# Ilika begins process qualification for Stereax batteries at Cirtec facility

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ilika-begins-process-qualification-for-stereax-batteries-at-cirtec-facility/4121183242
- Published: 2025-01-09T07:10:52+00:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

**[Ilika plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/ilika-plc/ika.l) **(
[LON: IKA](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/ilika-plc/ika.l)), an
independent global expert in solid state battery technology, has announced that 
the production of Stereax batteries for process qualification has now commenced.

In July 2024, Ilika confirmed that installation of its key equipment had been substantially
completed in Cirtec Medical’s facility in Lowell, MA, USA. Ilika can now confirm
its equipment has been commissioned and successfully passed its User Acceptance 
Tests (UATs). These production tools include layer deposition machines as well as
alignment and patterning machines. This final stage in the commissioning of Stereax
new manufacturing facilities means that both Cirtec and Ilika are now satisfied 
that the equipment meets its requirement for the start of production transfer.

To support equipment commissioning, since June 2024, Ilika has delivered a series
of batches of cathode-coated wafers to Cirtec, for further processing and verification
of subsequent process steps. Process qualification has the aim of refining and tuning
the process equipment to achieve specified product performance in preparation for
the start of product manufacturing. Ilika currently retains and will operate part
of the production equipment in the UK, including that for cathode deposition and
cell formation and testing.

In August 2023, Ilika and Cirtec Medical announced that they had concluded contractual
negotiations by signing a ten-year manufacturing licence to produce the Stereax 
range of mm-scale batteries at Cirtec’s facility in Lowell. This partnership will
reinforce Cirtec’s ongoing activities in system level miniaturisation for the medical
device industry, whilst Ilika will focus on advanced technology development and 
IP licensing in support of Cirtec’s manufacturing and commercialisation activities.

> **Graeme Purdy, Ilika Chief Executive Officer, said:** “_We are delighted to announce
> that Stereax is now one step closer towards starting production and enabling its
> deployment into miniature active medical devices. We thank Cirtec and Ilika colleagues
> for their effort into completing the transfer of Stereax production equipment 
> to the Lowell facilities.”_

> **Brian Highley, Cirtec Medical Chief Executive Officer, said:** _“This marks 
> a pivotal achievement in the collaboration between Ilika, a leader in advanced
> miniaturised solid state battery technology, and Cirtec, renowned developing and
> manufacturing implantable medical devices and complex catheters and delivery systems.
> By leveraging our combined expertise, the Stereax battery integrates high-energy
> density with reliable durability and long battery life, offering enhanced efficiency
> and miniaturisation for a variety of medical applications.”_

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