Osaka University Venture Capital has invested 300 million yen in 3DC to support the commercialization of their innovative battery material, Graphene MesoSponge, which aims to enhance lithium-ion battery performance.

Information on the Target

3DC Inc. (hereafter referred to as '3DC'), based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, was established in February 2022 with the objective of commercializing an innovative carbon material known as Graphene MesoSponge (GMS). This new carbon material, invented by Professor Hiroshi Nishihara of Tohoku University’s Advanced Institute for Materials Research, aims to significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries by serving as a functional conductive additive.

3DC's GMS is designed to improve lithium-ion battery performance, which is increasingly in demand for applications in smartphones and automobiles. Despite the conductive additives accounting for less than 1% of the battery's weight, they play a crucial role in determining battery efficiency. GMS stands out due to its unique three-dimensional structure, offering superior ionic and electronic conductivity as well as excellent durability, potentially overcoming the traditional trade-off between high output and long life in batteries. The company is also working on reducing manufacturing costs through process improvements and is steadily working towards establishing a mass production framework.

Industry Overview in Japan

The Japanese battery industry has seen significant growth driven by the global demand for lithium-ion batteries. With an increasing focus on sustainability, there is a strong market need for battery technologies that deliver high performance and longevity. Existing conductive ad