philippines Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s Science for Change Program, the joint Center for Advanced Batteries of the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) explores improvements in old chemistries, such as in lead-acid and nickel-iron batteries, and develops novel next-generation cathodes for post lithium-ion batteries. Know more About Nascent: Nascent Technologies, headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines, is an emerging energy leader in the nation's shift towards renewable energy sources. Specializing in battery energy storage technology for both stationary and transportation applications, Nascent Technologies recognizes the critical role of energy storage in balancing the variability of renewables and meeting growing energy demands. With a focus on decarbonizing industries, Nascent Technologies emphasizes the potential of emerging energy storage solutions to support the clean energy transition, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in providing innovative and effective solutions for a sustainable future

Nascent has reached another milestone by publishing its first research paper in the Journal of Energy Storage (IF=9.4) . The paper, titled “ Energy, Power, and Cost Optimization of a Sodium-Ion Battery Pack via a Combined Physics-Based and Cost Modeling Approach, ” explores the optimization of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, which is an emerging alternative to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to sodium’s elemental abundance and reduced supply chain risks. The study analyzes the design of Na-ion batteries to balance energy, power, and cost. Key highlights from this paper include the optimization of electrode thicknesses and porosities using both multiphysics and cost models. Nascent’s publication not only highlights its commitment to cutting-edge research but also contributes valuable insights to the global energy storage community. The company continues its pioneering work in developing next-generation battery technologies. Read more About Nascent: Nascent Technologies, headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines, is an emerging energy leader in the nation's shift towards renewable energy sources. Specializing in battery energy storage technology for both stationary and transportation applications, Nascent Technologies recognizes the critical role of energy storage in balancing the variability of renewables and meeting growing energy demands. With a focus on decarbonizing industries, Nascent Technologies emphasizes the potential of emerging energy storage solutions to support the clean energy transition, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in providing innovative and effective solutions for a sustainable future

Nascent Technologies has embarked on a strategic partnership with Unigrid Battery, a UC San Diego spin-off company based in San Diego, USA, that specializes in advanced sodium-ion batteries. This collaboration combines Unigrid's energy-dense, safe sodium-ion battery chemistry that is free of critical and rare materials, and Nascent’s expertise in battery management system (BMS) and energy storage system (ESS) integration. As the global battery market increasingly prioritizes sustainability and efficiency, Nascent's partnership with Unigrid represents a significant milestone in the adoption of next-generation sodium-ion technology. Nascent has been testing Unigrid’s advanced sodium-ion batteries for potential ESS applications in the Philippines to boost the region’s rapidly growing renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure in efforts to reduce carbon footprint. About Unigrid: UNIGRID Battery, headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, was founded with a mission to accelerate the transition to clean electric mobility and distributed energy storage by developing safe and affordable advanced sodium-ion batteries. Their goal is to make battery technology accessible to every home and building, thereby lowering electricity costs and enhancing grid resilience. By adopting abundant sodium materials and a non-flammable battery chemistry, UNIGRID's batteries offer versatile solutions suitable for a wide range of applications. Know more About Nascent: Nascent Technologies, headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines, is an emerging energy leader in the nation's shift towards renewable energy sources. Specializing in battery energy storage technology for both stationary and transportation applications, Nascent Technologies recognizes the critical role of energy storage in balancing the variability of renewables and meeting growing energy demands. With a focus on decarbonizing industries, Nascent Technologies emphasizes the potential of emerging energy storage solutions to support the clean energy transition, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in providing innovative and effective solutions for a sustainable future.

In a world where innovation drives progress and entrepreneurship fuels change, the Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Program stands as a stepping stone of opportunity for visionary leaders like Dr. Dj Donn Matienzo, Nascent's Chief Commercial Officer. Selected among thousands (5,000+) of applicants from over 120 countries, Dr. Matienzo joins a cohort of 25 young founders from emerging markets, embarking on a transformative journey toward entrepreneurial greatness. The program, a blend of a 6-month remote curriculum and the possibility of joining a 5-day conference in Berlin offers a rich tapestry of mentoring, peer learning, expert sessions, and a supportive buddy program. It serves as a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and experiences, fostering collaboration and innovation across sectors like cleantech, climate tech, agritech, ed-tech, and logistics. For Nascent Technologies, this opportunity aligns seamlessly with their vision and mission. As they aspire to be Southeast Asia's leading provider of battery energy storage technology and solutions, Dr. Matienzo's participation in the Young Founders Program is instrumental. It provides him with invaluable insights, connections, and expertise necessary to drive Nascent's mission forward. By fostering collaboration on a global scale, Nascent Technologies is poised to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing industries and advancing the clean energy transition. About Westerwelle Foundation: The Westerwelle Foundation, established in 2013 by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Guido Westerwelle and entrepreneur Ralph Dommermuth, is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through their startup hubs and support programs, they facilitate co-working spaces, capacity building, and connections within local startup communities. As a nonprofit organization, the Westerwelle Foundation is committed to fostering equal opportunities globally through the power of empowered entrepreneurship. Learn more

In the heart of innovation and sustainability, Energy-X 2023 sets the stage for a pivotal gathering of minds eager to redefine the future of energy. Co-sponsored by Nascent alongside the UP Diliman Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering's Project CIPHER, this symposium is not merely an event but a cornerstone for the next wave of advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies. From November 27 to December 1, 2023, the brightest from academia, government, and industry will unite under one roof, sharing a common goal: to propel the world towards an era of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. "Energy-X 2023 is a testament to the power of collaboration across various sectors," states Dr. Limjuco, a lead ing researcher in electrochemical engineering. The symposium promises a blend of educational sessions, technical talks, and networking opportunities, designed not just for knowledge exchange but for sparking innovative solutions to the energy challenges of today and tomorrow. As we edge closer to the event, the anticipation grows. Energy-X 2023, along with the numerous sponsors, offers more than just insights into the future of energy; it presents an opportunity for participants to be part of the change that will shape generations to come. In a world thirsting for sustainable solutions, this symposium shines as a beacon of hope and progress.

Nascent Technologies' Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Matienzo, successfully acquired two complimentary tickets, valued at 1295 USD each, for the Philippines Renewable Energy Summit 2023, held on September 6th and 7th. This event focused on critical aspects of renewable energy, including utility and distributed solar, onshore and offshore wind and battery energy storage systems. The summit provided an in-depth overview of the renewable energy market in the Philippines, functioning as a vital platform for networking and business collaborations. Alongside the main event, a boutique exhibition offered original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contractors, and service providers an opportunity to display their products and services to key players in the Philippine renewable energy sector. Dr. BenJeMar-Hope Flores, head of the Energy Storage Systems Division, attended the summit. He gained valuable insights into the Philippine renewable energy market and engaged in meaningful interactions with other summit attendees, enhancing his understanding and connections within this vital industry. This participation highlights Nascent Technologies' commitment to staying at the forefront of renewable energy developments and exploring potential business opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector.

Nascent Technologies' executives, including Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Dj Donn Matienzo, Electrochemistry Division Head Dr. Maricor Divinagracia-Luzadas, and Energy Storage Systems Division Head Dr. BenJeMar-Hope Flores, participated in the StartUp QC 2023 Cohort 2, from August 30 to October 19, 2023. This program, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Quezon City, seeks to establish business hubs and inspire citizens to develop business models addressing societal challenges. The team entered Nascent-Capacikit into the competition, vying for a 1M Php equity-free grant. The product, a mobile charging unit, garnered interest from Startup QC's Program Manager, Mr. Reuel Ruiz, Jr. Despite submitting a comprehensive 10-slide presentation and a 5-minute video detailing CapaciKit, Nascent Technologies did not advance to the final list. This experience has highlighted the importance of focusing on the initial market validation of their minimum viable product (MVP). Moving forward, Nascent Technologies plans to concentrate on demonstrating the practical utility and social impact of their innovative product, CapaciKit, in line with the program's objectives of stimulating entrepreneurial growth and addressing community needs in Quezon City.

Dr. Dj Donn Matienzo, Chief Commercial Officer of Nascent Technologies, represented the Philippines at the prestigious SYNC 2023 summit in Singapore from August 21 to 22. The summit, an exclusive annual event, gathered around 100 key figures, including founders, professionals, climate advocates, and investors from across Asia, focusing on the vital topic of Climate Tech and environmental solutions. Nascent Technologies stood out as the only Philippine-based startup at the event, joining peers from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Participation was by invitation only, with attendees carefully selected by the Tech in Asia organizing committee. A highlight of the summit was a plant visit to a lithium battery recovery facility on the second day, offering insights into sustainable practices in the tech industry. The summit provided valuable opportunities for potential collaborations, particularly for startups looking to expand into the Philippine market. Moreover, the gathering facilitated the sharing of resources and knowledge among participants, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in advancing climate technology. Dr. Matienzo’s attendance at SYNC 2023 signals Nascent Technologies’ commitment to being at the forefront of tech innovation and environmental stewardship in Asia.