THE CELLiSAFE R&D PROGRAMME
CELLiSAFE: Accelerating Solid-State Battery Innovation in Flanders
CELLiSAFE marks a critical advancement in SOLiTHOR’s pursuit of commercially viable solid-state battery technology setting new standards for performance and safety. Backed by innovation funding from VLAIO, the Flemish government’s agency supporting entrepreneurs across Flanders, the CELLiSAFE initiative has rapidly evolved from fundamental research to tangible commercialisation milestones.
CELLiSAFE 1: Laying the Groundwork
In April 2022, SOLiTHOR submitted its first CELLiSAFE proposal, which was officially granted in December, 2022. The project received €1.78 million in funding from VLAIO, enabling SOLiTHOR to accelerate its early-stage research in partnership with imec.
CELLiSAFE 1 focused on demonstrating initial solid-state cell prototypes - critical groundwork that paved the way for future development activities and established a first valorisation route targeting Urban Air Mobility.
VLAIO’s support aligned with its mission to help businesses grow, transform, and innovate through strategic subsidies, and positioned SOLiTHOR to move swiftly from concept to demonstration.
CELLiSAFE 2: Toward a first-generation demonstration cell
In 2024, the Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social Economy and Agriculture, Jo Brouns, announced a second CELLiSAFE grant, totalling €1.8 million during a visit to SOLiTHOR’s headquarters in Sint-Truiden. This follow-on funding, known as CELLiSAFE 2.0 propelled SOLiTHOR’s patented technology forward, focusing on Solid Composite Electrolytes (SCE), advanced anodes and cathodes. These components form the backbone of SOLiTHOR’s unique solid-state battery cells.
Minister Brouns praised SOLiTHOR’s contribution to regional innovation, stating: “SOLiTHOR shows that Flanders is a global leader in the field of solid-state battery innovation. Thanks to the groundbreaking technology that SOLiTHOR is developing, you and I will be able to get on an all-electric commercial aircraft within a few years. This contributes to a sustainable, climate-neutral society. With the creation of some 25 additional new jobs, this will also benefit employment in the region.”
From R&D to Demonstration
Together, CELLiSAFE 1.0 and 2.0 have enabled SOLiTHOR to:
- Demonstrate a first-generation 1–3Ah prototype solid-state battery cell - marking a critical step toward commercial readiness.
- Accelerate the transition from an R&D-intensive start-up to a leading developer and technology provider for solid-state battery technology.
More than a Research programme
The Cellisafe project positions Flanders as a global hub for solid-state battery innovation. With VLAIO’s continued support and SOLiTHOR’s technical leadership, the future of clean, high-performance energy storage is already taking shape.